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Matthew O'Brien, Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and the wider St. Joseph’s Primary School Community,
Advent Reflection
This Sunday marks the first Sunday of Advent. A time when Christians around the world focus on a deepening relationship with the Creator. It is often marked by a calendar or wreath and each new week begins a new focus; hope, faith, joy and peace.
Week 1 Hope
The Shawshank Redemption is one of my favourite movies. It is littered with great quotes and themes touching on friendship, purpose, dignity and hope.
Red (the hardened lifetime prisoner) had taken Andy (new prisoner) under his wing and was helping him navigate prison life. The following conversation occurs early in the film as Red is cautioning Andy about hope in such a dark place.
Red …"Hope is a dangerous thing, my friend, it can kill a man..."
Andy …"Hope is a good thing, maybe even the best of things. And good things never die."
You might know the story and that in time Andy escapes and Red gets parole. Red, now an old man is heading to Mexico where he has planned to meet up with Andy.
Whilst gazing out of the bus window he thinks with a smile.
“I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.”
Hope is an expectation or desire for a particular outcome or the belief that something positive will happen in the future. It involves optimism and confidence, especially in difficult or uncertain situations.
Psychologists see hope as a mental state that motivates people to pursue their goals, overcome obstacles, and stay resilient. It provides emotional strength during hardships, encouraging people to persist despite challenges.
In religious contexts, particularly in Christianity, hope sits with Faith and Charity as one of the three virtues signifying trust in God'. It’s a belief that fosters peace and perseverance.
As you and your family move into the first week of Advent I hope that you hope!
Transition to 2025
On Monday the children began their transition into new year levels for 2025. This process will occur over the next two weeks before the formal Orientation Day on Tuesday 10th December. This transition is an important phase, as it helps children adjust to new routines, learning expectations, and social environments.
St Joseph’s staff focus on supporting emotional, social, and academic development to ensure smooth adjustments. The teachers take these transition opportunities to get to know the children a little, promote socialisation among children who might not have been in the same class together and observe new social dynamics.
The class grouping and transition/orientation process provides a supportive environment where all children can thrive and feel confident in their continued educational journey.
Matthew O'Brien, Principal
Happy Birthday to children celebrating their birthday this week.
Ella Down, May Shoo, Alfie Van Engelen, Liam Hose, Freddie Jess, Reeve Shields, Jack Breen, Everdeen Hawkins, Sonny Bushell, Riley Cleggett, Ada Darcy, Ayla Matthews and Charlie Umbers.
Year 6 Girls Basketball (State Champs!)
Last Tuesday, our Year 6 Girls basketball team achieved an extraordinary feat, claiming victory in the State Championships in Melbourne. This result is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and teamwork throughout all stages.
The girls first played three games against other teams in their side of the draw, the competition was strong and the girls came up against some quality basketballers from around Victoria. Displaying incredible skill and determination, they were able to win every match, finishing on stop of their side of the draw. This earned them a well-deserved spot in the Grand Final against Bacchus Marsh primary school.
The Grand Final was a nail-biter from start to finish. Our girls got out to a great start but Bacchus Marsh pegged it back and with a few minutes to go it was looking like being a very tight finish. With composure under pressure and some clutch shooting, our girls secured a thrilling 4-point victory to be crowned State Champions.
This capped off a final primary school year to be proud of for the girls, as each student was also a State Champion in netball earlier in the year.
Congratulations to the entire team and a huge thank you to coach Ricky Smedts, who trained the girls during recess times and was there as coach for every competition.
Well done girls, we are all so proud of your efforts!
Matt McMillan, Sports co-ordinator
The PSA are providing a BBQ lunch for the students of a sausage in bread and Zooper Dooper on Orientation Day, Tuesday 10th December.
If you are able to assist on the day your help would be greatly appreciated.
The PSA along with the Year 6 Leaders will begin selling Zooper Doopers on Tuesdays for the remainder of the term. Zooper Doopers will cost $1 and all monies will go towards our new playground. Strictly ONE PER CHILD cash only and correct money (no change given).
A reminder to families that a deposit for the proposed Japan trip in September 2025 is due by Friday 29th November 2024. It is payable at the front office or contact Cathy Duynhoven at cduyn@sjwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au or 5561 1343.
Exciting News! Music Lessons at St Joseph’s Primary School in 2025 with the School of Jammin.
We’re thrilled to announce that the School of Jammin will be offering music lessons at St Joseph’s Primary School in 2025! Students will have the opportunity to learn guitar and keyboard in a fun, interactive band setting, during school hours, all instruments provided in class and online support for practice at home.
In addition to learning instruments, we encourage students to explore their creativity by writing songs, singing, creating music videos, and performing together. School of Jammin's creator and tutor, Mick McCall (a qualified primary school teacher), has been operating the School of Jammin since 2005, and we're excited to bring this program to St Joseph's—Mick’s old primary school!
Enrol now or learn more at www.schoolofjammin.com as spots are expected to fill up fast!
