2024, Term 4, Week 3 Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Week 3 of our final term for 2024! It’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown by.

I am writing to share the bittersweet yet delightful news that Lynn Dwyer will be retiring at the end of this year. While we will greatly miss her at our school and within our community, I couldn’t be happier for Lynn as she steps into her exciting new role as a nanny (or "Lynny"!) and embraces all the wonderful opportunities life has in store.

Lynn has had an extraordinary career, starting as an LSO and later becoming a teacher, always making a lasting and positive impact on our students and staff. She truly deserves to leave on a high note, filled with memories and achievements to celebrate, as she moves forward into this next stage of life.

Please join me in congratulating Lynn and wishing her all the best in her exciting new adventure!

In other news, the count down is on for Picnic in the Paddock coming up THIS Sunday! An enormous amount of work has been put into planning, coordinating and organising all of the fun activities and vendors to be able to bring our school community this wonderful event and to enjoy the spirit of togetherness! A big thank you to all the committee members and helpers for your incredible efforts so far in making this event possible (and it's not over yet)! We are still looking for helpers to set up on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well as the pack up on Sunday! If you are able to help, that would be very very appreciated. If you can help, please use the sign up link in the newsletter below or contact Becc Sanderson on 0423 956 556.

Kind regards,

Tegan McDonald 

Principal

Picnic in the Paddock

Less than two weeks now! Excitement is building for the Picnic in the Paddock - happening here at St Pat's on Sunday 27th October.  This is a wonderful community event which we host.

Some lucky students were drawn out of the hat at assembly to win a free ride pass or a goodie bag!

Things to remember - 

• discounted pre-purchased wristbands for school families are available via CDF pay
  
• raffle tickets to be returned by Friday 25th
• baked items for cake stall - please drop off Friday 25th, before 4pm or between 10am and 12noon on Saturday 26th (refer to letter last week for more information)

Helpers Needed: There is an opportunity to volunteer some time to work off your volunteer levy with some set up and pack up tasks.  

Friday - (5pm-7pm) collect tables and chairs from Irish Festival Shed at Civic Green and deliver to St Pat's. Ute or trailer useful but not essential - we will need people power as well.

Saturday - (10am-12noon) general set up. Signage, equipment out, gazebo set up, etc.

Sunday - (3pm-4pm) returning tables and chairs to Civic Green, loading bins onto trailer ready for return, general pack up around school - signage down, equipment stowed away, etc.

Please click on the link to sign up - many hands make light work.

https://volunteersignup.org/X4B9M

We can't wait for all the fun rides, activities and entertainment!

Thanks to everyone for supplying lollies for the Lolly Bag.  Your support was amazing! Foundation were the class with the most number of bags so their names went into the draw for a wristband with Noah Lane being the lucky winner.

Thunderstorm Asthma - being prepared

What is Thunderstorm Asthma?

Thunderstorm asthma is a serious and potentially life-threatening phenomenon that can occur during specific weather conditions. It is common throughout all parts of Victoria, particularly during spring when thunderstorms coincide with high levels of pollen in the air.

This combination can trigger severe asthma symptoms, even in people who have not previously experienced asthma or allergies.

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma events are uncommon and don't occur every year. In south-east Australia they can happen during grass pollen season from October through December.

What Causes Thunderstorm Asthma?

During a thunderstorm, pollen grains can be swept up into the clouds, where they break into smaller particles due to moisture. These tiny particles then get blown down by the winds and spread across a wide area. Because they are so small, they can be easily inhaled, reaching deep into the lungs and triggering asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Being Prepared

Schools and DOBCEL will monitor the VicEmergency app to receive thunderstorm warnings and when appropriate, students will be kept indoors when weather forecasts identify greater risk. 

By raising awareness and being prepared, we can protect our students and staff from the risks associated with thunderstorm asthma, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.

We ask that parents of students with known asthma have an up to date asthma action plan registered with the school.

Find out more

Further information regarding thunderstorm asthma can be found at https://asthma.org.au/triggers/thunderstorm-asthma/ and https://www.health.vic.gov.au/environmental-health/epidemic-thunderstorm-asthma-risk-forecast.

Concussion

PAT Assessments

PAT (Progressive Achievement Testing) are being scheduled by classroom teachers for next week - Monday 28th-Thursday 31st October in Grades 1-6.  The results from these test are important for preparation for end of year reporting.

Where possible, could parents please avoid scheduling any appointments during school hours on these days so catch up testing is not required.

Day for Daniel

This Friday! Feel free to wear casual clothes with a splash of red if you have it.

No donation required. See further information on ClassDojo.

Social Media Safety

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting their children to be safe online and on
social media. You can help your children safely navigate their digital world and educate them to
avoid harmful online experiences. You can explore websites, games, apps and social media
together and set some rules and boundaries.

Your support and guidance can give your children the knowledge to make sound decisions online
and confidence to ask for help when they need it. It is also important to stay informed about
online safety.

The Department of Education recognises this important issue and has developed fact sheets about
supports to help keep students safe online and what to do if they are involved in an online
incident.

The fact sheets contain links to evidence-based information on supporting positive and safe online
experiences, signs a child or young person might need support, what to do if something unsafe
happens online, and where to reach out to for more support.

