Principal's News   

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

I thank you all for your continued care for each other, our children and our staff over what has been a very sad and difficult couple of weeks for our school community.

 

As we continue to reflect on the life of our very loved former principal Mrs Moore, and the legacy she has left here at St Joseph's, I would like to share some beautiful memories from some of our students. When they spoke about Mrs Moore, they did so with smiles and sadness, remembering her love for them, her kindness and sense of fun. 

 

Student Reflections about Mrs Moore

My main memory of Mrs Moore was that she was always smiling at the gate. She was always inclusive and welcoming

Charlotte 

 

Mrs Moore was a really nice principal because she was very kind to us. She used to dance a lot and sometimes came into our classroom to say hello.

Gus

 

I remember she always cared for us. She never told us off if we did something bad. She was really kind.

Nicky 

 

Mrs Moore was a kind principal. She was fair and kind and she always cared for us.

Finn 

 

Mrs Moore was incredible with neuro-diverse children. I know she helped my brother a lot. She really put a lot of effort into choosing the right teachers for our school. She was thoughtful and caring and always remembered every child's name. She really, really cared.

Stella 

 

Mrs Moore was always easy to talk to and welcoming to everyone. She gave the school good spirit.

Pip

 

Mrs Moore was very kind as a principal and she used to come out on Friday for the disco and she dance along to the songs.

Otis

 

I loved how she was always brought joy to your day if you were sad. She was always really funny and made me laugh.

Lucy

 

She was kind to us and she was really loving. And she was always said hi to every student in the school. And she also put on the songs for Friday Disco and danced outside with us.

Valentina

 

One of the amazing things about Mrs Moore was that she was always great to talk to. She was welcoming in the school and she could always make you smile even if you were not having a great day. She would bring a smile to my face. It is really sad to see her go and I will remember her always and miss her.

Bridget

 

Mrs Moore was loving and always kind. She was never sad. She loved singing wth me. I remember when some of my friends took a picture of me with her and she had a moustache on. And she used to come into our class and dance a lot.

Piper

 

Mrs Moore was one in a billion. She always looked out for everyone. On my first day of Prep, she welcomed me really well and she made me feel like I would fit in really well. I loved watching her dance on a Friday and I loved all of the jokes that Mrs Moore and Mr Earl did at the start of assemblies.

Callum

 

Mrs Moore always treated everyone with respect and kindness, no matter who they were. And the reason why I came to this school was because of how nice she was.

Cooper

 

Mrs Moore was so nice to everyone. She always knew what was right for everyone. She treated everyone with kindness and respect no matter who they are or what they did. And she is the reason why the school is what it is today.

Alfred

 

Mrs Moore would always dance with us on a Friday and she came into our classrooms and looked around at what we were doing.

Grace C

 

I remember every Friday at second break she would always come out to the playground and have a dance with the music playing and with the children. 

Jamie

 

It was really fun when Mrs Moore came out dancing on Fridays with us. It really put a smile on my face.

Maximillian

 

I thought Mrs Moore was a very good principal and she was always kind to me and she never got mad with anyone in the school.

Arabella

 

Mrs Moore was a wonderful principal and she used to dance with us. Whenever we got in trouble she made sure we were not going to do it again, but she was still kind.

George

 

 

A Prayer for Mrs Moore

Dear God,

Thank You for the gift of Mrs Moore and all that she brought to our lives.

She was more than a principal.

She was a leader, a role model and a friend.

We remember how she made people feel welcome, how she believed in fairness, and how her door and her heart were always open.

She helped shape our school into a place where everyone felt they belonged.

Help us to live out the lessons she taught us 

To be kind, to work hard, and to lift others up.

Bring comfort to her loved ones and strength to those who miss her.

May they feel surrounded by Your peace and the love of our community.

And as we move forward, may we honour her, not just with words, but through our actions, carrying her light with us wherever we go.

With gratitude and love for our Mrs Moore.

Amen.

 

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.

And let perpetual light shine upon her. 

May she rest in peace. 

Amen.

 

Michelle Moore's Funeral

Michelle Moore's funeral will be at 10:30am on Wednesday 25th June at St Joseph's Church, followed by the wake in the Parish Hall. 

 

Fr Gallacher will be celebrating the life of Michelle at the Funeral Mass. Further details have been posted on our School Dojo and through Operoo. 

 

Michelle's family appreciate the prayers and kindness shown to them at this very sad time.

 

Principal Network Prayer for Michelle Moore

This week, the South Central Principal Network gathered together for our scheduled meeting and to remember our dearest friend and colleague Michelle Moore. Matthew Shawcross, Principal at Sacred Heart Primary School, Fitzroy, led us in prayer. We prayed together and remembered Michelle.

