Principal's News   

Dear Parents and Carers,

This week in Australia, Child Protection Week runs from 7-13 September. At St Joseph's child safety is not only a focus for us during child protection week, but a priority throughout the year. This message is clearly outlined in all our email communication, on our school website and our school policies:

 At St Joseph's Primary School, we hold the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children and young people in our care as a central and fundamental responsibility of our school. 

As educators we have a moral and legal responsibility to act in the best interests of every child and young person, to actively promote their wellbeing and to ensure the safety of every student entrusted to our care.

At St Joseph's, the safety and wellbeing of all our students is our highest priority.  Safety is at the foundation of every child's ability to learn and thrive. We place it at the heart of everything we do and are unwavering in our commitment.

Prayer for Children

Loving God, You see each of us and call us by name. We entrust to You the safety and wellbeing of all children. 

For children:

May they grow in safety and peace, feeling loved, seen, heard, and respected. Help them to know that their voices matter. 

For parents and families:

Strengthen them with patience, kindness, and open hearts to nurture children with love and support. 

For communities:

That every place where children live, learn, and play may be a space of welcome, safety, and friendship. 

For leaders and all people:

Grant us wisdom, compassion, and courage to act with love, uphold justice, and work together to protect the vulnerable. 

We ask this in the spirit of love and protection for all children. Amen.

Child Safe Standards 

The Child Safe Standards set out minimum requirements and outline the actions organisations must take to keep children and young people safe.

There are 11 Child Safe Standards which include requirements to:

• involve families and communities in organisations’ efforts to keep children and young people safe
• provide greater focus on safety for Aboriginal children and young people
• manage the risk of child abuse in online environments.

Here is a link to more information about the standards: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/the-11-child-safe-standards/

Father's Day Dinner

Last Friday, in addition to our Father's Day breakfast and liturgy, some our fathers enjoyed an extra special celebration where they participated in a round of golf, followed by a celebratory dinner at the Orrong Hotel.

A huge thank you to Annie (Mum of Felix and Raphaela) and Claire (Mum of max and Billy) who were the masterminds behind this event, and who kindly organised the dinner, door prizes and a few extra surprises for the dads. Thank you also to Lukas (Father of Felix and Raphaela) for organising the golf day. It sounds like it was a great day and night, and a great opportunity for the dads in our community to make new connections and enjoy the beginning of life long friendships. 

We say a special thank you to the Orrong Hotel for hosting, and to the House of Golf and Wursthutte Meats for supplying prizes.  

Thank you to The Wursthutte!

We extend a heartfelt thank you to The Wursthutte - Butcher and Smallgoods - at 187 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern who very kindly donated two lamb trays as prizes for our Father's Day dinner. It is always great to promote a local business, who has so generously supported our school. If you are looking for a good local butcher, let's support this local small business.

Swimming Program

This week our students commenced our intensive swimming program. We thank Ms Christie Birch for her organisation in ensuring we have a program that promotes water safety and swimming skills. We thank all the teachers for their extra vigilance in ensuring child safety is our priority as we move on and off the buses, access the change rooms, and move in and out of the pool. A special thank you to all the parents/carers who have volunteered to support throughout the swimming program across the two weeks.

MACS Flourishing Learners Conference

Earlier this week, on Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th September, our executive leadership team – Dean, Amanda, and myself – attended the inaugural MACS Flourishing Learners Conference at Marvel Stadium. This year's theme was ‘Leading Excellence and Equity in Catholic Education’, setting the tone for two inspiring and insightful days.

The conference opened with blessings and a prayer from Archbishop Peter Comensoli and Fr Mark Reynolds, followed by a compelling address on system-wide vision from our Executive Director, Dr Edward Simons. Across both days, we enjoyed the keynote presentations and interactive workshops delivered by leading international and local experts. These sessions offered valuable opportunities to connect with MACS colleagues from across the Archdiocese and to explore practical strategies aimed at enhancing educational outcomes.

We’ve come away from the conference energised and equipped with new ideas and perspectives that will help support the ongoing growth and success of our school community. We look forward to sharing more about our key takeaways with our staff, SAC and community .

MACS Flourishing Learners Prayer

Loving God,

We give thanks for the gift of education and the opportunity to learn and grow in the light of your wisdom. May all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne recognise that students are created in your image, each uniquely fashioned by Your divine hands. Amen.

MACSSIS - MACS Schools Improvement Surveys

The 2025 School Improvement Surveys have now been shared with parents, staff, and our Year 4, 5 and 6 students. These surveys are an important way for us to hear your voice and gather feedback that helps shape the future direction of our school.

We encourage all families to take a few minutes to complete the survey. The more responses we receive, the more accurate and valuable the results will be.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and for supporting this important process. Together, we can continue to strengthen our school community.

School Advisory Council 

This week, our School Advisory Council met to look at areas of school improvement to strengthen our school. Our MACS Business Manager, Lexi Slaven, presented an update on finance related matters and our building works. Other matters of significance included our 2026 school budget, class structures, staffing, our school review process, NAPLAN results and child safety.

