Newsletter May 30, 2025
Newsletter May 30, 2025
Embedded Files
From Mrs Stewart
From Mrs Stewart
Irene Stewart, Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing
istewart@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Last Monday at our Whole School Assembly we gathered to recognise the start of National Reconciliation Week 2025. National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The theme this year is Bridging Now To Next, reflecting the ongoing connection between past, present and future – learning from the past to look ahead and push forward together on the reconciliation journey. Thankyou to Zeeta Andrew, our Senior Team and our Fire Carriers for leading us in this special prayer service at Assembly.
This week, our middle school students have been enjoying their time at Paul Sadler Swim School. The swimming lessons have provided a fantastic opportunity to consolidate their skills and build water confidence. For some students, the fun started even before they hit the water, with the bus ride to and from the pool being a highlight in itself!
Our senior school students have had a fantastic time at camp this week at Adanac in Yarra Junction. From canoeing on the lake to making damper and enjoying a range of outdoor adventures, the camp has been filled with fun, laughter, and memorable experiences.
The program has been a great opportunity for team building and personal growth, and the photos say it all – smiles, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime.
A big thank you to our staff who made this experience possible: Lorraine Nihill, Jessica Lloyd-Welsh, Maxine Haines, Tracey Cranch, Rosie Drinan, Jess Elo, Reagon Haines, Jenny Zorotheos, Renee Felmingham, and Mel Wharton.
After such an action-packed few days, we’re sure both students and staff are looking forward to an early night tonight!
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday June 4, Division Cross Country at Hastings
Congratulations to the students who qualified at the Seaford District Cross Country! They will represent our school at the Division event in Hastings.Friday June 6, Pentecost Liturgy at 12:30pm in the Hall.
Students can come dressed with a touch of Dress Up With a Touch Of Pentecost (Red, Yellow, orange) in exchange for a gold coin donation. All proceeds will support the Frankston Winter Shelter. Families are welcome to join us for this special celebration.Monday June 9 - King’s Birthday Holiday.
Monday June 16 - School Closure Day
Tomorrow, Saturday May 31 at 3pm, many of our year 3 students celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation which marks an important part of their Catholic faith journey. We ask that you keep these students in your prayers.
Have a lovely weekend,
Irene
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
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.
Please contact Maire (Maura) MacPhie with any queries - mmacphie@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
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.
Religious Education
Religious Education
Zeeta Andrew, Religious Education Leader
zandrew@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Wishing all students preparing for the First Sacrament of Reconciliation a meaningful and grace-filled experience this Saturday, 31st May at 3:00 p.m. at St. Anne’s Church.
Wishing all students preparing for the First Sacrament of Reconciliation a meaningful and grace-filled experience this Saturday, 31st May at 3:00 p.m. at St. Anne’s Church.
As they take this important step in their spiritual journey, may they feel supported by their families, school community, and the loving presence of God. We hold them in our prayers during this special time of reflection and renewal.
On Monday, 26th May during our school assembly we offered a special prayer service in recognition of National Reconciliation Week.
This meaningful gathering provided an opportunity for students and staff to reflect on the importance of reconciliation in Australia’s history and future.
The service and activities during this encouraged us all to think about how we can build respectful relationships and walk together in a spirit of unity and healing.
A warm invitation is extended to all families to join us in celebrating the Pentecost Liturgy.
A warm invitation is extended to all families to join us in celebrating the Pentecost Liturgy.
On Friday 6th June at 12:30 pm, we will be celebrating a whole school Liturgy of the Word to commemorate Pentecost, the birth of the New Church, celebrating the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
On Friday 6th June at 12:30 pm, we will be celebrating a whole school Liturgy of the Word to commemorate Pentecost, the birth of the New Church, celebrating the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
We will be having a Dress Up With a Touch Of Pentecost (Red, Yellow, orange) in exchange for a gold coin donation. All proceeds will support the Frankston Winter Shelter.
The Year 4 students have been learning about 'Caring for Our Common Home' as part of their Religious Education and Sustainability studies.
The Year 4 students have been learning about 'Caring for Our Common Home' as part of their Religious Education and Sustainability studies.
Embracing their role as Stewards of Creation, they explored the importance of protecting and respecting the environment through practical action. As part of this learning, students creatively repurposed old t-shirts into reusable bags, giving new life to items that would otherwise go to waste.
This hands-on activity not only highlighted the value of sustainability but also encouraged students to think critically about how small choices can make a big difference in caring for the world around us.
The Junior grades have been exploring the wonder of God’s creation and learning practical ways to care for the environment.
The Junior grades have been exploring the wonder of God’s creation and learning practical ways to care for the environment.
Through stories, discussions, and activities, students are beginning to understand that the world around us is a precious gift from God. They’ve been learning how small actions—like recycling, reducing waste, and looking after plants and animals—can help protect and respect the Earth. This learning encourages students to take responsibility as caretakers of creation and to appreciate the beauty and value of our planet earth.
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.
Learning Innovations
Learning Innovations
Rebecca Todisco, Curriculum & Educational Leader
rtodisco@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Hands on Science
Hands on Science
On Friday, the 23rd May, our Senior students enjoyed an engaging visit from Hands On Science. During the incursion, students explored electrical circuits to deepen their understanding of electricity and how electrical current flows through a circuit. They also investigated the properties of conductors and insulators, and learned about the various ways electricity is generated. The experience encouraged students to think critically about how electricity can be generated and harnessed in many different ways.
Madison Johnson, Senior Teacher
Maths Year 3
Maths Year 3
Last week the Year 3s were focussing on measurement as part of the Mathematics unit.
Last week the Year 3s were focussing on measurement as part of the Mathematics unit.
The students were really excited to test their knowledge of using different units of measurements to measure the distance traveled by a Blue-Bot on a map. Students had to program the Blue-Bot to travel from different points on the map, then calculate how far they traveled. Some students even converted the distance traveled from centimeters to meters. All the Year 3 students enjoyed this hands-on lesson and working in a team to solve challenging mathematical problems.
Foundation Maths
Foundation Maths
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
Physical Education
Physical Education
Reagon Haines
rhaines@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Sport News
Sport News
Frankston District Cross Country
Frankston District Cross Country
On Tuesday, many children from St Joachim’s participated in the Frankston District Cross Country Trials held at the Pines Fauna and Flora Reserve, Flinders Christian College. Well done to all the children who participated.
12 children placed in the top 10 of their respective groups:
12/13 year boys
Hamish L H - 5th
Rupert D - 7th
Nixon B - 8th
12/13 year old girls
Sofia M - 9th
Charlotte W - 10th
Olympia H - 11th
11 year old boys
Max W - 7th
11 year old girls
Nevaeh D - 1st
Ruby H - 2nd
Mary W - 6th
Malibu G - 7th
Mya P - 10th
10 year old girls
Lexi P - 4th
Thank you to all the parents and teachers who supervised and supported the team. I would like to take this opportunity to wish the 12 qualifying children the best for the Division Cross Country Trials that will be held on Wednesday, 4th June at Hastings Foreshore.
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
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.
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.
Senior Camp - A few photos of fun times!
Senior Camp - A few photos of fun times!
PXL_20250528_102343397.mp4
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. 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.
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