Filter Content
Dear Families
This week March 11-21 we celebrate and highlight Cultural Diversity Week. The 2023 Cultural Diversity Week theme is Our Past Our Future and celebrates and reflects on the contributions of Victoria's multicultural communities. The theme invites Victorians of all ages and backgrounds to reflect on Victoria's long multicultural history and celebrate its bright future.
St Joseph's Feast Day March 20
This Monday our Church celebrates our school's patron saint in St Joseph, spouse of Mary and father to Jesus. Everyone is welcome to attend our prayer service in the church on Monday at 3pm.
St Joseph was a lowly carpenter, betrothed to Mary. A ‘just man’ ever ready to carry out God’s will as revealed to him. He beheld the birth of Jesus in a stable. Joseph had the courage to become the father of Jesus, here on earth. Joseph protected Jesus from Herod. He accompanied Mary and Jesus with tender love. He lived his life in the small village of Nazareth in Galilee, where he taught Jesus the value of good, faithful and noble work and service. He is the ‘Patron of the Catholic Church’, the ‘Patron of Workers’, ‘Guardian of the Redeemer’ and Patron Saint of our School. We are encouraged to imitate the example of St Joseph in our lives and into our communities. Let us turn to St Joseph and ask for the grace of graces: our conversion. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father, and guide us in the path of life. We pray for grace, mercy and courage. Amen. St Joseph, pray for us.
Short reflection inspired by Patris Corde, a letter by Pope Francis.
Prayer to St Joseph
Teach us to listen and not be afraid to trust as you did in God’s promise.
Teach us to love courageously with a heart that is free and just.
Teach us to protect one another and all that belongs to God.
Teach us to dream a world where all are neighbours,
a vision illuminated by God’s light.
Teach us to keep the Word of God close to our hearts,
and to proclaim it in word and action.
Teach us to be gentle with our power and strong in our tenderness.
Teach us to be for all persons a living lesson of goodness and truth,
a blessing for all generations to come.
(Prayer adapted from The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet)
Sacrament of Reconciliation
One of the most important things that we do in a school year, is to prepare students for the Sacraments. There are seven Sacraments in our church (Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders and Annointing of the Sick). At school, we prepare students for Reconciliation in Gr 3, Eucharist (First Holy Communion) in Gr 4 and Confirmation in Gr 5 or 6. This year we have 12 students who are preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The parents have already attended a parent education evening in Warragul and the families have attended the Commitment Mass in our church and the first Parent & Child Workshop in Warragul. The second Parent & Child Workshop is tonight in Warragul 4pm or 7pm.
We will celebrate the SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Wed Mar 29th 6pm in our church All families are welcome.
On Tuesday March 5th students will be participating in our annual Athletics Carnival at Joe Carmody Track, Newborough. Thank you to all of the parents who have volunteered to help so far. We still need more helpers, so if you are able to help please let Taryn or Lucy in the office know. If there are any parents who have a gazebo they could bring on the day that would be great as there is limited shade at the track. Remember to come dressed in your sports colours! Students will need lots of healthy snacks, drink bottle with water in it, and a hat for the day.
See you on the track!
Konnichiwa,
One fun part of Japanese is beginning to read the writing. Through game called ‘One Dice, One Pen’, we have been working on copying and reading the letters in the sentence ピザがほしいですか？Piza ga hoshii desu ka? Do you want pizza?
One person throws the dice until they get a roku (six), while the other writes as much of the sentence as they can. When they roll a roku (six), they take the pen and the other person rolls. This is what Shuze Huang was able to write:
After doing this activity Shuze was able to read the whole book about things you want. Here is a link to his video.
Susan Taylor(Japanese Teacher)
STORYTIME for the toddlers is on a Wednesday morning 9.15 to 9.45am in room 5 (not the Discovery Centre). Storytime aims to provide families with a great literacy session, as well as having fun singing and dancing together. All families are welcome, not just school families. So if you have any friends or neighbors who have a 4 year old child, please invite them. It is lots of fun AND LEARNING!
