Newsletter August 22, 2025
Newsletter August 22, 2025
Embedded Files
From Mrs Stewart
From Mrs Stewart
Irene Stewart, Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing
istewart@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
This week we celebrated Book Week. The theme for the 2025 Children’s Book Week in Australia has been “Book an Adventure!” - it’s a celebration of reading that encourages children to explore new worlds through stories. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of Children's Book Week.
This week we celebrated Book Week. The theme for the 2025 Children’s Book Week in Australia has been “Book an Adventure!” - it’s a celebration of reading that encourages children to explore new worlds through stories. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of Children's Book Week.
Today our students, and staff came dressed up as one of their favourite book week characters. We enjoyed seeing students arrive super excited as they caught up with their friends. The book week parade hosted by Miss F (who does love a microphone) showcased many fabulous costumes and the excitement could be felt in the hall.
This morning we were fortunate enough to have illustrator Andrew Plant come and work with all our students. He showed us how to tell an interesting story through pictures. Thank you to Carolyn Yass, our English leader for organising Andrew’s visit to St Joachim’s.
On Wednesday our Foundation students went for a walk to the Carrum Downs Library / Community Centre for storytime and some fun activities. Special thanks to our Foundation parents who went along to support students - a long walk for little legs but totally worth the effort. An added highlight for some was the construction work happening near the Library.
First Eucharist Masses continue in the Parish this weekend. We keep the students in our prayers as they receive the blessed sacrament.
Don’t forget school closure day on Monday 25th August. Staff will be taking part in professional learning on MACS Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement.
Camp Australia will be open for families that require child care on Monday.
Next week we are all looking forward to the Art show: Staff and students, led by Mel Wharton, our Visual Arts teacher, have been working hard to prepare art pieces. We have many creative children at St Joachim’s, we look forward to having you join us on Thursday 28th August between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Have a great weekend,
Irene
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
Congratulations to all the students who celebrated their First Eucharist at last weekend's Masses.
Congratulations to all the students who celebrated their First Eucharist at last weekend's Masses.
Thank you to Therese Selitsch for the photos of Eva and Ava.
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 Calvin, Pedro, Benjamin, Noah, Tahj and Oliver, 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.
Special Prayer
Special Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You
for the most precious gift of the Holy Eucharist.
We ask You to bless all those who are preparing to receive
Your Body and Blood for the first time.
You have provided for us richly through the gift of Your Body and Blood. Receiving the Holy Eucharist is a tremendous blessing, and we ask You to help all who are preparing to make their First Holy Communion. Help them to grow in love for You each day of our lives. Help them to always appreciate the great gifts You have given us for our salvation.
Lord, hear our prayer, especially for Calvin, Pedro, Benjamin, Noah, Tahj and Stanic.
Amen.
MYK celebrated their Liturgy of the Word on Thursday 21st Aug.
MYK celebrated their Liturgy of the Word on Thursday 21st Aug.
(21st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME )
Our reflection for the Liturgy:
Our reflection for the Liturgy:
The gospel reading from Luke shares the parable of Jesus telling the people that getting into God’s kingdom is like going through a special door — and that door is Him.
The gospel reading from Luke shares the parable of Jesus telling the people that getting into God’s kingdom is like going through a special door — and that door is Him.
It’s not a big, wide door you can wander through without thinking. It’s a small, narrow door that you have to choose to walk through on purpose.
As a class we reflected on going through this door. To go through it you have to follow Jesus — trust Him, talk to Him, and live the way He teaches: loving God, helping others, telling the truth, forgiving people, and being kind even when it’s hard.
Some people will think they can wait until later or just say they know about Jesus — but Jesus says it’s not enough to just know His name. We need to actually live like His friends now.
Students reflected on these questions:
Students reflected on these questions:
“What are some ‘heavy’ things we might need to leave behind to follow Jesus?”
“What are some choices that help us walk through His narrow door?”
“When could you make one of those good choices today?”
Prayers of the Faithful:
Prayers of the Faithful:
Dear Lord, we pray that the Church will take God's message to every nation on earth. Lord, hear us.
Dear Lord, we pray that governments will work for peace and justice in the world. Lord, hear us.
Dear Lord, we pray that when we look at other people, may we see Jesus in them. Lord, hear us.
Dear Lord, we pray for those who have died. May they rejoice with God forever in Heaven. Lord, hear us.
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.
Learning Innovations
Learning Innovations
Rebecca Todisco, Curriculum & Educational Leader
rtodisco@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Inform & Empower
Inform & Empower
Some Conversation Starter for the Home ...
Some Conversation Starter for the Home ...
From Foundation to Seniors!
Visual Art
Visual Art
Mel Wharton
mwharton@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Art Exhibition
Art Exhibition
The upcoming "A Journey Through Art Exhibition", taking place next Thursday, the 28th of August from 4–7pm, is a true celebration of the dedication, creativity, and passion our students have poured into their work. Over the past two terms, they have invested countless hours creating, refining, and bringing their artistic visions to life. This exhibition is not only a showcase of talent but also a reflection of the hard work, resilience, and energy each student has embraced throughout their creative journey. Every piece tells a story, and together, they form a vibrant and inspiring collection that captures the imagination and spirit of young artists.
As part of the Art Expo, we're excited to share that there will also be a stunning collection of handmade earrings by Ms Malignaggi, available for purchase at just $3–$5, so please bring some loose change. These unique pieces are a wonderful addition to the exhibition and showcase creativity beyond the classroom.
In addition, all funds raised from both the silent auction pieces and the earring sales will go towards purchasing outdoor recycled plastic furniture for students to enjoy. This initiative not only supports sustainability but also enhances our school environment—so your support directly contributes to a more vibrant and welcoming space for everyone!
There will be no food or drinks served at the event.
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!
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 Week.
Book Week.
Thank you to everyone who entered our Book week Poster Competition.
Thank you to everyone who entered our Book week Poster Competition.
Hailey and Luke, our Visual Arts Leaders, announced the winners at Monday’s Assembly. Congratulations to:
Hailey and Luke, our Visual Arts Leaders, announced the winners at Monday’s Assembly. Congratulations to:
Foundation
Foundation
First Prize: Melanie R FRF Second Prize: Leon W FRF
Juniors
Juniors
First Prize: Mia S JTA Second Prize: Jovan JDB Third Prize: Riley M JMR
Middles
Middles
First Prize: Victoria H MYK Second Prize: Mia R MYK Third Prize: Shevon SMS
Seniors
Seniors
First Prize: Gabby H STC Second Prize: Sophie L SHJ
Third Prize: Charlotte W STC Special Mention : Amy Y SLN
Book Week
Book Week
Andrew Plant Illustrator and Book Character Dress Up!
Andrew Plant Illustrator and Book Character Dress Up!
Book Week Photos
Book Week Photos
Over the next week we may add photos as they are sent by classroom teachers.
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
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.
Student DISCO
Student DISCO
September 18
September 18
Foundation and Junior School Disco 4:45pm - 5:46pm
Foundation and Junior School Disco 4:45pm - 5:46pm
Middle and Senior School Disco 6:00pm -7:15pm
Middle and Senior School Disco 6:00pm -7:15pm
Tickets for sale on the CDF Pay App.
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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