 

Today, we gather not only to mourn the loss of Michelle Moore, a colleague, leader, and friend, but to celebrate the extraordinary life of a woman whose love of children and commitment to Catholic education left a deep and lasting mark on so many of us. In this space, we remember Michelle with gratitude, entrusting her soul to God's eternal care.

 

Loving and eternal God,

You are the source of all goodness and the author of every vocation.

Today we remember your faithful servant Michelle, who dedicated her life to leading with compassion, teaching with wisdom, and serving with unwavering faith.

Welcome her into the light of your presence,and grant us the peace and courage to continue the mission she loved so deeply.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.Amen.

 

Gospel Reading – Matthew 25:21 

The Parable of the Bags of Gold

“The Kingdom of Heaven will be like someone going on a journey, who called their servants and entrusted their wealth to them. To one they gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to their ability. Then they went on their journey.  The servant who had received five bags of gold went at once and put her money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the servant who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid their master’s money.“ After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.  The servant who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ she said, ‘youentrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’“Her master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

For Michelle, that she may rest in the eternal peace of God’s kingdom.

We pray. Lord, hear our prayer.

 

For Michelle’s family, that they may be comforted in their grief.

We pray. Lord, hear our prayer.

 

For all Catholic school principals, that Michelle’s example may inspire us to lead with integrity, joy, and faith.

We pray. Lord, hear our prayer.

 

For our schools, staff, and students, that they may be safe havens of love and learning.

We pray. Lord, hear our prayer.

 

For each of us gathered here, that we may carry Michelle’s legacy forward with grace

We pray. Lord, hear our prayer.

 

Lord God,

We thank you for the life of Michelle, for her gentle strength, her wise leadership, her love of children, and her unwavering faith. May the seeds she planted in her students and in us continue to grow. May we walk in her footsteps, and one day, be reunited with her in your heavenly kingdom.

 

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace. 

Amen.

 

Refugee Week

This week was Refugee Week across Australia. Refugee Week is a time to promote greater awareness of refugees and the struggles they face when they are forced to flee their countries, and the contributions refugees make to the Australian community.

 

Refugee Week at St Joseph's

This week, the children at St Joseph's have been involved in learning about refugees and reading literature about the experiences of people who have come to our country as refugees. Some classes focussed their learning on a special picture book created by author Bic Walker called 'A Safe Place to Live', which tells of her family's journey from Vietnam to Australia as refugees.

 

 

 

Some of the children's reflections after reading Bic Walker's story:

 

I think the author Bic Walker wants us to welcome refugees to our country.

Grace T

 

If a refugee came to our school we would be kind and caring and welcoming.

Annabelle

 

If people leave their country because they are not safe we need to welcome them and care for them

Irene

 

Refugees are people who have to leave their country because it is not safe. This means that we need to feel sorry for them and care for them.

Scarlett

 

Bic Walker wanted to tell this story so that we can welcome the refugees and give them food.

Max

 

I learned everybody has a place and everybody belongs in our country.

Alice

 

I learned that everybody comes to our country for a safe place to live, and they are happy here, and they can live safely for ages.

Isabella  

 

 

During Refugee Week, we keep in mind the Catholic Social Teaching Principles:

• Dignity of the Human Person

• Community and the Common Good

• Particular Care for the Poor

• Solidarity

• Subsidiarity

 

Refugee Week Prayer

Gracious God,

We pray that we engage in our school communities, in service and with humility, and with hearts always open to the needs of others.

May we witness to our Catholic mission with integrity, empower others to grow into their gifts, create a sense of community through fostering strong, supportive relationships and listen to others with understanding and empathy.

And may we be guided by the words and actions of your Son, as we engage in service within our Catholic community.

Amen.

 

MACS Vision for Engagement Launch

Last week, the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools officially launched Vision for Engagement at the Immigration Museum in the city with nearly 300 other principals from across the Archdiocese of Melbourne

 

Dr Edward Simons, Executive Director of MACS, warmly welcomed the principals and special guests:

 

"In a complex and fast-changing world, MACS is prioritising student behaviour, belonging, attendance, motivation and wellbeing as a core focus — embedding behavioural norms as intentionally as literacy or numeracy - through explicit teaching, clear routines, and shared expectations. Vision for Engagement is our evidence-informed roadmap to provide calm and respectful learning environments across our nearly 300 Catholic schools. Grounded in our Catholic faith and respect for the inherent dignity of every child, it complements our Vision for Instruction and marks another stride forward towards realising our MACS 2030 Flourishing Learners strategy. I’m deeply grateful to all those involved in shaping this Vision — your expertise, care and commitment are helping to build brighter futures for children, their teachers and their families across Melbourne."

