Newsletter August 8, 2025
Newsletter August 8, 2025
Embedded Files
Principal's Message
Principal's Message
Paul Dwyer, Principal
pdwyer@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Dear Parents,
Thank you to Bishop Thinh and Fr. Martin who confirmed 98 students from St. Joachim’s, St. Anne’s and St. Josephs Chelsea, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral last Saturday. A big thank you to our Religious Education Leader, Zeeta Andrew, for her organization and co ordination of this sacrament, and to our senior school staff who attended in support of our students and families.
Congratulations to our students who participated in the Australian Maths Competition yesterday. Thank you to Rebecca Todisco who organized this opportunity for our high achieving maths students to be challenged.
Today is the Feast of our first Australian Saint, Mary Mackillop. Mary founded the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1866, (the Josephites), a religious order dedicated to education, particularly for the poor in rural areas. Mary Mackillop’s legacy is the emphasis she put on the importance of education to improve the lives of all people. The Josephites continue the Church’s mission today by immersing themselves in the midst of life to continue to empower others and bring hope.
Our annual Talent show today was fantastic! The variety of acts, from singing and dancing, to instrumental, poetry and more, was a fabulous showcase of our students many exciting talents! Thank you to all of our student performers for your courage and enthusiasm in performing for our school audience. Thank you also to our Performing Arts teacher, Tanya Antolos, for her hard work in making this opportunity possible for our students.
Thank you to our Parents and Friends who have done a power of work to organize a fun Music Bingo Trivia night tomorrow evening. It promises to be a highly entertaining school community event!
Please pray for students in Year 4 who will receive their First Eucharist at weekend Masses throughout August.
Next Friday (15th August) we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. This feast day commemorates Mary, the mother of Jesus, being taken up body and soul into heaven at the end of her life. It is a holy day of obligation, and as such we will have a whole school Mass. Mass will commence at 11:30 a.m. in the hall. All parents are warmly invited to attend.
A reminder that Book Week will be celebrated at St. Joachim’s in the week of 18th August – 22nd August. A Book Week character dress up parade will be held on Friday 22nd August at 2:15 pm in the hall. I look forward to seeing students come dressed as a character from their favourite book on this day.
As previously advised, our next Pupil free/school closure day will be held on Monday 25th August. On this day staff will be working on MACS Vision for Instruction and the recently launched MACS Vision for Engagement.
Preparations for our Art show on the evening of Thursday 28th August (4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the hall) are progressing well. Our students are very excited about showing off their creative and imaginative talents to their families. Thank you to our Visual Arts teacher, Mel Wharton, for her vision and hard work to make this great event possible.
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
Congratulations to Our Newly Confirmed Grade 6 Students!
Congratulations to Our Newly Confirmed Grade 6 Students!
We extend our warmest congratulations to our Grade 6 students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday, August 2nd, at a beautiful celebration held at the Cathedral. The ceremony was presided over by Rev. Thinn Nguyen, Auxiliary Bishop of the Southern region, who sealed our students with the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
We extend our warmest congratulations to our Grade 6 students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday, August 2nd, at a beautiful celebration held at the Cathedral. The ceremony was presided over by Rev. Thinn Nguyen, Auxiliary Bishop of the Southern region, who sealed our students with the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
In his homily, Bishop Thinn shared three powerful messages with our candidates:
That they are specially chosen by God,
That they are never alone, as the Holy Spirit is always with them, guiding their hearts and actions,
And that they are now called to continue the mission of Christ in the world.
Once again, congratulations to all of our newly confirmed! May this sacred sacrament strengthen your faith and inspire you as you grow in your relationship with God. May you go forth ready to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.
Students Reflection About their Confirmation.
My Confirmation Day!
My Confirmation Day!
By Mia S
I felt so honoured to celebrate my Confirmation at the beautiful St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne—it was such an exciting and unforgettable experience. What made it even more special was sharing the celebration with students from St Anne’s and St Joseph’s.
My saint was St Elizabeth of Hungary. I chose her because she served the poor by building hospitals. She treated everyone with love and compassion—just like Jesus—and that’s the kind of person I hope to be. I really want to choose the right path in my life and I hope that the gifts of the Holy Spirit will give me the strength, courage, and wisdom to do my best in everything I do.
My Confirmation!
My Confirmation!
By Sofia
My Confirmation was such an exciting and amazing experience, especially because we celebrated it at St Patrick’s Cathedral. It was a very busy day with so much happening, and I loved being part of it all. My Nonna was my sponsor, which made it even more special for me.
The Bishop shared a message—that we are chosen by God to carry on the mission of Jesus.
Since my Confirmation, I feel much closer and more connected to God. I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to give me wisdom and courage to stay close to Jesus and always do what is right in my life.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit, strengthen our students with your gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgment, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence, and Wonder and Awe.
