THE SJ VIBE

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

Wednesday 18th October, 2023 Edition 4, Volume 10

Principal's Reflection

Welcome back everyone, as we embrace the final chapter of this school year. We extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to both our new families who have joined us recently and our existing families who have been a part of our school's journey. This term promises new opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration. Let us come together, share our experiences, and continue to create an inclusive and nurturing environment for every member of our school family. We look forward to the adventures and achievements that await us in the coming months.

Our 5/6 students are now settling into our brand new building, and the excitement is palpable. As they explore the new learning spaces, we can already see the spark of curiosity and enthusiasm in their eyes. Meanwhile, our year one students have also made the transition into their new classrooms. It is an exciting time for our students as they embrace these fresh environments, and we can't wait to witness the growth and discoveries that will occur in these inspiring spaces. However, there is no rest for the wicked! We are starting to plan for our stage 3 building to accommodate for our flourishing school that is continuing to grow. 

Term four is a busy term as we try our best to be present in the current year, however, we also have one foot in the next year as we are planning for what lies ahead. We are starting to consider class groupings, spaces and teachers for 2024. Our new Principal, Troy, will be starting to visit over the coming weeks to spend some time at St Joseph’s. I know that he is looking forward to getting to know our community and spending some time with the children. Chrissy and I will be working closely with Troy during his visits this term, as we look ahead at our strategic plan for St Joseph’s. 

Finally, I wish to extend my gratitude to our wonderful community for the incredibly positive start to this term. As we transition into a new era for St Joseph’s, it is truly wonderful to see how everyone has come together with respect and kindness, creating an atmosphere of support and collaboration. Your commitment to treating each other with respect and consideration is a shining example of the values that make our community strong. Thank you all for being such an integral part of our thriving community and for continuing to work with us.

Hayley

(Acting Principal)

First Reconciliation

We keep our First Reconciliation candidates in our thoughts and prayers as they continue to prepare to receive this special sacrament. The service for the sacrament of First Reconciliation will be held on Tuesday 24th October at 6.30pm at St Andrews Church.

Before and After School Care 2024

Letter to families - St Joseph's Primary

St Joseph's Primary School Family Handbook

Welcome Letter - St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

As we continue to refine and enhance the programs and opportunities we provide for our students and families, we have just concluded conducting a thorough process to review the Outside of School Hours Care Program at our school. 

As a result of this process, we are pleased to have made the decision to appoint TeamKids as our new OSHC provider commencing in 2024. TeamKids is independently owned and run by teachers. We are confident that the partnership that we now have with TeamKids will benefit all students and families at our school.

TeamKids will operate the Before, After and Vacation Care service, beginning with the Summer School Holiday Program, on Monday the 8th of January.  

Further information including costs is attached as well as information events and the family handbook. All families will need to register for free with TeamKids. 

If you have not used TeamKids before then you will need to register your child and add your bookings. 

Please go to the website www.teamkids.com.au and select the program and follow the enrolment instructions.

If you have used TeamKids before, please contact their Customer Service Team and they will link your account. You will then just need to add your desired bookings. 

TeamKids’ local Customer Service team is always there to help. Please contact their Customer Service team via email info@teamkids.com.au or phone 1300 035 000, press #1 if you have any questions.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Kelly Club for their services and care provided.

Please contact Hayley or Chrissy for any further information.

TeamKids - Parent Information Session

STUDENT VOICE - Year 3/4

It has been a wonderful start to Term 4! We have begun to look forward to many exciting events coming our way. 

As part of our Inquiry learning, students have started investigating how to be creative problem solvers and are looking forward to attending a Scienceworks excursion later in the week. We will be sure to have many photos of our exciting day to share!

In Literacy, students are enthralled in our novel study ‘The One and Only Ivan’. Ask them about the characters and their journeys so far!

Students have been working in their cohort groupings for Mathematics to learn about fractions. They would be great at going on a fraction hunt around their households to see where they can spot any real life fractions! 

With Reconciliation fast approaching, students have been preparing and practicing. This week’s Reconciliation Fellowship Day saw students participate in a whole group prayer time and complete activities that deepened their understanding of the Sacrament. They have engaged with the Scripture of the Prodigal Son and relating these teachings to their own lives. 

We can’t wait to continue learning and growing together over the rest of the year.

Ehroe Day: I am looking forward to camp this term because it is my first time going on camp at St. Joseph’s. I am also looking forward to Christmas time and doing different Christmas activities.

Daniella Cabugwas: I am excited to go on cap because I am going to experience it with many people I don’t usually camp with. 

Cruz Keogh: I’m excited for camp because I get to have a big sleepover with my friends and doing all of the activities there.

PSW Uniforms is moving to a brand new store on Wednesday 1st November!

PSW, Hoppers Crossing is moving to a brand new store.  Only 1.5km from the current store (meaning 1.5km closer to families). The new store is located at 195 Old Geelong Rd, Hoppers Crossing.  The new store is much bigger, brighter and modern.  It has more parking and more points-of-sale, allowing us to serve more families, allowing you to get in and get out quicker than ever before.

 Attached is a flyer with the details and start date (Wednesday 1st November, 2023), which also contains a pricelist.  

Please note, from next Wednesday 19th October, there will be no retail sales on any uniform items.  Online sales only, until the new store opens on Wednesday 1st November.

