Principal's News   

Principal’s News

Dear Families,

With our final newsletter of the term it is time to stop and reflect on all that we have achieved together as a community. Another term with you all has been such a blessing for me. I arrive each day with gladness in my heart that I get to work with our professional staff. Their gifts and talents as educators are exceptional. 

From the moment you walk in the door and are greeted by the wonderful Lynnette and Isabelle and then proceed to our classrooms where our classroom teachers, specialist teachers, and learning support officers teach, shape, and grow the children entrusted to their care you can’t help but give thanks. 

The highlight of each day has been spending time with the children both in their classrooms and on the playground. I love watching their engagement in their learning and the joy that playing with their friends brings them. 

Our children are the people they are as they come from such loving and supportive homes. Well done parents and carers for all you do for your children. You are doing a fabulous job in raising your children. 

St Joseph’s is the place it is because of the people who come through our gate, our staff, students, and families. 

Thank you, everyone, for the contributions you have made over the term to keep our school a great place to gather, work, learn, and play. 

I wish everyone a wonderful holiday break. Whether you are spending time at home or taking time away my hope is that you have time to rest and replenish. 

I look forward to welcoming everyone back in Term 4 on Monday 7th October. 

Summer Uniform

We will change over to our Summer School Uniform at the commencement of Term 4. 

Just a reminder that the children are required to be in full school uniform on their non-sport days. Sports uniform is only to be worn on the days the children have sport. If the children need to be out of any part of their school uniform (including school shoes) for any reason may I ask that families email their child's class teacher. 

Having pride in our uniform and presenting our best is an important aspect of our children's education. 

Thank you for supporting us in ensuring our children are dressed in the correct school uniform. 

Please note that the children need to have a St Joseph’s school hat for the commencement of Term 4. 

Champions of Our School

A special thanks to Chris Buick (Bridget & Will) for his wonderful support of our school. Chris organised for a leak in our classrooms to be repaired and some downpipes to be replaced. Your generosity and support is gratefully received. 

A big thank you to our award winning "Bird Whisperers" Talia & Tennille for their amazing effort with the Magpie that was trapped in the hall.

Congratulations to the St Joseph's Karate students on completing their grading this term.

School Advisory Council Expressions of Interest

At the request of the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) board – our governing body, St Joseph's has established a School Advisory Council to support the principal, parish priest, and leadership team of the school.

While no particular expertise is required, we are seeking people with a range of diverse skill sets to best advise the principal, united by a desire to provide the best possible education for our students.

A balanced membership with a parent voice on the School Advisory Council is well-placed to advise the principal about important matters, particularly those related to the school’s mission and students’ success.

The needs of the council will be given priority in terms of ensuring a balance of gender, cultural diversity, and skill sets.

Therefore, we are inviting you to express your interest in being part of the School Advisory Council in 2025. The SAC meets approximately 6 times a year on a Tuesday evening. The usual tenure for a SAC member is 3 years. If you are a member of the parish or have children in the school and wish to be part of the School Advisory Council we would welcome your expression of interest in writing to

 Cathy Mason cathy.mason@sjmalvern.catholic.edu.au by Monday 21st October. 

Parents and Friends

Our school has had wonderful support from our Parents and Friends (P&F) this year. A substantial part of their work has been supporting our major fundraiser for the year with our Art Show. 

The P&F has been very ably run by our President Michael Hazel and Secretary Ash Stewart. I am delighted to announce that both Michael and Ash will continue in their respective roles in 2025. 

The P&F meets once or twice a term depending on need and relies heavily on parent volunteers. If you enjoy being part of the community and enjoy contributing to the school community we would love you to join the P&F committee. 

All meeting dates will be published on the school calendar. 

Library Volunteers

We are looking for any parents, grandparents, or carers in our community who may have time to help us with shelving books in our school library. If you have a love of books and have great organisational skills we would love to hear from you. Training will be provided. 

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact either Karen Redenbach 

karen.redenbach@sjmalvern.catholic.edu.au or myself cathy.mason@sjmalvern.catholic.edu.au

Save the Date

We will be hosting one of our favourite events of the year our Grandparents Morning on Friday 11 October from 9am-10am commencing in our school hall. 

All grandparents/special friends are welcome!