Dear Families,

It is good to be back. I had an extremely fruitful pilgrimage over the last two weeks in Rome, Loreto and Assisi. I shared my journey with the staff and students through a slide show containing reflections and photos from each day. I contributed to this at the end of each day and staff shared it with students at school.

I have learnt a great deal about the early church, saints and the Catholic faith. As my understanding of the faith has deepened so has my appreciation. I feel more connected to the worldwide community of Christians. I saw many things, shared a variety of experiences, received many blessings while away and developed stronger relationships with God and the people I travelled with. I feel incredibly blessed that I was a part of this amazing pilgrimage and grateful for the people who contributed to enabling me to attend, both at MACS and school. Thank you to Mrs Megan Barber who took on my role in my absence.

Welcome

Welcome to Olive (Year 1)and her family. We hope your time at St Joseph's School is positive and productive.

Safety

Child safety is high priority to us at St Joseph's. A few safety issues have been brought to my attention recently.

Valet

Please ensure all children are sitting with seatbelts on at all times in cars for everyone's safety. Please also be aware of children who may be moving near cars and always ensure cars are traveling at a speed no more than walking pace. All pedestrians are to use the side gate and not walk between cars. Your assistance with this is greatly appreciated.

Tricky People

It is important that we don't become complacent in the beautiful part of the world we live in. Unfortunately there are people who make poor decisions around us. Please speak with your child/children on the importance of being safe in public particularly around "tricky people." Most of you will know about this concept which was once called Stranger Danger.

Online

Please be vigilant in being aware of what your children are assessing on electronic devices at home. It is recommended that children's time in front of screens is limited and closely supervised at this young age. You will find many resources on esafety Commissioner or eSmart Alannah and Madeline Foundation websites. We need to build a culture of safe and responsible technology use in our homes.

St Joseph's Award

Well done to Arlo and Ava who received the St Joseph's Award lat the last assembly, recognising their consistency in demonstrating our school values and behaviour expectations.

Congratulations to Isobel Walsh who was presented with the Padua Award - Perseverance conquers all, at last week's assembly.

Fun Food Friday

The food this week is chips. Students will need to Give $3 in an envelope to their teachers by this Wednesday please. Thanks to our SWAT Team members who organise these days.

Hats Off to Teachers on World Teachers Day

We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated, passionate and committed staff who work effectively to provide a high quality education for each child. Please encourage your child to show their appreciation through writing a letter/card or even just saying thank you to their teachers on World Teachers Day - Friday 31st October.

Year 5/6 Swimming Program

Our Year 5/6 students are enjoying their Swimming Program at Yawa this term. Thank you to Mrs Jenny Todd for leading this. Students who successfully complete the program receive the Victorian Warter Safety Certificate.

Beach STEAM

Our wonderful Beach STEAM Program commences this Thursday. Thank you to Mrs Jane Byrne for facilitating these rich learning opportunities for our students.

Before and After School Care

If you have booked your child into either Before or After School Care Program at Tootgarook Primary, could you please email myself so that we can ensure a St Joseph's staff member is present to collect for the morning school bus or sign them in to the afternoon program.

Oaks Day

The St Joseph's Oaks Day Community Celebration is on Thursday 6th November at Hotel Sorrento. It is sure to be a fun afternoon as always. More details and tickets can be purchased through the stjosephssorrento and stjosephsoaks25 Instagram pages. Funds raised will go towards playground upgrades.

School Closure Days

There will be a school closure day on Monday 3rd November which is a Time in Lieu day for staff and Tuesday 4th which is the Melbourne Cup public holiday.

The next fortnight @ St Joseph's:

Wed 22 Year 5/6 Swimming @Yawa

School Advisory Council

2026 Prep Parent Evening 5:30pm

Thurs 23 P &1/2 Beach STEAM Program

Mon 27 Assembly

Wed 29 2026 Prep Transition Session 1

Year 5/6 Swimming @Yawa

Thurs 30 P & 1/2 Beach STEAM Program

Fri 31 World Teachers Day

Year Six run canteen

Mon 3 School Closure Day

Tues 4 Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Please let me know if I can assist you and your family in any way.

Many thanks,

Monica

moshannassy@sjsorrento.catholic.edu.au

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