PRINCIPAL'S NEWS

Miss Jaclyn is always busy keeping abreast of our socials and sharing the terrific things happening at our school. 

OUR SCHOOL VISION

Last year, we embarked on a collaborative journey to shape the future of our school by crafting a new school vision—one that truly reflects who we are and what is important to us.

With the guidance of a talented graphic artist and consultant, we engaged the three key groups in our community—staff, students and parents—to come together and explore what makes our school so unique.

Through a series of workshops and thoughtful discussions, we worked collectively to identify the core values, strengths, and aspirations that shape our school environment. It was a deep and rewarding process that allowed each group to share their insights giving everyone a voice in determining the essential elements that define our school culture and contribute to a shared vision.

The final result is a beautifully crafted vision document that represents the collective voice of our community. This vision will guide our actions as we continue to grow and evolve, ensuring that every student, staff member, and parent can connect with the values and goals we set for the future.

We're really proud of what we've accomplished so far, and I'm excited to share this vision with you. Let's keep working together to make it a reality and create a successful future for everyone!

FAMILY PICNIC EVENING -African Drumming Experience...

We are excited to invite families to our FAMILY PICNIC on Friday, March 21, in celebration of Harmony Day!

Bring your picnic blankets, a bite to eat, and join us on the school grounds for an afternoon of community, connection, and fun.

✨ Special Highlight: To honour the spirit of Harmony Day, we will be hosting an African Drumming Experience — a vibrant and interactive performance sure to entertain both children and families!

Let's come together to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and the many cultures that make our community so special. 💛🧡

📅 Date: Friday, March 21

🕒 Time: 5:30pm

📍 Location: School Yard

We can't wait to see you there! 🎶🌿

PARENT INFORMATION SESSION

I warmly invite all parents and carers to an information session on Tuesday, March 18 at 6:00pm.

Sarah Parry, MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools) General Manager, Northern Region will be presenting on my new role as Lead Principal, and will be available to answer any questions you may have. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, gain insights, and ensure our community is well-informed moving forward.

We look forward to seeing you there!

COMMUNICATION

I kindly ask that parents communicate with teachers via email rather than SeeSaw for general inquiries or questions. While SeeSaw is an excellent tool for providing feedback on your child's educational journey, email is more appropriate for direct communication with teachers. This ensures that messages are addressed promptly and efficiently. We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain clear and effective communication. SeeSaw remains a valuable resource for tracking progress, and we encourage you to continue using it for that purpose

ST JOSEPH'S DISTRICT SWIMMING CHAMPIONS - A message from Ms Kirsty...

Congratulations to the incredible group of St Joseph’s students who represented our school in the recent district swimming competition! Your hard work, dedication, and excellent sportsmanship truly shone through in the pool.

A special shoutout to Leo Katsoulakos, Mila Barker, Noah Elliott, James Elliott and Hamish Smith, who will be advancing to the divisional competition—amazing work!

Well done to everyone who participated:

We are so proud of each and every one of you! 

SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY

Our school closure day this term will take place on February 28, with staff dedicating the day to enhancing our Writing program at St. Joseph’s.

Professional learning is a vital part of ensuring our teachers continue to grow and refine their practice. These dedicated days provide valuable time for staff to collaborate, explore new strategies, and deepen their understanding of best practices in teaching and learning. By focusing on Writing, we aim to strengthen our approach, ensuring students receive high-quality instruction that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and literacy development.

CURRICULUM EVENING

On Thursday Feb 27 we will be hosting a Curriculum Evening.  On this night your child’s teacher will present the learning journey at Saint Joseph’s and be available to you to ask any questions or clarify any issues that you may have. 

The meeting schedule is staggered so that families who have children across different year levels can attend each meeting.

This year we will be offering both online and onsite attendance.  More information will come home closer to the event - please mark the date on your calendar!!

REMINDER - Phones and Smartwatches

For the safety of our students and to minimise distractions during learning time, we kindly ask that all phones and smartwatches be handed into the office at the beginning of the school day.

These devices are valuable and can be easily lost or damaged. More importantly, they can cause unnecessary distractions during class. Students should not have phones or smartwatches on their person during the school day. Devices will be securely stored and can be collected at the end of the school day.

We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a focused and safe learning environment for all students.

SUNSCREEN

As we continue to experience some warm weather, we kindly ask that parents provide sunscreen for their children.  To make it easier for children to apply independently, we recommend sending in a roll-on sunscreen, that is simple for them to use. Teachers will remind children to apply their sunscreen before recess and lunchtime, ensuring they are protected before heading outside to play. We appreciate your support in helping us keep all students safe and comfortable during the sunny days ahead.