To access the fact sheets, refer to the Safe Socials webpage. The fact sheets are available in 19
community languages.

The government is also launching public consultation on age limits for social media.
You and your children can share your experiences to inform proposed changes via an online
survey, before 5 pm on Friday 1 November 2024. For more information on the survey and to take
part, refer to Proposed changes to social media age limits on the Engage Victoria website.

Bullying -School TV

STEM Resources

STEM Resources. In STEM this term we are looking at physical sciences with a focus on forces. We will be doing lots of creating and building. If families have any of the following materials they would like to donate it would be much appreciated. 
- Recyclable materials such as plastic bottles in particular 1.25l and 600ml, milk cartons, juice bottles etc. 
- Egg cartons 
- Cereal boxes 
- Shoe boxes 
- Plastic or paper bags 
- Any other materials that are similar to the above are also welcome.

Thank you,

Bridget Van Den Broek
STEM Teacher 

Book Club - Issue 7

Issue 7 of Scholastic Book Club is out now.

• BUMPER ISSUE – 40 pages of reading goodness.
• A $5 promotional code with every Issue 7 order. This can be redeemed on Issue 8 with every order over $15. 
• Get up to 3 FREE BOOKS when you spend certain amounts.
• Best of 2024 on pages 8 & 9.
• Dog Man packs on page 21.  Did you know the New Dog Man movie is coming out soon?
• Graphic Novel selection starting on page 24.
• Dragons Vs Wolves is thefeature book for Issue 7 

2025 Japan Trip Information Meeting

Thursday 31st October, 5.30pm - 6.30pm
St Joseph's Primary School, 70 Botanic Rd, Warrnambool (enter via reception)

The aim of this meeting is to present information regarding the proposed Japan Trip for students in September 2025. (Year 6 students, and the possibility of Year 5 students - TBC) 

We are currently gathering details about pricing, and will have more information regarding this at the meeting.

This meeting is open to staff and families from network schools who have an interest, and would like to know more about the trip. 

Catherine Lee
Community Development Coordinator
St Joseph's Primary School

Remembrance Day Liturgy

Lost Property & Second Hand Uniform

With the onset of colder weather, you may have noticed you are missing a school jumper (or two!). Please take a look in the lost property basket to find your lost items. 

If you could please remember also to label your uniform items so your uniforms don't end up here!

Second Hand Uniform

Please speak to Becc Sanderson 0423 956 556 if you wish to purchase or donate some preloved items of uniform.

Parents & Friends

Catering

If you are able to help with supplying food or serving at future events, please indicate on the form below and we will be in touch when we have events scheduled.  If the date/time does not suit you, you do not have to commit to helping when you are contacted.

Catering Support Form

Assembly Roster

Parents, siblings, Grandparents and friends are all welcome to join us for our assembly - held on nominated weeks in the school hall from 2.45pm - any late changes will be notified via ClassDojo.

Volunteer Levy

There are many opportunities at school to claim off your volunteer levy.

As you would imagine, there are lots of jobs that need to be done at a school.  Between classroom responsibilites and duties during most breaks, there are many things that staff don't get the opportunity to do. In times gone by, some of these would be done at working bees.  In recent years, we have not had great success in attracting families to working bees as times do not always suit. 

If you see a job that needs to be done, that you are happy to take on, we would love your help and can arrange for the credit to your volunteer levy.

Some suggestions - Canteen deep clean, library tidying, lost property sorting.  This list is just a start.

Casserole Bank

The St Pat's community has a wonderful tradition of the "Casserole Bank" where families come together to provide a meal or snacks/lunchbox items for families within our school who are in need of support (for example, a new arrival, family illness or bereavement).

This year, the Casserole Bank will be coordinated through the school office.  If you are aware of a family requiring support, please contact the office.

If you are willing to help out during the year, please register your name details on the google form below & we will reach out when the need arises.  The more volunteers we have, the fewer times people will be called upon to help out.

Canteen & Cake Raffle Rosters

Thanks to those who have already signed up for the Canteen & Cake Raffle Rosters. We now have a new Canteen Sign Up Sheet available for Term 4.  We appreciate everyone's help with Canteen - without your assistance, it can not run. 

Virginia Martin co-ordinates the canteen, arranging for the stocking of snack items and is happy to take questions from prospective volunteers  - 0419 883 657. 

Canteen Sign Up Sheet - volunteersignup.org/HJWFR

Cake Raffle Sign Up Sheet - volunteersignup.org/PTFPM

Canteen Roster

Cake Raffle Roster

TheirCare Newsletter

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Harrison Lilley, Tilly Balcombe and Hector Warrick who are celebrating their birthday this week.  We hope you have a fantastic time celebrating with family and friends!

Star Of the Sea Parish Bulletin

Directwear Uniform

School Uniform is available from Directwear www.directwear.com.au  

Uniforms can be collected from the Directwear home address in Warrnambool or posted to you.

Contact details for Direct wear are:

email info@directwear.com.au or phone Dion Jansz: 0412 654 406

Sports Polo Shirts

The School Sports Polo shirts are purchased through the school via CDF Pay.

There has been an increase in the price of sports shirts to $50 - this is cost price from our supplier.

Dates to Remember

Please refer to the public calendar on the school website for the most up to date calendar items.

https://www.spkoroit.catholic.edu.au/news-events

Community News