Fill them with the joy of your presence and increase in them the fruit of your Spirit.
Help them to experience and trust your dwelling within, so that they may always rely on your guidance.
Show us how to help one another become better disciples of Jesus, sharing your love with the world and with each person we meet.
Come, Holy Spirit! Come!
SCHOOL MASS – NEXT FRIDAY- FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION
SCHOOL MASS – NEXT FRIDAY- FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION
Next Friday 15th August, we will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. We will celebrate with a whole school Mass at 11:30am. We cordially invite all members of the St Joachim’s school community to join us in celebration.
First Holy Communion – 2025
First Holy Communion – 2025
We extend our warmest congratulations to our Grade 4 students who will be receiving their First Holy Communion during the Masses celebrated this Saturday, August 9th, and Sunday, August 10th, 2025, at St. Anne’s Church, Seaford.
We extend our warmest congratulations to our Grade 4 students who will be receiving their First Holy Communion during the Masses celebrated this Saturday, August 9th, and Sunday, August 10th, 2025, at St. Anne’s Church, Seaford.
This sacred occasion marks a profound step in their faith journey, as they receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist for the very first time. Pope Francis describes the Eucharist as the "Sacrament of Love," highlighting its vital role in Christian life—drawing us into communion with Christ and with one another.
We offer heartfelt congratulations to Gabrina, Evie, Ethan, Godric, Victoria, Hunter, and Aria, who will now join more fully in the life of the Church through this beautiful sacrament.
We pray that this experience deepens their love for Jesus, strengthens their faith, and inspires them to live lives of compassion, service, and forgiveness—following the example of Christ.
May this First Holy Communion be the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist, and may His presence continue to nourish and guide them on their spiritual journey.
JSE celebrated their Liturgy of the Word
JSE celebrated their Liturgy of the Word
(Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop)
The following is their reflection and prayers:
The following is their reflection and prayers:
This week we have learnt about Saint Mary MacKillop, the first Australian Saint.
In today’s reading, God asks us to be like a Saint by being kind, gentle and patient.
Mary MacKillop showed these special qualities through what she said and did. Her family did not have much money, so Mary worked hard to help them. Mary also started a school to teach children about God and gave a home to people who had nowhere to live.
As a class we reflected on people around us who follow Mary’s example and try to live their lives in the same kind and caring way.
Prayers of the Faithful:
Prayers of the Faithful:
We pray that, like Mary MacKillop, we will be people of hope who listen to your word and try to live it each day. Lord, hear us.
We pray that, like Mary MacKillop, we may be people of prayer who turn to you when we are in need. Lord, hear us.
We pray that, like Mary MacKillop, we will be brave and strong, trusting that you are with us even when things are hard. Lord, hear us.
We pray that, like Mary MacKillop, we will show love and kindness in everything we do. 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.
From Mrs Stewart
From Mrs Stewart
Irene Stewart, Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing
istewart@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.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
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) on School Students who require adjustments to their learning is a yearly count of students by all Australian schools across the country. The NCCD aims to provide the Australian Government with information about the number of students who require support and adjustments in Australian schools and the type of adjustments they need in order to access and participate in education on the same basis as other students. If you are a parent, guardian or carer of a child who requires ongoing adjustments at school, a teacher or another school staff member will consult with you to understand your child’s needs. This collaborative approach ensures the most appropriate adjustments are chosen to support your child’s learning and participation at school. In some cases, a personal learning plan (PLP) may be developed to document specific educational goals and to review your child’s progress over time.
Irene Stewart
Learning Innovations
Learning Innovations
Rebecca Todisco, Curriculum & Educational Leader
rtodisco@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Visual Art
Visual Art
Mel Wharton
mwharton@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
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
Design a Book Week Poster with this year’s theme -
Design a Book Week Poster with this year’s theme -
Book An Adventure
Book An Adventure
It must be on A4 paper and include the theme, your name and class.
Hand into the office by Week 4 - Wednesday 13th August.
Hand into the office by Week 4 - Wednesday 13th August.
A winner for each Year level - Foundation/ Juniors/ Middles/ Seniors, will be announced at our Assembly in week 5.
Judging will be by Mrs Yass and Visual Artleaders, Hailey and Luke.
Posters will be displayed in the windows of our staff room and office area.
BOOK WEEK PARADE
BOOK WEEK PARADE
Start thinking about your costume for our Book week Parade.
Start thinking about your costume for our Book week Parade.
It will be on Friday 22nd August 2:15 pm in the hall.
All parents are welcome.
Performing Arts
Performing Arts
Tanya Antolos
tantolos@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
TALENT SHOW - FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST
TALENT SHOW - FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST
The Talent Show today was fabulous.
The Talent Show today was fabulous.
Here are a few pictures - there will be more next week.
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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