General Information
2026 School Dates
Please note the following 2026 dates in your calendars:
Term 1
Tuesday 27th January - Staff Development Day
Wednesday 28th January - Staff Development Day
Thursday 29th January - Years 1-6 commence
Thursday 29th January - Kindergarten Best Start Assessments
Friday 30th January - Kindergarten Best Start Assessments
Monday 2nd February - Kindergarten Best Start Assessments
Tuesday 3rd February - Kindergarten commence
Thursday 2nd April - Term 1 concludes
Term 2
Monday 20th April - Term 2 commences
Friday 3rd July - Term 2 concludes
Term 3
Monday 20th July - Staff Development Day
Tuesday 21st July - Students return
Friday 25th September - Term 3 concludes
Term 4
Monday 12th October - Staff Development Day
Tuesday 13th October - Students return
Wednesday 16th December - Last day for students
Thursday 17th December - Staff Development Day
McCarthy Catholic College Orientation Day
Year 6 students are invited to attend the McCarthy Catholic College Orientation Day on Wednesday, 12th November.
ADIG Client Feedback Survey
ADIG would love their customers/clients to complete a short 5 minute survey (link below) about their service and how they can better meet the needs of our community. They would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
Real Talk Parents & Caregivers Sessions 2025
If you are attending the Real Talk - Parent & Caregiver Session this Thursday, 12th November, can you please RSVP - HERE to assist McCarthy Catholic College in gauging numbers.
2026 Student Leadership Positions
Don't forget that applications are due Friday, 14th November (Week 5) to the Leadership Team.
Compass
If your child has an appointment and will be arriving at school late please do not enter this on Compass. Children will need to be signed in at school on the kiosk located in the school reception area. Only enter absent notes if your child will be absent for the whole day or longer.
Also, a gentle reminder to please respond to all Compass Events that go out on Compass. Students will be unable to attend these events unless parents have given consent.
School Student Travel
School Student Travel Information for Parents and Students
School Travel Passes
Applications are now open for 2026 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2026. Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply for a new card or update their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Opal card is expiring need to resubmit their details. If a student has lost their School Opal card, they will need to apply for a replacement card.
Note: a new card will not be issued if an existing School Opal card is updated online – you must submit a replacement application if a School Opal card is lost. In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs. Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: Some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
Terms of Use
Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use. This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times. All students are required to comply with the Student Code of Conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.
Clothing Pool
A reminder that our clothing pool is open Monday - Thursday 9am - 2pm. Parents/Carers are more than welcome to come in and look at the clothing pool during these times. Please note that administration staff are unable to source uniforms on behalf of families.
School Advisory Council - AGM
Our next School Advisory Council meeting will be held next Wednesday, 12th November at 5:30pm. This is our Annual General Meeting. The School Advisory Council provides the opportunity for members of the school community to be appointed to the Council. Please contact the school office for a Nomination Membership form. Nominations must be received two weeks prior to the AGM.
Mobile Phones/Electronic Devices
Please remind your child that if they are bringing any electronic devices to school, they must hand it into the office at the beginning of the day. They are stored securely and students can collect them at the end of the day. Thank you for your support with this.
P&F Meeting
The next P&F meeting will be held this Tuesday, 4th November at 5:30pm in the Library. All parents and friends are welcome to attend.
Meeting with Teachers
Mornings and afternoons are very busy times for teachers as they are preparing for the day ahead and planning with their co-teachers, which unfortunately means that they are often unable to make time for a meeting without notice. For that reason, if you need to discuss anything with your child's teacher, please contact the school office to schedule an appointment. This will ensure you have the full attention of the teachers and the time necessary. Alternatively, an email can be sent to sjtadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au and will be forwarded onto the class teacher.
Supervision of Students
A gentle reminder that supervision of students begins until 8:15am each day.
St Joseph's gates open at 8:15am each morning. To ensure all children are kept safe, please do not drop them off at school before this time to be left unsupervised.
Application for Extended Leave
Family holidays and travel are no longer considered under the Exemption from School Procedures. Travel outside of vacation periods is now counted as an absence for statistical purposes. Please see the office if your child will be away from school for 10 days or more as an application form will need to be completed and approved at the discretion of the Principals or delegate.
Change in Routine
Can you please advise the school office before 2:30pm if there is any change in your child's afternoon routine so we have time to let them know.