PSW Pricelist

2024 FOUNDATION - TRANSITION/ORIENTATION PROGRAM

Offers of placement have been finalised and the Transition/Orientation Program will commence in November. There will be 3 transition sessions which will run on the following dates:

Wednesday 15th November

Wednesday 22nd November

Tuesday 5th December

We are looking forward to working with your family and extending our warmest welcome to you on behalf of the St Joseph's community. We are currently liaising with kindergartens and preparing for the children’s visits.

MACKILLOP COLLEGE OPEN DAY

Thursday 19th October 2023

4.00pm – 6.30pm

Final Tour at 5.30pm

All welcome to attend and tour the College. 

For further information regarding the College please visit the College website: www.mackillop.vic.edu.au

St Andrew's Parish

Socktober Day

ADMINISTRATION UPDATE

2024 ENROLMENTS

Enrolments for 2024 FOUNDATION, Year 1 and Year 2 are now closed. Please contact the school office with any queries.

Expressions of Interest from new families for Years 3 – 6 enrolment can be placed via the website. We have limited spaces available.


2025 FOUNDATION  ENROLMENTS - CURRENT FAMILIES

In a recent re-enrolment survey, families indicated they would be enrolling a child in Foundation for the Year 2025. 

This year we have implemented a new online enrolment system called Enquiry Tracker. We request that you please access the link and complete the enquiry form. We will then be in touch in December and February with the digital enrolment application form. 

The link has been attached below for your convenience or can be accessed via our website under the Enrolment tab:

https://sjwerribee.catholic.edu.au/enrolment-enquiry-form/

SCHOOL FEE UPDATE

CONCESSIONAL FEE APPLICATIONS

Concession Fee Applications have now closed for the year. If your family is struggling with Financial Hardship please contact accounts@sjwerribee.catholic.edu.au so we can try to help where possible. 

We thank families for their cooperation and understanding with this.

DIRECT DEBIT PROGRAM

The direct debit program is now almost complete. The final fortnightly Payments will come out next Monday 16th October 2023. 

SCHOOL FEES

If you are not on the Fortnightly Direct Debit Program, all school fees should now be paid in FULL. If you have not paid, please do so ASAP. The school will be arranging fee meetings for anyone in arrears later this term. 

2024 FEE AGREEMENTS

The 2024 Fee Agreements have now been sent out to families. These were due on Friday 13th October. If you have not returned your fee form please do so ASAP. 

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE PROCEDURE

If you have not activated your accounts, please email enquiries@sjwerribee.catholic.edu.au and a password re-set email will be sent. Please check your SPAM/Junk emails.

School Attendance - SIMON PAM & SIMON Everywhere App or Voicemail (Attendance Line - 8742 3381)

If your child is absent from school please communicate this with the school office. SIMON PAM & SIMON Everywhere App has an attendance e-form which can be filled out and submitted. This will be sent directly to the office. Please search for 'Parent notified absence'.

Alternatively, please use the school phone number (8742 3381) and select the attendance line option. When leaving a message please ensure you clearly state your child’s full name, class and the reason for their absence. We must have a valid reason for marking your child/children absent by 9:30am.

If your child needs to arrive late or be collected early from school, please also communicate this via Simon PAM & SIMON Everywhere App. Please search for 'Parent notified absence'.

2023 SCHOOL TERM DATES

Term 4:          

Monday 2nd October 2023 — Friday 15th December 2023 (Early finish 1:30pm)

STUDENT TESTING DAYS

Tuesday 30th January 2024                 Student Testing Day

Wednesday 31st January 2024            Student Testing Day

**By appointment (Booking information to follow in Term 4 - December)

2024 SCHOOL TERM DATES

Term 1:

Thursday 1st February 2024 - Thursday 28th March 2024 (Early finish 1:30pm)

Term 2:

Monday 15th April 2024 - Friday 28th June 2024 (Early finish 1:30pm)

Term 3:

Monday 15th July 2024 - Friday 20th September 2024 (Early finish 1:30pm)

Term 4:

Monday 7th October 2024 - TBC (Early finish 1:30pm)

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

Friday 13th October: Year 3/4 Scienceworks Excursion
Monday 16th October -  PSG Meetings
Monday 30th October
Tuesday 24th October: Year 3 Reconciliation 6:30pm
Friday 27th October: Socktober Day (Whole School Mission Liturgy)
Monday 6th November: School Closure Day (Report Writing Day/Staff Professional Learning Day) Kelly Club available
Tuesday 7th November: School Closure Day (Melbourne Cup Day PUBLIC HOLIDAY)
Thursday 9th November -  Year 3/4 Camp
Friday 10th November:
Monday 4th December: School Closure Day (2024 Staff Planning Day) Kelly Club available
Tuesday 5th December: Whole School Going Up Day (2024 Transition  9am - 10:45am)
Tuesday 12th December: End of Year Whole School Mass
Thursday 14th December: Family Christmas Celebration and Community Market (3:30 - 6:00pm)
Friday 15th December: Last day Term 4 (Early finish 1:30pm)
Monday 18th December: Last day (Staff only) - Student Free Day
Tuesday 19th December: Staff Compliance Day - Student Free Day

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Werribee

"Spirit of Unity: Respect,  Courage,  Kindness"