Newsletter June 13, 2025
Newsletter June 13, 2025
Embedded Files
Principal's Message
Principal's Message
Paul Dwyer, Principal
pdwyer@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Dear Parents,
Thank you to Irene Stewart who looked after the school in my absence over the last 2 weeks. When I am away it is always great to know that families, staff and students are working in a strong and positive partnership to continue to build excellence in our students’ learning and wellbeing.
Two classes of Junior students are currently enjoying participating in soccer clinics run by Melbourne City Soccer Club this term. These clinics are designed to be skills focused, fun and provide an impetus for students who are interested to inquire about joining their local soccer club.
Best wishes to our 4 students (Nevaeh, Lexi, Hamish and Ruby) representing St. Joachim’s at the Southern Metropolitan Cross Country competition next Wednesday 18th June at Hastings. We are very proud of these students’ achievements to place in the top 10 runners in previous competitions, and to compete at this elite level. Thank you to parents who are providing transport to and from the event, and who are attending in support.
Fr. Martin is currently seeking assistance for the parish Winter Shelter Program, which has now begun for the season. Each year, the shelter provides a warm, safe space and a hot meal for people experiencing homelessness in our community.
The parish is in urgent need of volunteers, even for just a couple of hours, to help with simple but vital tasks such as preparing and serving meals, welcoming guests, and setting up or tidying the space. Our shelter days are Thursday evening to Saturday morning.
Volunteering at the shelter not only meets a real need but also fosters compassion, gratitude, and solidarity — values that align so closely with the heart of Catholic education.
If you are able to assist, please contact St. Anne’s parish on 9401 6398.
A reminder that next Monday (16th June) we have a School closure day. On this day staff will participate in professional learning around student engagement and behaviour management.
Some forthcoming dates for your calendars;
Monday 23rd June – Musica Viva incursion – whole school
Friday 27th June – Winter Lightning Premiership for Year 5 / 6 students
Tuesday 1st July (3:30 pm – 6:00 pm) & Wednesday 2nd July (2:00 pm – 6:00 pm) – Parent/Teacher interviews. Please note that school will finish early at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday 2nd July.
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday 2nd August at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Best wishes for a warm and relaxing long weekend. School will resume at the usual time next Tuesday 17th June.
Paul Dwyer, Principal
Car Park
Parents may open the gate and drive their cars into the school grounds at 2:30pm as long as there are no classes playing / working on the asphalt. The car park is a part of the play ground and includes basketball court and volleyball court which needs to be available should a teacher wish to use this with her / his class.Car Park
From Mrs Stewart
From Mrs Stewart
Irene Stewart, Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing
istewart@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Parent-Teacher Interviews – Early Finish on Wednesday, July 2nd
Parent-Teacher Interviews – Early Finish on Wednesday, July 2nd
Parent-Teacher Interviews will take place on:
Tuesday, July 1st from 3:30pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday, July 2nd from 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Please note:
Please note:
On Wednesday, July 2nd, school will finish early at 1:00pm to allow time for interviews.
These interviews are a valuable opportunity to:
Learn more about your child’s academic, social, and emotional development
Build a strong relationship with your child’s teacher
Share insights about your child to support their learning
Work together to plan ways to support your child’s growth both at school and at home
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).
Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:
year of schooling
category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.
This information assists schools to:
formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.
The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.
The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information.
If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact me.
Irene Stewart
Communication
@ St Joachim's
Communication
@ St Joachim's
At St Joachim’s we believe in the importance of communication between home and school and we have a number of platforms that we use.
Read more.
Religious Education
Religious Education
Zeeta Andrew, Religious Education Leader
zandrew@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
STC celebrated their Liturgy of the Eucharist
STC celebrated their Liturgy of the Eucharist
(The Feast of the Holy Trinity)
This Thursday 15th May, STC (Year 5/6) participated in the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
This Thursday 15th May, STC (Year 5/6) participated in the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The following is their reflection and prayers:
Today, we come together to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Trinity. This special day helps us understand that God is one, yet three: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. Even though they are three persons, they are always united in love.
We made a connection to our school motto "Love and Unity." This reminds us of how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are always connected through love. We try to live this out by including others in group activities, helping classmates who are struggling, and being respectful to everyone. When we do things such as these, we’re showcasing God’s love and helping our school be a peaceful and caring place.
Prayers of the Faithful:
Dear God, may we pray for the Church throughout the world: that we may be an example of the goodness, love and hope of God in our world.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Dear God, may we pray for world leaders: that the words that they speak and the things that they do may come from a heart filled with goodness.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Dear God, may we pray for our parish, our family and friends: that we may all be willing to open our hearts to God, to admit our mistakes, to make a change, and to speak up for what is right.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Dear God, in this Jubilee Year, we pray that we may be signs of hope in our world through all that we do and how we treat one another.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Our Senior Students' Saints and Spirit-Filled Project
Our Senior Students' Saints and Spirit-Filled Project
Our senior students have been at work on their Saints and Spirit-Filled Project, an important part of their Confirmation unit in Religious Education.
