Principal's Page
Dear Families,
I hope you had an enjoyable long weekend and
are feeling ready to face the busy finish to the school year and lead up to Christmas.
MACSSIS Survey
Last week we received our results from the MACSSIS surveys.
Students: We were pleased to see an improvement in our student scores. We are above the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) average scores in most areas with Student Engagement being just a couple of points under. We will continue to focus on this in 2027. Our biggest improvement was in the Learning Disposition domain which measures the student mindset of themselves as learners. Forty five students completed the survey.
Families: Our family data was once again similar to MACS averages. Our greatest increase was in Student Safety which is the perception of students physical and psychological safety while at school. Our focus for next year is reducing the factors that can hinder a family's interaction or involvement with their child's school. Six families completed the survey.
Staff: The staff data showed all scores well above the MACS average including Positive Endorsement of School at 85%. The greatest gains from 2025 scores were in the Feedback, Psychological Safety and Collaboration around an Improvement Strategy. Our focus will be on Catholic Identity.
Welcome 2027 Preps and their families
We welcomed our 2027 Preps and their parents last Wednesday for their first transition session. They were absolutely delightful as they excitedly participated in several planned activities.
Year 3/4 Camp
Our Year 3/4 students had a wonderful experience at Lord Somers Camp. Unlike other schools, we are committed to offering camps each year from Year Three as they provide immersive, outdoor learning experiences that build resilience, foster independence and strengthen peer relationships outside the traditional classroom setting.
Padua Academic Challenge Day
Congratulations to the Year six students who volunteered to represent St Joseph's at the recent Academic Challenge Day at Padua College. Our team was amazing competing against four Year 7 teams and eight other primary schools. They finished the day with ist place in English, 2nd in Engineering and 3rd in Design.
Student Sporting Achievements
Congratulations to Isabella for participating in the Victorian Touch Rugby team at the National Championships last week in Newcastle and to Hamish for coming fifth in the 800m at the State Athletics Championships. Congratulations also to Bryce who made the State Athletics Championship but was unable to participate due to being on holiday.
Uniform Changes
The School Advisory Council discussed our school uniform earlier in the year and proposed the following changes: change of material school jumper is made from to that it is more comfortable to wear (less scratchy) and change in the sports top so that it is lighter to wear, washes well, dries quickly and does not fade as quickly. The school jumper will look the same and the sports top will have some gold coloured panels on it. We will slowly phase the new sports top in over the next two years.
Oaks Day
We hope all the ladies attending the Oaks Day have a fabulous time tomorrow. Thank you to Sophie Walsh for organising the event, Sophie Morton for organising the auction items and to all community who generously donated. Thank you to all attendees for supporting our school.
$1 Cheese Toasties
The cheese toasties are back every Monday due to popular demand!
Day for Daniel
We will once again support day for Daniel this Friday. This year's theme highlights building strong safety networks both offline and online. Day for Daniel aims to equip young people with real-world personal safety skills. The core objective focuses on three vital principles:
Recognise: Teaching children to listen to their body clues (such as a racing heart or butterflies in their stomach) when something feels wrong.
React: Empowering students to take action, say "no", or remove themselves from uncomfortable or dangerous situations.
Report: Encouraging children to identify a trusted network of adults they can speak to when they feel unsafe or worried. Safety education works best when reinforced at home. Please read the nForma sent yesterday.
Building Project Update
The internal trusses are visible with frames and supports for walls and the roof being constructed at the moment. It won't be long until the roof and walls are on.
Free to a Good Home
We have three teacher desks that are no longer needed and are looking for a new home. If you are interested in one, please let myself or a staff member know.
Snow Camp
This year's Snow Camp was enjoyed by all who attended and was a great success. It was discussed at our recent School Advisory Council Meeting and it was decided that the Snow Camp will be offered every second year. Our next Snow camp will be in 2028.
Secondary School Enrolment dates
Year 4 Parents - Key Enrolment dates for 2029
Applications for students starting Year 7 in 2029 will open on Wednesday 27 January 2027 and close on Friday 13 August 2027.
Offers will be posted to 2029 prospective Year 7 applicants on Friday 15 October 2027. Parents/carers will be required to accept an offer by Friday 5 November 2027.
What's on in the next two weeks @ St Joe's:
Wed 4th 2027 Prep Transition 2 9:30 - 10:30
Fri 6th Day for Daniel
Beach STEAM
3/4 Lawn Bowls
Flow Friday activities
Mon 9th. Assembly
$1 Cheese Toasties
Tues 10th 1/2 excursion to Moonlit Sanctuary
Wed 11th. 2027 Prep Transition 3. 9:30 - 10:30
Remembrance Day
Thurs 12th Italian Day
Fri 13th. Beach STEAM
Flow Friday activities
Many thanks,
Monica