Newsletter August 15, 2025
Newsletter August 15, 2025
Embedded Files
Principal's Message
Principal's Message
Paul Dwyer, Principal
pdwyer@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Dear Parents,
Thank you to our Parents and Friends who ran a very successful Music Bingo Trivia night last Saturday evening. There was a large turnout of parents (including some staff) and a very enjoyable evening was had by all.
Today we celebrated a whole school Mass for the Feast of the Assumption. Thank you to students, staff and families who participated reverently in prayers and singing. Thank you also to Fr. Martin who celebrated Mass for us.
My prayerful best wishes to all students from St. Anne’s parish who will receive their First Eucharist at Masses throughout the month of August.
Next week is Book week – a celebration of the joy of reading for learning and fun. We are looking forward to an author visit from our guest author, Andrew Plant, who will work with classes next Friday. The week will end with a special Book Week character parade on Friday (22/8) starting at 2 :15 p.m. in the hall. All parents are warmly invited to join us for this parade.
Also next week, I will be attending the National Catholic Education Conference, focusing on the theme ‘hope, anchored in faith’. The conference will focus on the strategic vision and mission of Catholic education across three key areas – Faith, Excellence and Access. I look forward to sharing insights gained from the Conference with staff, to continue to strengthen our focus on ongoing school improvement.
Well done to our Year 5 / 6 students who will complete their swimming program next Wednesday, despite the cold weather!
A reminder that our next pupil free day is on Monday 25th August. On this day staff will participate in professional learning on MACS Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement. Please book online directly with Camp Australia if you require Out of School Hours Care on this day.
Our Art show is now less than a fortnight away! I hope that you can join us between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the evening of Thursday 28th August, to celebrate our students’ fabulous creative talents. Thank you to our Visual Arts teacher, Mel Wharton, for the amazing job she is doing in organizing this important event.
Some advance notice that our hard working Parents and Friends group are busily organizing our annual Fathers’ Day breakfast for the morning of Friday 5th September. I look forward to seeing lots of dads there. Further details to follow.
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
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.
Maire Macphie, Administration
Office News
Office News
CSEF applications close on Friday 4th July. If you have not already contacted me and you are a concession card holder please email me on 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.
Religious Education
Religious Education
Zeeta Andrew, Religious Education Leader
zandrew@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Feast of the Assumption
Feast of the Assumption
Today, 15th August, we came together as a school community to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary with a special whole school Mass.
Today, 15th August, we came together as a school community to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary with a special whole school Mass.
On this special day, we remember how God honoured Mary by welcoming her into heaven. Our celebration was a time to reflect on the unique and vital role Mary played in God’s plan—bringing Jesus, the living Word, into the world.
On this special day, we remember how God honoured Mary by welcoming her into heaven. Our celebration was a time to reflect on the unique and vital role Mary played in God’s plan—bringing Jesus, the living Word, into the world.
We also took the opportunity to focus on the joy Mary brought to others throughout her life, not just the sorrow and sacrifice often associated with her journey, especially during Jesus’ final days.
We hope your children found meaning and joy in today’s celebration of this important feast day.
Prayer
Prayer
Father in heaven,
all creation rightly gives you praise
for all life and all holiness come from you.
In the plan of Your wisdom,
Mary was raised body and soul in glory
to be with Him in heaven.
May we follow her example
in reflecting your holiness
and join in her hymn of endless life and praise.
Amen
First Holy Communion – 2025
We keep in our prayers all our sacramental students as they continue to celebrate the Sacrament of First Eucharist at weekend Masses.
We keep in our prayers all our sacramental students as they continue to celebrate the Sacrament of First Eucharist at weekend Masses.
A heartfelt congratulations to Ava, Eva, Xavier, and Susannah, who now take a special step in their faith journey as they more fully participate in the life of the Church through this sacred sacrament.
We pray that receiving Jesus in the Eucharist deepens their love for Him, strengthens their faith, and inspires them to lead lives filled with compassion, service, and forgiveness—reflecting the example of Christ.
May this First Holy Communion mark the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist, and may His loving presence continue to guide and nourish them throughout their spiritual journey.
Photos of last weekend's Sacrament of First Eucharist.
Last week, during our school talent show, one of our talented Year 4 students, Viya, recited a beautiful, self-written poem titled “Our School.”
