Dear Parents and Guardians,

It was wonderful to welcome our students back to school on Monday. All looked rested and happy, and l congratulate students for settling back into learning and their school routine so successfully. As per our usual start to each term, we start with a Swell Start to the term with a focus on our priority of Student Wellbeing and ensures a positive environment for learning.

Remembering Fr Manny Bonello

Our community came together yesterday to farewell Fr Manny at his funeral—a deeply moving and well-attended service. The funeral was a significant occasion, with Fr Manny's extensive family present, reflecting the deep relationships he nurtured throughout his life. Archbishop Peter Comensoli, Bishops Thinh Nguyen, Terry Curtin, and Rene Ramirez, along with many priests, nuns, and members of the St Joseph the Worker community were also in attendance. It was a beautiful and fitting tribute to a much-loved priest whose presence and ministry touched so many lives. We give thanks for Fr Manny’s life and service and continue to hold his family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.

Behaviour Disposition: Safe

This term we are focusing on the behaviour disposition SAFE. Creating a safe and supportive environment for students involves recognising the ways in which discomfort can impact their sense of security. Students may feel unsafe when a peer’s physical behaviour causes discomfort—such as rough play, invading personal space, or unwanted contact—even if the behaviour is not intended to harm. These moments of discomfort and concern highlight the importance of teaching respectful interactions and personal boundaries. It is essential that students regularly reflect on their own actions by asking themselves, “Am I behaving in a safe and respectful way?” Safety is not just about rules—it is about responsibility. Every student has a role to play in creating a positive school culture by behaving respectfully, safely, and taking ownership of their actions. When we all take responsibility for how we treat others, we build a community where everyone feels protected, valued, and ready to learn.

Interschool Sports Achievements

We extend our congratulations to our Senior Footballers, who competed successfully in our interschool competition last term and has earned them a place in the finals, which will take place next Monday. We wish them all the best—and hope for good weather! Special thanks to Vivian for her coaching of our football team.

Congratulations to all of our Senior students who participated in the various sporting events last term. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and sportsmanship were pleasing and reflects the spirit of our school. Thank you to our teachers who supported our students with interschool sport throughout the term.

School Events and Celebrations

We have a busy term ahead with many special school events scheduled including the much-anticipated School Disco, 100 days of Prep, Father’s Day celebrations, a Book Week incursion, Class Masses, Open Classrooms and our school performance. We are looking forward to these events and thank the teachers and many parents and friends of the school who offer their valuable time and efforts in ensuring their success.

Our school Disco will be taking place next Thursday 7th August. We are very grateful to our Parents and Friends Association and staff for supporting our school community and providing this opportunity for our students. It is sure to be a wonderful evening.

We are very excited for our Preps who will have been at school for 100 days next week! The 100th day of school is a great opportunity for our Preps to reflect on their progress and to celebrate their accomplishments. It allows us all to see just how far they have come since the beginning of the school year and to appreciate their hard work and efforts.

2026 Enrolments

Late last term, and this week, Jane and l have been meeting with our future Preps and their families. We kindly ask that all enrolment acceptances be returned, with payment, to the office at your earliest convenience.

Showcase of Learning and Open Classrooms

Please check our calendar for these important dates this term. We value having our parents and families visiting classrooms to see the learning in action and hear from our students about what is happening in the classroom. So please save the dates!

Uniform

Just a reminder that students are expected to wear black school shoes (except on sport days). This does not mean that black sneakers can be worn instead of school shoes.

Please remember that the only jewellery that is allowed to be worn at school is a religious necklace (crucifix, holy medal or scapular on a modest, simple chain) and this will be removed while undertaking physical activity. Also, only one earring per ear and all earrings must be studs. Earrings must be worn on the LOBE of the ear and no dangling earrings are allowed.

At St Joseph the Worker, we expect all parents to ensure their child/ren are wearing the correct school uniform at all times, in line with our uniform policy. Maintaining consistency in uniform helps foster a sense of pride, belonging, and equality among students. Please also note that makeup is not permitted at school, as it does not align with our expectations around presentation and age-appropriate appearance.

Maintenance

There has been some work completed at our school during the holidays. Our annual arborist report on the health of our trees and plants around the school was completed last term and following the arborists recommendations some trees have been pruned to ensure safety.

Morning Drop Off

A friendly reminder to all parents that our drive though in the morning is a ‘stop and drop’ zone. If you need to get out of the car to assist your child, please park in the parking areas. Parents often complain to me about the lack of consideration by a small number that affects many others. In the spirit of working together, l ask parents to ensure that they park if they need to support their child at the drop off.

School Fees

Thank you to all the parents who have paid their school fees in full. It is important that all fees and levies are paid on time to enable the school to meet our financial commitments. Please contact Marisa if you have any questions regarding your fees.

Photographs & Videos

A friendly reminder that under our child safety requirements, parents are only allowed to take photos of their own children. We kindly ask all members of our community to respect our legal obligations and ensure compliance with this.

We ask that St Joseph the Worker continues to bless our community.

Kind regards,

Maria Barnes

Principal

Creative Music