Our senior students have been at work on their Saints and Spirit-Filled Project, an important part of their Confirmation unit in Religious Education.
Link to the Saints and Spirit Filled Person
Our senior students have been at work on their Saints and Spirit-Filled Project, an important part of their Confirmation unit in Religious Education.
As part of their learning journey, Year 6 students were each assigned a saint to research, delving into the life, mission, and values of these inspiring figures. Meanwhile, Year 5 students focused on exploring a spirit-filled person—someone who lives out the fruits of the Holy Spirit in today’s world.
As part of their projects, students were asked to identify and reflect on the fruits of the Holy Spirit—such as love, kindness, patience, and self-control—demonstrated by their chosen person. They expressed their learning through creative slide presentations, showcasing their understanding of how these role models lived out their faith.
This project has not only deepened students' knowledge of the saints and spirit-filled individuals but has also helped them reflect on how they, too, can live as people of the Spirit in their everyday lives.
Pentecost Liturgy - Friday June 6
Pentecost Liturgy - Friday June 6
Hello Students and Parents of St. Joachim,
Hello Students and Parents of St. Joachim,
Last week, our school celebrated Pentecost (The Birthday of the Church) by wearing a touch of red, orange, and yellow. A big thank you to everyone who generously gave a gold coin donation in support of the Frankston Winter Shelter. Your contributions have made a real difference in the lives of people in need—your kindness is deeply appreciated.
We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who attended the Pentecost Liturgy.
To all the teachers, thank you for allowing us (Mini Vinnies) to share our message in your classrooms and for reminding your students to wear the special Pentecost colors.
We’re thrilled to share that we raised a total of $350!
Thank you all once again for your generosity and support!
The Frankston Winter Shelter is a project of the Frankston churches coming together in unity to support the vulnerable in our local community.
By Sienna and Lucy (Mini Vinnies)
Upcoming Class Mass times (Yr 3 - 6)/ Liturgy of the Word (Yr F-2)
for Term 2. All are warmly invited.
Upcoming Class Mass times (Yr 3 - 6)/ Liturgy of the Word (Yr F-2)
for Term 2. All are warmly invited.
Sacramental Program 2025
Sacramental Program 2025
First Eucharist Dates:
First Eucharist Dates:
Mass Attendance dates:
Mass Attendance dates:
June, 14/15, 21/22, 28/29
Three Masses need to be attended, more is wonderful.
CELEBRATION DATES: August 9/10, 16/17, 23/24, 30/31,
Confirmation Dates:
Confirmation Dates:
Mass Attendance dates:
Mass Attendance dates:
June 14/15, 21/22, 28/29 - July 5/6
Three Masses need to be attended, more is wonderful.
CELEBRATION DAY:
CELEBRATION DAY:
SATURDAY 2nd AUGUST @ 1pm at the Cathedral
Maire Macphie, Administration
Office News
Office News
School Fees
School Fees
Please ensure you are either on a direct debit plan for regular payments towards your fees (link below) or if you are paying in 3 instalments then one third of your total fees was due and payable.- Friday 4th April. Refer to your fee statement for direct bank transfer or Bpay details. direct debit form.
Please contact Maire (Maura) MacPhie with any queries - mmacphie@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Communication @ St Joachim's
Communication @ St Joachim's
At St Joachim’s we believe in the importance of communication between home and school and we have a number of platforms that we use. Read more.
Please do not hesitate to email the office team on office@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au for any questions or to share information.
Parents - please ensure that your child's Subway order has been submitted before the cut off time. The Subway lunches are organised by Canteen Hub, not the school.
Learning Innovations
Learning Innovations
Rebecca Todisco, Curriculum & Educational Leader
rtodisco@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Foundation Students Exploring the Concepts of Push & Pull & Team Work.
Foundation Students Exploring the Concepts of Push & Pull & Team Work.
Safety is one of our top priorities here at St Joachim's.
Safety is one of our top priorities here at St Joachim's.
Please help us in keeping everyone safe by heading into the office if you are coming onto the school grounds. You will notice that all road facing internal gates and doors will be locked during learning times throughout the day.
Please enter through the office and inform office staff if you arrive during the learning time.
Visual Art
Visual Art
Mel Wharton
mwharton@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Please start collecting washed bottle top lids in a variety of sizes and colours.
Please start collecting washed bottle top lids in a variety of sizes and colours.
The lids can be from milk containers, laundry detergents, medicine lids... the more shapes, sizes and colour the better!