The Anglican Church also runs a Storytime for Preschoolers. Please see the flyer here:
SPECIAL REPORT: Celebrating Harmony Week
Harmony Week is celebration held annually in March across Australia. It’s aimed at promoting diversity, respect and inclusiveness. This event is an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their children about different cultures, traditions and customs. The goal is to encourage everyone to appreciate and celebrate differences and promote a sense of community and belonging for everyone.
During Harmony Week, there are a number of events and activities held to bring people from different cultures together. These activities include multicultural food festivals, cultural performances, art exhibitions and workshops. Participating in these events helps children to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse communities that make up Australia.
As a parent, you can engage your children in discussions about multiculturalism and encouraging them to ask questions. Promoting a more harmonious and inclusive society, can help children grow up with a greater appreciation for the richness and diversity of Australia's cultural landscape.
This Special Report hopes to instil positive values and create an opportunity to start a conversation with your child about understanding diversity and multiculturalism. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please consider seeking medical or professional help.
Click on this link to view the Special Report https://trafalgar.catholic.
On 20th February, our grade 5/6’s had the privilege to attend an Urban School Camp just outside of the city, in Parkville. The students spent two nights at Urban Camp and had the opportunity to see and do a range of activities throughout their stay.
Some of the activities included visiting The Old Melbourne Gaol, The MCG, Melbourne Zoo, Parliament House, the National Gallery of Victoria and getting the chance to go ice skating.
Students also experienced a number of tram and train rides as well as eating lots of fantastic meals provided by the camp.
In addition to using public transport, students did a lot of walking and were extremely resilient throughout the trip. They were all worn out by Wednesday and many students fell asleep on the way home.
Mr Troy
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program- Literacy and Numeracy) is a series of annual tests conducted in Australian schools to assess students' academic skills in Writing, Reading, Language Conventions and Numeracy. These tests will be administered in week 7 from Wednesday March 13th through to the next week , Tuesday March 19th. Gr 3 and Gr 5 students sit the NAPLAN tests. NAPLAN provides an opportunity for your child to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. It is important to remember that while NAPLAN is an important assessment, it is just one measure of your child's progress and should be viewed as part of a broader picture of their education.
School Fees have been sent out electronically a few weeks ago, if you have not received your statement please contact Lucy in the office. Direct debit of school fees is available and is the school's preferred payment method. Please see Lucy to organise direct debit. Any families facing difficulties paying their school fees should make an appointment to meet with the Principal as soon as possible.
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Weekend
“Live Your Best Life in Love”
Every relationship is a journey and the grind of everyday life can cause you to lose touch with your spouse.
This experience gives married couples the tools to keep your passion alive in a gentle, nurturing environment, away from pressures and distractions of daily living.
The weekend is based around Catholic values and couples of all faiths are welcome.
Please check our website for more details.
28-30 April 2023 in Melbourne
(Book early to avoid disappointment)
Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or
Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au Website: wwme.org.au
2023
March
Thurs 16th Reconciliation Parent & Child Workshop
Warragul 4pm or 7pm
Fri 17th AFL clinic (all classes)
3. Interest Based Learning
Mon 20th St Joseph's Feast Day Prayer Service church 3pm
Tues 21st School Athletics Carnival
Wed 22nd Storytime 9.15am
School Advisory Committee 5.30pm
Fri 24th AFL clinic (all classes)
4. Interest Based Learning Program
3pm Lenten Prayer Service in church
Mon 27th Gr 6 Young Leaders Day Melbourne
Tues 28th & Wed 29th Life Ed Program Healthy Harold
Wed 29th Sacrament of Reconciliation 6pm church
Fri 31st 5. Interest Based Learning Program
April
Mon 3rd Easter Carnival 3.30 to 5pm at school
Wed 5th Last day of Term 1.
Easter Dramatization in church 2.30pm
School finishes 3.30pm
Thurs 6th Pupil Free day. Staff Professional Learning
Fri 7th GOOD FRIDAY
Mon 24th HOLIDAY
Tues 25th ANZAC DAY holiday
Wed 26th First Day of Term 2
May
Mon 22 to 26 Catholic Education Week
June
Tues 6th Andrew Chinn (music composer) visit & concert
Mon 12th King's Birthday Holiday
Wed 21st Last day of term 2 for students
Thurs 22& Fri 23 Staff PD days in Melbourne (student free days)