Principal News

Dear Parents and Carers, 

The past fortnight has been an incredibly busy and productive period across the school, with students and staff deeply engaged in learning, assessment and the many routines that underpin a successful semester. As we approach the midpoint of the year, teachers have been gathering a wide range of evidence of student learning through classroom observations, assessment tasks and ongoing feedback to ensure that Semester One reports provide an accurate and comprehensive picture of each child's progress. 

Tomorrow's Closure Day provides a valuable opportunity for students and families to enjoy a well-earned break from the usual school routine, while staff come together to analyse student achievement data, moderate assessment tasks and prepare reports for distribution later this term. I encourage families to read Mr Daffy's Deputy Principalreport in this newsletter, which contains important information regarding Semester One reporting, the Parent and Teacher Interviews, and our upcoming Open Learning sessions.

National Reconciliation Week 

National Reconciliation Week is an important opportunity for us as a school community to continue learning about our shared histories, deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and reflect on the role we each play in reconciliation. The 2026 theme, All In, reminds us that reconciliation requires all Australians to actively engage in truth-telling, learning and respectful relationships every day.

Across the week, students engaged in reading and literacy lessons focused on reconciliation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, and Australia’s shared history. These learning experiences are designed to foster understanding and meaningful discussion across all year levels.

Our Year 6 student leaders also presented to classes about National Sorry Day and the significance of acknowledging the Stolen Generations, helping younger students understand why truth-telling and healing are such important parts of reconciliation in Australia. National Sorry Day, held annually on May 26, recognises the experiences of the Stolen Generations and the ongoing impact felt by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

At St Joseph’s, our commitment to reconciliation extends well beyond one week of the year. Some of the ways we continue to work towards reconciliation include:

• Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across curriculum areas
• Beginning major school events and gatherings with an Acknowledgement of Country
• Using high-quality literature and authentic texts written by First Nations authors and illustrators
• Providing opportunities for students to learn about the histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations peoples
• Building staff understanding through ongoing professional learning and reflection
• Supporting respectful relationships grounded in dignity, inclusion and cultural understanding
• Continuing conversations around truth-telling, justice and equity in age-appropriate ways across the school

This work also aligns closely with Child Safe Standard 1, which requires schools to establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued. At St Joseph’s, we are committed to ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and voices are acknowledged, respected and embedded within the life of our school community.

Miss Coldebella & baby Oscar

It was such a delight to welcome Rianne Coldebella and baby Oscar back to St Joseph's last week. Rianne taught Year 4 in 2025 before commencing maternity leave at the end of the year, and it was wonderful to see her return for a visit with her beautiful little boy.

The current Year 5 students were absolutely overjoyed to see Rianne again and have the opportunity to meet baby Oscar. Judging by these photos, it is hard to tell who was more excited - the children or Miss Dusting! We are pleased to share that Rianne is planning to return to St Joseph's in a part-time capacity in 2027, and we look forward to welcoming her back to the team.

Year 6 Dendy Soccer Competition

Congratulations to the Year 6 students who attended the Interschool Soccer competition on Tuesday. We thank Mr Sandler, Miss Shanahan, Melissa Pascoe, plus Mick Sheehey and Matt Hall (Year 6 Parents) for their fantastic coaching with our students. 

Despite the freezing weather, everyone had a fantastic time and represented our school with such pride. A special mention to those students who had never played soccer before, but happily 'pulled on their boots' and played alongside their peers. 

Congratulations to our girls team, who made it through to the semi-finals and narrowly missed out on a spot in the Grand Final after an exciting penalty shoot-out against Sacred Heart. 

Beachside Cross Country 

Congratulations to Archie B, Lewis L and Maia W in Year 6, along with Evelyn in Year 5, who recently represented St Joseph's at the Beachside Cross Country event. The competition was exceptionally strong, and we are incredibly proud of each student's perseverance, and willingness to challenge themselves against some of the best runners in the region.

A special congratulations goes to Evelyn, who achieved an outstanding 9th-place finish and has qualified for the Southern Metro Finals. Evelyn completed the challenging three-kilometre course in an impressive time of 11:59.2. To put that achievement into perspective, she maintained an average pace of just under four minutes per kilometre for the entire race - an exceptional effort for any runner. We wish Evelyn all the very best as she progresses to the next stage of competition.

School Band 

There has been a strong expression of interest from students who would like to form a St Joseph's School Band. If you would like to audition for the School Band, please complete this form School Band Expression of Interest by 4:00 pm on Wednesday June 10. Auditions will be held during break times on Friday June 12. Students will be notified of their audition time prior to the day. Please contact Mrs Geraldine Pepper (gpepper@sjelst.catholic.edu.au) if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing the incredible musical talent we have at St Joseph's!

School Fee Payments

As we approach the midpoint of the school year, we ask all families to review their school fee accounts and ensure payments are occurring regularly. As a general guide, families should have paid approximately 50% of their annual school fees by this stage of the year. If you have any questions, please contact the School Office. 

Little Gems 

Miss Lougheed had a very special send-off last week, with cards, flowers and beautiful well-wishes for this wonderful new chapter. 

Year 5 and 6 Shark Tank market research in action. Thank you to those parents and grandparents who provided feedback on the products. 

Congratulations to the Year 6 parent reps and volunteers who raised $978.40 at the most recent Cake Stall! A terrific effort. 

Our Year 1s and 2s continue to shine, as evidenced by these wonderful pieces of work. The Year 1s have been working on their spelling.  

The Year 2s have been writing narratives as part of their Writing unit of work. 

As we head into the long weekend, I wish all families a restful and enjoyable break. It is a wonderful opportunity to recharge before we return for the final sprint towards the end of Term 2, with plenty of exciting learning, events and milestones still to come.

Claire Tobin 

Principal