School Advisory Council –  Expressions of Interest

The School Advisory Council (SAC) plays an important role in supporting the Principal and strengthening our school community. Acting as a consultative voice, the SAC provides advice on school improvement, finance, communication, community engagement, and the wellbeing and learning of our students.

For the 2026–2027 period, we are seeking new members to join the SAC as some of our current SAC members' tenure will come to an end. This is a voluntary three year commitment, with the group meeting around 6–8 times per year. Serving on the SAC is a wonderful way to contribute skills, share your perspective, and help shape the future of St Joseph’s.

How to Nominate

If you would like to put yourself forward, please email Annabelle Marinelli  (annabelle.marinelli@sjmalvern.catholic.edu.au) with your nomination before the end of Week 2 in Term 4 (Friday 17th October). Include a short outline of your background and how you feel you can contribute. All expressions of interest will be considered by the principal, the SAC Chair - David Stegehuis and Fr Gallacher.

We warmly encourage parents and carers to consider this wonderful opportunity to be actively involved, contribute to St Joseph’s, share your perspective, and make a difference for our students and community. If you have any questions, please contact David Stegehuis (SAC Chair) or Annabelle Marinelli.

For more information about the SAC and the process of applying please refer to the Terms of Reference:

Successful candidates will be confirmed at the final SAC meeting this year.

Sacrament of Confirmation Family Night

This week, our Year 6 families came together with their child, for the Sacrament of Confirmation Family Faith Information Night. Fr Gallacher generously shared his wisdom as our students prepare for this significant next step in their faith journey. We extend our appreciation to Ms Donnella DeVisser for her faith leadership, and to our Year 6 teachers for the preparation of the students and their support on the night. We look forward to joining the children for the Commitment Mass at the 10.30am Mass at St Joseph’s Parish this Sunday, and supporting them on their faith journey. You are warmly invited to join us in prayer and celebration. 

Basketball Lightning Premiership 

Last Friday our senior students participated with De La Salle in the Basketball Lightning Premiership. We congratulate our students for their participation, enthusiasm and commitment to team spirit. We are grateful to Ms Birch, Ms Daws and Ms Carman for supporting our students at this event.

Presentation to Aspiring Principals

Today I was honoured to present to a group of aspiring principals at the Catholic Leadership Centre. I was invited to speak to the group of Deputy Principals about my experience of preparing for principalship, and my first 100 days of principalship! It was a privilege to speak about the joys that come with leading a school community. As I said to the group, it is a blessing to be in such a privileged position - not only in leading a school community, constantly striving to deliver excellence, but where you have the opportunity to positively impact learning, as well as inspiring and nurturing the full flourishing of all students. The highlight for me across this year though, has been in the joyful moments, amongst the day to day busyness of school life, where I spend precious moments with the children.

Today's School Assembly

We thank Year 1MD for leading us during our assembly today, and to our Wellbeing Leader Ms Carman and our senior students, for promoting Are You Ok? Day. We also congratulate our STAR Award recipients and wish our birthday children a very special Tanti Auguri...

School Review

As communicated throughout this year, St Joseph's will undergo a major whole school review this year in Term 4, and in Term 1 2026. This is a MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools and VRQA (Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority) process to make sure all schools have the most up to date policies and procedures in place and to ensure quality education and child safety standards have been established. 

Once the review has been completed a reviewer's report will be provided to the school with a number of recommendations which will provide the information required to map out our whole school improvement directions over the next four years. This process will include input from staff, students and parents, and take into account results gained through our most recent MACSSIS surveys, as well as evidence collected by staff in the areas of - Leadership and Management, Religious Education, Student Wellbeing, Learning and Teaching, and School Community. 

Some of you may recall this process in 2021, and since then, each year, an Annual Action Plan (AAP) has been devised from the School Improvement Plan (SIP) to address the priorities and goals which came from the school reviewer's report.

Our school reviewer will meet with Fr Gallacher, our leadership team and myself early next term, and he will then spend two full days in our school in Week 4, with our staff, students and families.

As a school community we look forward to this process, as it will provide a great opportunity to review all aspects of our school, and to identify ways that we can continue to improve what we already do, and how we go about this. 

Class Liturgies and Open Book

Next week each of our classes invite you to attend our end of term Class Liturgies and Open Book events in classrooms. Each class will host a short liturgy in their classroom, followed by the chance to explore your child’s learning and celebrate their achievements. This term’s liturgies highlight our unit on Morality and Justice, celebrating the ways students have learned to choose wisely, show fairness and compassion, and live the Gospel in their everyday actions.

Schedule for the Class Liturgies and Open Book Events:

Mon 15th Sept 

Year 1 (9–9.30am) 

Year 3 (3–3.30pm)

Tue 16th Sept 

Year 2 (9–9.30am) 

Year 5 & 6 (3–3.30pm)

Wed 17th Sept 

Year 4 (3–3.30pm)

Thurs 18th Sept 

Prep (9–9.30am)

We warmly invite you to attend and share in this with your child.

