Newsletter December 12, 2025
Newsletter December 12, 2025
Embedded Files
Principal's Message
Principal's Message
Paul Dwyer, Principal
pdwyer@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Dear Parents,
Welcome to our last newsletter for the 2025 school year. The year has flown by so quickly! As a school community, we know that we have much to celebrate and be grateful for this year; our students’ growth in learning, in faith and in friendships, and our strong partnership with parents that makes this possible. We are also grateful for the commitment and expertise of St. Joachim’s staff, who work hard to support our students learning and wellbeing every day.
Our Year 6 Graduation ceremony, on Tuesday evening this week, was a great celebration of 7 years of primary schooling. Starting with a beautiful Graduation Mass, celebrated by Fr. Martin, our graduates then enjoyed a pizza dinner together, followed by a disco. Thank you to our Year 6 parents who organized decorations and set up everything in the hall so well. Thank you also to our hard-working Year 6 staff, LSO’s and specialists, for your care of our students this year. I wish all our Year 6 students, and the families that are leaving St. Joachim’s for the last time, a fond farewell and best wishes for the future.
The end of the 2025 school year Mass yesterday, was a special liturgy focusing on giving thanks to God for the many blessings we have received this year. As we say farewell to the school year, we also farewell Reena Naidoo, who will be leaving St. Joachim’s. I thank Reena for the 13 years of service she has given to St. Joachim’s School, and wish her well for her future endeavours. My grateful thanks also to Fr. Martin for his leadership, spiritual guidance and ongoing support of students, staff and families this year.
Our second Christmas concert today was a beautiful way to finish our celebration of the joy of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Thank you to Tanya Antolos, students and staff, for the time and effort put into organizing and rehearsing. Thank you also to Leonie Richardson for filming these assemblies. The videos of both Christmas concerts will be uploaded to the school website for your viewing next week.
A huge thank you to our Parents and Friends group, who have raised money to support the purchase of an industrial sized ceiling fan for the hall. This fan will circulate the air and make the hall more comfortable during hot weather. The fan will be installed next Wednesday, and will be ready for the hot weather when school resumes next year.
A reminder that our end of year awards ceremony will be held in the hall at 2:00 p.m. next Tuesday 16th December. Our 2026 Year 6 leadership positions will also be announced at the awards ceremony. All parents are warmly invited to attend.
Please note: School will finish for the 2025 school year on Tuesday (16th December) at 3:00 p.m.
I wish all students, staff and families a safe, relaxing and holy Christmas with your family, and a restful holiday break. I look forward to seeing our Year 2 – 6 students back at school, refreshed and ready to start a new school year on Wednesday 28th January. (Our Foundation and Year 1 students will officially start back on Monday 2nd February after 3 days testing).
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.
See here for information regarding the CDFPay App.
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,
To make Zooper Dooper Fridays happen, we need the support of volunteers! Here is the link for the parent roster for zooper doopers.
Maire Macphie, Administration
Office News
Office News
Please follow this link to "Letter to Parents re 2026 Fees".
Would all families please collect their child's medication that has been held at the office by 4pm Tuesday 16th December.
Any medication not collected will be disposed of.
Any question please contact Maire MacPhie at the office or on 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.
Religious Education
Religious Education
Zeeta Andrew, Religious Education Leader
zandrew@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
A Beautiful Celebration: Our End of Year School Mass
A Beautiful Celebration: Our End of Year School Mass
Our End of Year School Mass was a truly wonderful celebration, filled with joy, gratitude, and a deep sense of community. Students, staff, and families came together in prayer, giving thanks for the year that has passed and asking for God’s guidance and blessings for the journey ahead. The reverence and participation of our students made the celebration especially meaningful. From the thoughtful readings to the heartfelt singing, every moment reflected the faith, growth, and spirit of our school. It was inspiring to see our young people lead with such confidence and reverence.
We extend our sincere appreciation to parents, teachers, and carers for their ongoing support and partnership, which plays such an important role in shaping the caring and dynamic spirit of our school.