Our School
Our School
by Viya (Year 4)
School is a place of learning and fun — and always will be.
School is a place of learning and fun — and always will be.
You learn and grow, with friendship beside you.
You make memories and keep them close, or take them far and wide for everyone to see.
We are all one. We are all free.
We share our friends and live together in harmony.
We may sometimes fight, but that only makes our friendships stronger and closer.
We are all special in our own way,
And our differences connect us —
Not just as a group, but as an army of Jesus.
We stand together. We stand united.
We are not perfect,
But we are us —
Unique in every way God has made us.
Remember: we’re not just a group,
But an army of Jesus!
Upcoming Class Mass times (Yr 3 - 6)/ Liturgy of the Word (Yr F-2) for Term 3.
Upcoming Class Mass times (Yr 3 - 6)/ Liturgy of the Word (Yr F-2) for Term 3.
We invite our school community to join in for these special celebrations.
We invite our school community to join in for these special celebrations.
From Mrs Stewart
From Mrs Stewart
Irene Stewart, Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing
istewart@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.
Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.
The theme for this year's campaign is Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.
The theme for this year's campaign is Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.
It takes a community to be brave and address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate.
Students can be bold, kind and speak up to support others being bullied. While trusted adults are there to support children and young people learn how to be kind to each other and report bullying.
This Bullying No Way Week, we’re asking you to be bold and say something, be kind and support someone and be proud to speak up against bullying.
During the week many of our classes have engaged in meaningful discussions and activities aimed at promoting empathy, understanding and respect for diversity. We encourage families to take this opportunity to have open and honest conversations with your child about the impact of bullying and what they can do if they need support.
For more information visit bullyingnoway.gov.au
Every Day Counts
Every Day Counts
The importance of regular school attendance.
The importance of regular school attendance.
“Missing one day one day per fortnight adds up to missing four weeks of school a year”.
“Missing one day one day per fortnight adds up to missing four weeks of school a year”.
At St Joachim’s, we prioritise regular school attendance. We will work with families to ensure students are in class with their peers and teachers and enjoying all the benefits that brings.
Attending school every day means experiencing what counts – the learning, friendship, fun and opportunities that can shape your child’s future.
We understand that there are times when your child will need to miss school but to ensure minimal disruption to their education, please consider scheduling family holidays or medical/dental appointments outside of school time. If your child is well enough to attend but is worried about friendships, schoolwork or exams, please encourage them to come to school. Avoiding school can make these feelings worse and can create a negative pattern of behaviour.
If your child is having difficulty attending school, please talk to their teacher or contact Irene Stewart about getting support.
We know that parents and carers can be juggling challenges daily to get your children to school. If your child must miss school, notify us as soon as possible via the NForma portal so we can work together to support them.
Remember, Every Day Counts.
Remember, Every Day Counts.
Irene
Learning Innovations
Learning Innovations
Rebecca Todisco, Curriculum & Educational Leader
rtodisco@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Year 3 Fun Maths Activities!
Year 3 Fun Maths Activities!
This week the Year 3 students learnt about angles. They focussed on identifying small and large angles as well as right angles. Here are some students using Geoboards to make a range of right, obtuse and acute angles.
This week the Year 3 students learnt about angles. They focussed on identifying small and large angles as well as right angles. Here are some students using Geoboards to make a range of right, obtuse and acute angles.
Liliana - I enjoyed making angles.
Kennedy - I learned that the smaller angle is called an "acute angle".
Abigail - I enjoyed using the geoboards.
Kennedy - I learned that the smaller angle is called an "acute angle".
Abigail - I enjoyed using the geoboards.
Liliana - I enjoyed making angles.
Foundation Maths
Foundation Maths
Not a Stick
Not a Stick
Today in Foundation FRZ, we read Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis.
Today in Foundation FRZ, we read Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis.
A delightful book that sparks creative thinking by showing how a simple stick can become anything you imagine! Inspired by the story, the children came up with their own imaginative ideas, transforming their sticks into all sorts of exciting things. From magic wands to fishing rods, and even dragons and lightsabers, their creativity truly shone! They then wrote about what their stick had become, using their ideas to create wonderful pieces of writing.
Visual Art
Visual Art
Mel Wharton
mwharton@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
We have some enthusiastic artists in our school, working together to create a rainbow of colours with all the pencils in the “ART HUB”. Thankyou for all your help!