Footy Colours Day

On Friday the 19th of September (on the last day of term) we are holding our annual Friday Footy Colours Day. There is more information about this fun day in this week's newsletter.

We are looking forward to a very exciting day!

Parents and Friends

Bunnings Hawthorn P&F BBQ Sausage Fundraiser

Our amazing P&F, led by Kate Tehan, are once again supporting our school community, by running a BBQ fundraiser at Bunnings Hawthorn! This fantastic initiative not only helps raise much-needed funds for our school, but also provides a wonderful opportunity to promote our school within the local community. It’s a great way to showcase the spirit, dedication, and warmth of our school family. 

A huge thank you to all the parents who have generously signed up to help on the day - your time and support are truly appreciated. Whether you're stopping by for a sausage or volunteering to cook some sausages, every bit helps! It is also a great opportunity to build and strengthen connections with our families in our school. We’re so grateful to everyone involved in making this event a success!

The funds raised from this event will go towards supporting the refurb in the senior space (carpet being installed in the holidays and new furniture arriving early/mid term 4!)

Thank you to Kate Tehan, our P&F and our wider community, for your continued support of our school and our students!

P&F Meetings for the Reminder of 2025

• P&F Meeting Oct 22
• P&F AGM Nov 18

School Closure Day

Whilst it might seem like a long time away, I would just like to inform you that our next school closure day takes place on Friday 31st October. This date has been marked on our family calendar, as well in in our school newsletter's calendar of events. This day is a professional learning day for our staff, where we will take a deep dive into MACS' Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement, as well as analysing student and school data, so that we have a strong focus on learning, as we being to plan for 2026. The date of this school closure is timely, as families are afforded an extra long weekend with the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday the following week.

The school will be closed on:

Staff Update

This week, we welcome a new staff member to our St Joseph's team. Sumera will be a Learning Support Officer (LSO) working in the Prep classrooms and across the junior classrooms. Sumera will support students in classrooms and with MSL intervention. I know you will join me in making Sumera feel very welcome as a new member of our community.

Over the next few weeks a few of our staff members will take some well deserved LSL.

Briely has taken leave this week, as well as Grace Harrick and Christie Birch. Isabelle in the office will also be taking some leaving in the last week of this term. 

I will be on my principal pilgrimage in Weeks 1 and 2 next term. In my absence, the school will be left in the very capable hands of our Deputy Principal, Dean Butler. I will be checking my email from time to time, however I may not have access to the internet at all times. Please reach out to Dean if you have any questions or concerns. He can be reached on his email dean.butler@sjmalvern.catholic.edu.au or by contacting the office on 95976300.

Early next term a few of our classroom teachers will also be taking some leave - Meg Correy, Tanya Huebner and David Prowse over consecutive weeks. Please be assured that we spend a lot of time choosing the most appropriate replacement staff, and that a thorough handover takes place prior to teachers going on leave. The classes are also well supported by school leaders and the buddy teacher in that year level. Our highest priority is that we maintain a high level of continuous learning and wellbeing. If you have any concerns for your child's wellbeing or learning during these absences, please make contact with your child's teacher or one of the school leaders.

Meet our Wonderful St Joseph's Staff

This week I'd like to introduce our wonderful admin staff....

Hi Everyone, my name is Mrs Stone and I work in the office as part of the administration team. I enjoy being a friendly face for students, staff, and families, and I love contributing to the smooth running of our school. I was born in Tokoroa, a small town in New Zealand, and moved to Melbourne in 1988. For the past four years, I’ve been part of the St Joseph’s community, and I really enjoy the sense of connection and belonging here. Growing up, sport played a big role in my life - I loved playing soccer, basketball, and especially netball, which I only stopped playing a few years ago after an ankle injury. Outside of school, my family keeps me busy and happy. I have two wonderful children, Noah and Alex, and a much-loved cat named Lulu, who is 17 years old and still full of personality. I enjoy spending time with my family, catching up with friends, and staying active where I can.

Hi, I’m Mrs Freeman and I work in the school office. I have been at St Joseph’s for 8 years and I love our close knit community here. Outside of school I run a skipping club called Skipz. This year I took 10 athletes with me to Japan to compete as part of Team Australia in the World Jump Rope Championships! I grew up in Ireland, Germany and Spain and I love to travel. I have travelled mainly in Europe, Asia and the US but would love to travel to India and South America one day. In my spare time I love to cook for family and friends, read and go to the cinema. My favourite movie is Back to the Future; I love the idea of time travel!

Let's Stay Connected...

If 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 our school leadership, or myself. For more serious concerns, I encourage you to reach out to me directly, either by making an appointment through the office, or contacting me via my email. 

What's On Next Week...

We have another exciting week next week at St Joseph's. Keep up to date with our weekly events on our School Dojo!

With only one week to go before the holidays, let's all support each other in getting to the finish line, after a long and busy, cold and wintery Term 3!

With warmest regards,

Annabelle Marinelli

Principal 

annabelle.marinelli@sjmalvern.catholic.edu.au