As we conclude this school year, we give thanks for the many blessings we have shared and look forward with hope to all that the new year will bring.
A Farewell Note from Your Grade 6 Liturgy Leaders!
A Farewell Note from Your Grade 6 Liturgy Leaders!
Hello everyone,
On behalf of Onyx and myself, we would like to share a few words as we come to the end of our time as Liturgy Captains.
First, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Ms Andrew for making 2025 such a memorable and meaningful year. Her guidance, support, and joy have made this year truly special, filled with learning, laughter, and wonderful experiences.
Serving as Liturgy Captains has been an honour. This role has helped us grow and reminded us of the importance of faith, respect, and leadership. We are grateful for the opportunities we’ve had to support our school community through Masses, liturgies, assemblies, and many other celebrations. Although we are sad to see the year come to an end, we are proud of what we’ve been able to contribute.
We would also like to thank all teachers, parents, students, and staff for encouraging us and supporting us throughout the year, even when we made mistakes. Your belief in us has meant so much.
Finally, we warmly congratulate the new Liturgy Leaders for 2026. We know you will carry this important role with pride, faith, and dedication.
Thank you.
Georgia and Onyx
Our Grade 6 2025 Graduation Mass
Our Grade 6 2025 Graduation Mass
This week, we joyfully celebrated our Grade 6 Graduation Mass, a beautiful occasion honouring our senior students as they complete their primary school journey. The students participated with reverence and confidence, offering prayers, readings, and music that made the celebration truly special.
We congratulate our Grade 6s and thank them for the kindness, leadership, and spirit they have brought to our school. As they move on to secondary school, we pray that God continues to guide and bless them.
Our graduates will always remain part of our school family.
Christmas Concert 2025
Christmas Concert 2025
The Mini Vinnies did a wonderful job portraying the Nativity scene during our Christmas concert. We were also delighted to have Luce, our Pilgrim of Hope mascot, along with her companion pilgrims, who beautifully highlighted the messages of hope, love, peace, and faith—reminding us of what truly matters at Christmas.
Their presentation was filled with enthusiasm, reverence, and genuine devotion. It was a heartfelt performance that helped us reflect on the true meaning of the season and the joy of welcoming Jesus into our hearts.
Fourth Week of Advent – Celebrating the Theme of LOVE
Fourth Week of Advent – Celebrating the Theme of LOVE
This week, children in their own levels celebrated the Fourth Week of Advent, focusing on the theme of Love.
Throughout the week, the children explored the meaning of Love in both our liturgy and their classroom learning. They reflected on how love is shown through compassion, forgiveness, generosity, and by caring for one another. Their prayers, discussions, and activities revealed a beautiful understanding that true love comes from God and is lived out when we welcome Jesus into our hearts and share His love with the people around us.
Be the Hands of Christ This Christmas – Join Our Vinnies Hamper Team!
Be the Hands of Christ This Christmas – Join Our Vinnies Hamper Team!
The St Vincent de Paul team from St Anne’s Parish will be delivering Christmas gift hampers to families in need on Sunday, 21st December 2025, from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
We are currently seeking volunteers and drivers to help with deliveries and spread a little Christmas joy to those in our community who need it most.
We are currently seeking volunteers and drivers to help with deliveries and spread a little Christmas joy to those in our community who need it most.
If you’re able to assist, please contact Peter Vyverberg on 0432 120 704.
Your time and generosity will make a real difference this Christmas.
Many thanks,
St Anne’s Vinnies Hamper Team
From Mrs Stewart
From Mrs Stewart
Irene Stewart, Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing
istewart@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Semester 2 Reports are now available on the nForma Parent Portal via the nForma App or online.
Semester 2 Reports are now available on the nForma Parent Portal via the nForma App or online.
All families should have access to their child’s information on the nForma Parent Portal as we have been using it this semester for school notifications and to advise the school of student absences.
Moving forward into next year: 2026 all notices and excursion forms will come via the nForma platform.
If you have any problems, we can help you - contact us in the office.