We have some enthusiastic artists in our school, working together to create a rainbow of colours with all the pencils in the “ART HUB”. Thankyou for all your help!
We are all getting excited for the “A Journey Through Art” school Exhibition on Thursday the 28th of August . We can’t wait to see you there and celebrate with us all the fantastic art work from Foundation to Year 6!
We are all getting excited for the “A Journey Through Art” school Exhibition on Thursday the 28th of August . We can’t wait to see you there and celebrate with us all the fantastic art work from Foundation to Year 6!
Journey through Art Exhibition INFORMATION
Journey through Art Exhibition INFORMATION
Date: Thursday, August 28th
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: The Hall @ St Joachim’s
Date: Thursday, August 28th
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: The Hall @ St Joachim’s
Join us for Journey through Art, a vibrant exhibition celebrating the creativity and talent of our students and teachers. This inspiring event will showcase a diverse range of artworks — each telling a unique story through colour, texture, and imagination.
Gold Coin Donation
Gold Coin Donation
Upon entry with a GOLD COIN DONATION - and dressed up as your favourite artist or favourite colour, there will be a “PASSPORT AROUND THE WORLD” booklet to collect as a family where you can immerse yourselves in the art and answer questions about different cultures and continents.
There will be interactive activities, where you can create your own masterpiece as well as immersing yourself in Kinetic art, which is art that incorporates motion or the illusion of motion, making it dynamic and engaging for the viewer.
Silent Auction –
Silent Auction –
4:00PM to 7:00PM
4:00PM to 7:00PM
As part of the exhibition, teachers and students are collaborating on a special piece of artwork that will be featured in a silent auction, along with other displayed pieces.
Here's how it works:
The auction opens at 4:00 PM in the Hall.
To place a bid, simply write your name and bid amount on the list provided next to each artwork.
Bidding closes at 7:00 PM, and winning bidders will be contacted the following day.
Don't miss this chance to support young artists and take home a one-of-a-kind creation! All are welcome to attend this AMAZING EVENT!
A Journey Through Art...
A Journey Through Art...
Art expo assistance.
Art expo assistance.
To parents and friends of St Joachim's, I am seeking the support of parents to help set up for our upcoming Art Expo – A Journey Through Art. If you are available, I would greatly appreciate your assistance for a couple of hours on either Tuesday 26th or Wednesday 27th of August in the school hall. Your help in arranging displays and preparing the space will ensure the event is a wonderful celebration of our students’ creativity. Whether you can lend a hand with lifting, organizing, or decorating, every bit of support makes a difference. Thank you in advance for being part of this exciting event!
Please contact mwharton@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au if you are able to help.
Mel Wharton, Visual Art Teacher
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
Book Fair
Book Fair
St Joachim’s is having a ‘Lamont Books’ Book Fair
St Joachim’s is having a ‘Lamont Books’ Book Fair
Monday September 8 - Wednesday September 10
Monday September 8 - Wednesday September 10
This is an event at which books will be for sale.
This is an event at which books will be for sale.
During this week the library will be open for book sales after school so parents can attend and assist their child with his/her purchase of books (unfortunately we cannot facilitate library borrowing after school on these days).
All Book Fair purchases benefit our school and help fund more books for our school library.
All Book Fair purchases benefit our school and help fund more books for our school library.
Book Fair Hours
Mon 2:45 - 3:45
Tues 2:45 - 3:45
Wed 2:45 - 3:45
Thurs Closed
Fri Closed
Please note that the book fair is only open on 3 occasions
We hope to see you at the book fair!
More details will be available closer to the dates.
Performing Arts
Performing Arts
Tanya Antolos
tantolos@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
2025 TALENT SHOW
2025 TALENT SHOW
A big Congratulations to all the students who performed in last Friday’s Talent Show.
A big Congratulations to all the students who performed in last Friday’s Talent Show.
To perform in front of over 350 people takes a lot of courage. We were entertained and amazed by so many different talents.
To perform in front of over 350 people takes a lot of courage. We were entertained and amazed by so many different talents.
We saw singers, dancers, drummers, pianists, guitarists, ukulele players, acrobats, gymnasts, cheer leaders, magicians, poets, dancers and instrumentalists from different cultures and more. It was a great afternoon that showcased the many skills and dedication that the students of St Joachim’s have. Thank you also to the parents and carers who help their children develop their talents by encouraging them.
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.
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.
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.
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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