Learn more here https://lnkd.in/gBC_6-wq

 

"This is a faith-inspired and evidence-informed system-wide commitment to embedding the explicit teaching of behaviour as a core developmental focus so that every MACS classroom is a calm, respectful, and inclusive learning environment, and every student can thrive academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually, with the right support."  

 

Upcoming Open Days and Information Sessions 

Our Next Open Days:  

Tuesday 29th July 9am-10:30am

 

Information Sessions: 

Tuesday 29th July 10:30am -11am

 

We will be running both School Tours and Information sessions for families who are interested in finding out more about our school. 

 

Please spread the word to any prospective families you may know. Your word of mouth is the best advertising for our school.

 

We thank our very kind Prep parents Angela, Jess and Caz who gave up their morning to talk with some our prospective families about our wonderful school. We also thank the wonderful Stef and Caz, and our Year 6 leaders Callum and Bridget who came along in the evening to the Parent Information session.

 

Every Day is Open Day at St Joseph's

We encourage prospective families to book a tour with us at any time. Please encourage any families you know who are looking for a school for 2026, and beyond, to be in touch with us. We would love to show them around our beautiful school.

Planning for the 2026 School Year

In planning for 2026, we thank the families who have been in touch with our office to let us know that your child will be commencing Prep in 2026. If you have not done so as yet, we request that you please make contact with the office as soon as possible to make sure we have your child enrolled for next year. It is very important that we have this information as soon as possible. Thank you!

 

In addition, in planning for class structures for 2026, it is important for us to know if your child will not be continuing at St Joseph's next year. Thank you to the families who have already completed the form on Operoo. 

 

 

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

 

Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.  

Facebook: Search 'St Joseph's Primary School, Malvern'

Instagram: Search 'stjosephsmalvern'

The more you like, comment and share, the more we raise the profile of our amazing school!

Our New SJM Website

Here is the link to our new website: www.sjmalvern.catholic.edu.au

We are so proud to showcase the excellence in learning and the exceptional care we have for our students. This is the St Joseph's difference.

"Small enough to care, big enough to excel"

Junior Joey's Playgroup

Junior Joey's runs each Monday from 9am to 10am in our multipurpose room. If you have a young child from 0-5 years, please come and join us. It is a great way to make friends and help your children make connections in a supportive and welcoming play-based environment. Plus... Ms Stacey leads a wonderful sing-along and story time! We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Assessment and Reporting

It is hard to believe that we are nearly at the end of the term, with only 2 weeks until the school holidays. The staff are working hard with the children to ensure all areas of the curriculum are covered so that the teachers can assess and report on the progress and achievement of students for Semester 1. Your child may come home talking about the assessments or testing they are completing. Some assessments are completed as a class, some independently, and some individually with teachers. The teachers gather all of the assessment data and evidence they have collected over the term to write the students' reports. We look forwards to sharing the children's learning and progress with you through their mid year report.

 

Dendy Netball and Football Lightning Premiership

This week our senior students have had a big week participating in the all day Dendy Netball and Football Lightning Premierships tournament at Duncan McKinnon Reserve. We thank the children for their tremendous efforts and for their kindness towards the other competitors. 

 

A huge thank you to Mrs Birch for all the work in organising these events for our children and a special thank you to Max Lally's Mum in Year 6 who volunteered to umpire our Joey's Team!

 

Lastly, another big shout out to our sibling duo Callum and Evelyn Wilson who  represented St Joseph's at the Southern Metro Regional Cross Country event at Hastings. Congratulations Callum and Evelyn!

 

 

Changes to our Morning Routine

We thank our children, families and staff for the ease in which the changes to our morning routines have taken place across the last couple of weeks. It was lovely to see children playing in the playground with their friends and enjoying the warmth of the multi-purpose room on the colder mornings. Thank you to all our families for supporting us with this transition.

 

Kindness at St Joseph's

Congratulations to Jaxsen for showing kindness to a new student at our school this week. Jaxsen went above and beyond to welcome, look after and play with someone new to our school.  Thank you Jaxsen! Your enthusiasm and kindness is infectious!

 

Knitting Club- The Beautiful Scarf for Mrs Moore

Here are a few photos from our very enthusiastic knitting club, who, with the help of Ms Karen and Mrs Cummings, created the wonderful scarf for Mrs Moore that you can see wrapped around our beautiful gum tree for everyone to enjoy and remember her.