Irene Stewart
nForma Portal
nForma Portal
This year, at St Joachim’s we have transitioned to using the nForma portal (many via the nForma App) to access student reports, receive notifications such as the newsletter and advise the school of student absences.
This year, at St Joachim’s we have transitioned to using the nForma portal (many via the nForma App) to access student reports, receive notifications such as the newsletter and advise the school of student absences.
As explained earlier this year we are amalgamating a number of the communication platforms used here at school. Operoo informed us in September that they were ceasing operations in Australia at the end of 2025, so moving forward to 2026 we will cease using Operoo. In 2026 our communication will now come through the nForma App on your phone or via the nForma portal on your desktop computer.
In 2026 we will be using the nForma portal to:
In 2026 we will be using the nForma portal to:
Access your Child's Reports
Mark Attendances
Receive notices
Receive Forms - the Form function allows us to create permission forms that require parental consent. This will take over from Operoo.
Medical - the medical module is where you will list your child's health conditions, attach health management plans and record medical history. This will take over from Operoo.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
Transition Website - 2026 New Students
Transition Website - 2026 New Students
Welcome 2026 Foundation Students and their parents, and children in other year levels joining us in 2026.
Welcome 2026 Foundation Students and their parents, and children in other year levels joining us in 2026.
The transition from pre-school to school is an exciting and important time for all children, their families and the school.
Here's our Welcome to St Joachim's 2026 website.
Italian - L.O.T.E
Italian - L.O.T.E
Cathy Colaciello, Italian Teacher
ccolaciello@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Buon Natale e Buon Anno Nuovo!
Buon Natale e Buon Anno Nuovo!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
It has been an absolute pleasure working with your children this year and I look forward to working with them next year too.
The children are bringing their work books home this week. This would be a great opportunity for you to go over it with them and hopefully they can share some of their language learning with you.
Buona vacanza.
The children making Buon Natale cards this week :)
Performing Arts
Performing Arts
Tanya Antolos
tantolos@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Visual Art
Visual Art
Mel Wharton
mwharton@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
2025 Year 6 Legacy Piece
2025 Year 6 Legacy Piece
After a term of planning and painting the Year 6 Legacy Piece is complete and doesn’t it look amazingly beautiful and original in the ideas and colours chosen to create their masterpieces of our Year 6 students !
After a term of planning and painting the Year 6 Legacy Piece is complete and doesn’t it look amazingly beautiful and original in the ideas and colours chosen to create their masterpieces of our Year 6 students !
A huge “ THANKYOU” to Rod our maintenance man, who assisted and welded the framework together as well as screwing it all into place!
A huge “ THANKYOU” to Rod our maintenance man, who assisted and welded the framework together as well as screwing it all into place!
Congratulations to all the year 6 students for their artistic flair!
Thanks also to all the students at St Joachim’s for an incredible year together in Visual Arts! I am very grateful to have so many talented artists!
Enjoy the Christmas spirit and see you all in 2026!
English
English
Carolyn Yass, English Leader
cyass@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
Don't forget to keep reading over the Holidays!
Don't forget to keep reading over the Holidays!
Read Carolyn Yass's message here!
Library
Library
Leonie Richardson,
lrichardson@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
St Joachim's Library Borrowing
St Joachim's Library Borrowing
Borrowing has closed for 2025! Thank you to students (and parents) for their responsible use and care of our library books.
Borrowing has closed for 2025! Thank you to students (and parents) for their responsible use and care of our library books.
If you do find St Joachim's library books at home, please send them back to school next year. We never fine students for late books, we're just happy to have them back into circulation.
Learning Innovations
Learning Innovations
Rebecca Todisco, Curriculum & Educational Leader
rtodisco@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au
A huge thank you to all of the well wishes that I have had over the past couple of weeks. As My husband and I embark on this Journey of parenthood we truly feel supported by the St Joachim's Community! We have received gifts, kind words of advice and fantastic name recommendations.
I look forward to this new chapter and will be visiting all the smiling St Joachim's faces at some point next year.
May the joy of this festive season fill us all.
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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