They can be dropped off at the ART HUB on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Thanks in advance for your help !
As part of the Visual Arts program the students are required to wear an ART SMOCK for all the messy and painting activities. An art smock can be an old shirt, apron or old tshirt.No art smock= No painting.Please ensure your child has a labelled art smock at school.Many thanks for your support and assistance with this.
English
English
Carolyn Yass, English Leader
cyass@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Congratulations to our parents who over the last two Fridays have completed the Parents as Classroom Helpers Course (PACH) . We appreciate you giving your time and look forward to seeing you in the classrooms.
Reading and Comprehension Skills in Year 2
Reading and Comprehension Skills in Year 2
Our Grade 2 (JTA) students have been busy developing an important reading comprehension skill—summarising stories. This week, they have been learning the key stages of summarising.
Through guided reading sessions, group discussions, students have been practising how to condense a story into its most important parts, using their own words. This helps them to better understand what they read, while also building their confidence in sharing and discussing books.
They’ve been working with a variety of texts, and using graphic organisers such as story maps and “Somebody-Wanted-But-So-Then” charts to support their thinking. It’s been wonderful to see their growing ability to think critically about what they read and to communicate that clearly.
Performing Arts
Performing Arts
Tanya Antolos
tantolos@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
WHOLE SCHOOL MUSIC INCURSION
WHOLE SCHOOL MUSIC INCURSION
‘Wyniss’ - a music ensemble from Mua Island in the Torres Strait Islands.
‘Wyniss’ - a music ensemble from Mua Island in the Torres Strait Islands.
All parents are welcome to attend
All parents are welcome to attend
Monday 23rd June
Monday 23rd June
Middles and Seniors 9:30 - 10:30
Foundation and Juniors 11:20 - 12:15
We are all looking forward to welcoming Wyniss to perform for us. All year levels are currently learning about their music, instruments, costumes and culture and learning to sing and play some of their music.
The photos below show students learning about WAMI FISHING music and string figure traditions. WAMI are string figures that are used as part of Wyniss’ songs. Here, the students have created a spear out of string for the song WAMI FAST FISHING.
Here are JSE learning the words and actions to the song ‘Wana Slow Rainbow’.
IMG_9341.MOVJSE Wyniss
JMR Wyniss.MOVJMR Wyniss
Vice President,
Sarah Cruise
Secretary,
Elizabeth Bonner
Treasurer,
Lauren O'Toole
Everyone Welcome!
Everyone Welcome!
All parents and friends of the school are encouraged to come to the P & F meetings and all are welcome.
All parents and friends of the school are encouraged to come to the P & F meetings and all are welcome.
If you are unable to attend meetings but would like to be involved please send an email to pandfpresident@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
If anyone is interested in supporting the P&F, meetings are held once a month on a Friday, some in person and some via zoom. New faces are always welcome.
Thanks so much to Genevieve for taking the beautiful Mother's Day Photos.
Thanks so much to Genevieve for taking the beautiful Mother's Day Photos.
Before & After School Care
Before & After School Care
Camp Australia
Camp Australia
The Camp Australia Outside school hours care program provides a safe environment ain which all can explore and play.
Operoo
Operoo
Thank you to families who keep their Operoo profiles up to date such as when they change their address, phone number, parents work contact details etc. If you could also email the office@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au and let us know, so that we can adjust on our system as well.
Uniform
Uniform
St Joachim's Uniform is available from Peninsula Uniforms online shop or by visiting their shop in Carrum Downs.
Physical Education
Physical Education
Reagon Haines
rhaines@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Division Cross Country Trials
Division Cross Country Trials
On Wednesday 12 of our students attended the Division Cross Country Trials held at the Hastings Foreshore.
We are extremely proud of every child's efforts and personal achievements. The course is much easier than the Pines Fauna and Flora Reserve, but the competition and speed of each race makes the Division Cross Country Trials so much harder. Finishing in the top 10 is surely a proud moment for each of the children that placed in the top 10.
Thank you to the parents and staff for your support on the day, preparing runners for their respective races, for supervising, cheering each one on to the finish line. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Congratulations and good luck to our top 10 finishers who will compete at Southern Metro Regional Trials which will be held on Wednesday, 18th June at Hastings Foreshore.
Congratulations and good luck to our top 10 finishers who will compete at Southern Metro Regional Trials which will be held on Wednesday, 18th June at Hastings Foreshore.
Top 10 finishers:
Lexi P finished 7th in the 9/10 year age group, Nevaeh finished 2nd and Ruby finished 5th in the 11 year age group and Hamish L finished 10th. Congratulations and good luck for the Southern Metro Trials which will be held on Wednesday, 18th June at Hastings Foreshore.
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