 

Visual Arts with Ms Cummings and Year 4P- A Tribute to Mrs Moore

In Years 3, 4, 5 and 6, the children have been working on a special project inspired by Pete Cromer's Bird Collages.

 

The students have painted on paper, with various textures, colour combinations and tones, using a variety of brush strokes. Students then shared this paper amongst collaborative teams to create their incredible birds. Students selected a bird from around the world to make and used a range of cutting techniques along with some iconic ‘Pete Cromer’ and ‘Henri Matisse’ shapes to build up the layers of their collage. The birds will be on display down the corridor of the main building next week. 

 

This project is a tribute to Mrs Moore and her love of the Beatles song ‘Blackbird’ along with her passion for the arts.

 

Thank you to our very creative Mrs Cummings who worked with the children on creating such wonderful art pieces as a dedication to Mrs Moore.

 

 

New Art Work- Thank you Hanna Rose

If you happen to be wandering down the corridor, please take the time to pop into the Art Room/Multipurpose Room to enjoy the beautiful art piece created by Hanna Rose and our students that they so proudly worked on for Harmony Day. It is a magnificent addition to this space! We thank Ms Georgie our Wellbeing Leader, for all her work behind the scenes to make this happen.

 

Year 6 Student Leaders Visit CERES 

Laudato si’, Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, which turns 10 this year, has been a great gift to the world, drawing on the connection between caring for the environment and caring for each other. Laudato si’ is a framework to help us as Catholics create meaningful change in caring for our environment.

 

Last week, our Sustainability Leader Ms Siobhan O'Dwyer, took along a group of Year 6 students, who are very keen advocates for the environment, to CERES. This visit to this environmental park provided them with opportunities to come up with initiatives to enable them to take direction of environmental projects at the school and beyond. 

 

 

Our SJM School Assembly

Last week we had the wonderful Year 2C present learning at assembly. We thank our wonderful Year 2 Teacher Ella Clerehan and Year 2C for sharing their learning about Uluru. 

 

We also congratulate our STAR Awards recipients and wish our birthday children a very happy birthday for last week and this week!

 

 

 

P&F Trivia Night Postponed 

 

The major fundraiser for the year, the SJM Trivia Night, will now be held on Saturday  11th October.

 

P&F Working Bee

Tomorrow  there will be a working bee at school from 12pm to 2:30pm. Thank you to Jess Purcell for organising this and to the Year 1 and Year 3 families who have very generously put their hand up to come along and help. Other year levels are, of course, very welcome too!

Next P&F Meeting

The next P&F meeting will be next term on Wednesday 6th August. All welcome!

 

The Coffee Van is Back on Fridays!

The coffee van is back on Fridays!  As our previous supplier has retired, we will now have Uncle Dom's! Uncle Dom’s offer a variety of drinks... coffee, chai, hot chocolate, tea, iced coffee/chocolate, flavoured syrups, cinnamon donuts, and cookies. 

 

 

Family School Calendar

Here is the link to our family school calendar so that you can keep up to date with school events across the year. 

https://www.sjmalvern.catholic.edu.au/mevents

 

Sacrament of the First Eucharist 

On Saturday, 28th June the children in Year 4 will be making the Sacrament of their first Eucharist at St Joseph's Church. The children will participate in a Retreat Day on Friday 27th of June here at St Joseph's. We will continue to pray for the children over the coming weeks as they prepare for this sacrament.  

 

Staff Leave

Over the next couple of weeks we have a few staff members who will be taking some very well deserved Long Service Leave. Lynnette will be away, and Isabelle and members of leadership team will be covering in the office. David Prowse and Meg Correy will also be taking some time away for their honeymoons prior to the July holidays. In both classes, the teachers who will be replacing them are known to our school. A thorough handover will occur prior to their leave so that the teachers covering for them will have a good understanding of the students and their needs, with their wellbeing as a priority, as well as ensuring continuity of the excellence in teaching and learning.

 

Staying connected...

If, at any time, you have any concerns or worries about your child's wellbeing, learning, or friendships, please do not hesitate to have a chat with your child's teacher as your first point of contact. If you have other concerns, please feel free to touch base with our wonderful admin team, a member of school leadership, or myself. For more serious concerns, I encourage you to please reach out by either making an appointment through the office to see me, or contacting me directly via email. 

 

As a Catholic community, we continue to keep Michelle, and the Moore family, in our prayers at this time.

 

With warmest regards,

 

Annabelle Marinelli

Principal 

annabelle.marinelli@sjmalvern.catholic.edu.au