Principal's Page
Dear Families,
Today we gathered as a whole school to celebrate Ash Wednesday. It was wonderful to see parents and grandparents attend as well. Just as we have changed seasons in the natural world from Summer to Spring, so too have we also changed seasons in the church from Ordinary Time to Lent. Through the faith based inquiry learning students are focusing on Lent as being a time of change and transformation - students having a change of heart by doing something extra for others.
Thank you to the parents who cooked pancakes yesterday for students to enjoy.
Shrove (Pancake) Tuesday is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday. During Lent, Christians would give up rich, tasty foods such as butter, eggs, sugar and fat (some Christians continue to do so, in fact). Shrove Tuesday was the last chance to eat them – and what better way to do so than with a delicious pancake!
Film Festival
Film director, Bruce Grantford, has been working with all students and will continue throughout Term One. I can't wait to view the completed films with the rest of our community early in Term Two.
Camp
Year 5/6 students and staff enjoyed a wonderful three days at Camp Rumbug in Foster North last week. Students enjoyed a range of outdoor education activities including canoeing, raft making, orienteering, zip line, giant swing and roasting marshmallows on a camp fire. A huge thank you to Jenny Todd, Nick Krstic, Kamica Broadsmith and Ryan Robinson who gave up time away from their families and home comforts to accompany the students.
Swimming
With this term's swimming program coming to an end next week, I would like to thank Jacqui Hayes for all her efforts with organising the program, our first swimming carnival and Swim Squad. We are so fortunate here at St Joseph's to be able to facilitate such a comprehensive swimming program. Thank you to the parents who also assisted with the lessons. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. Congratulations to the students who represented St Joseph's today at the District Swim Carnival. All should feel proud of their achievements. We hope all our swimmers enjoyed the experience and we look forward to hearing the results, which will be published in the next edition of the newsletter.
Assemblies
With the easing of COVID restrictions, parents are once again invited to attend assemblies. Assembly takes place every second Wednesday at 2:30pm. The next assembly will be next Wednesday 9th March, outside on the basketball court.
COVID Guidelines changes
The latest guidelines from Catholic Education Commission Victoria, in line with the state government's health orders, has continued their mandate for all staff in primary schools, visitors entering school buildings and students in Years 3 - 6 to wear masks. Visitors also need to show proof of vaccination. It is still recommended that students use rapid antigen tests twice a week. We can now gather in the church for liturgies and sacraments.
Baby News
Congratulations to Risper, Eric, Stanley, Lucky and George (Year 1) on the safe arrival of beautiful Duke. We wish them a lifetime of happiness together.
School Closure Days
There will be no school next Thursday 10th and Friday 11th March as the staff attend a two day retreat at Queenscliff. Staff will be exploring St Joseph as a model for faith, life and learning. Staff will examine prayer, purpose, types and spiritual conversations.
Enrolments
Enrolments are now open for 2023. Please collect an enrolment pack from the office if your child is ready for Prep next year. Feel free to book in for a tour and spread the word to your friends and neighbours.
Fees
Just a reminder that we are offering a discount of 2.5% on fees paid in full by 31 March. This is for school fees only and does not include compulsory and camp levies.
Family Fun Night
I look forward to seeing you at the Family Fun Night at Webster's Corner this coming Friday at 4:00pm. The forecast is for a warm day. Fingers crossed for a dry night.
Enjoy your week,
Monica
moshannassy@sjsorrento.catholic.edu.au