Message from Liz 

We have enjoyed a very positive start to Term 2, with calm classrooms and students actively engaged in their learning. Over the next 10 weeks, we look forward to working in partnership with families and sharing many exciting events and activities.

Behaviour Curriculum 

Across our classrooms, we are continuing to explicitly teach positive behaviour alongside learning. We know that student behaviour and learning productivity are closely linked. When students can listen attentively, ask questions appropriately, follow instructions, and engage respectfully with others, they are better positioned to succeed in their learning. 

Our school community includes children from many different backgrounds, each bringing their own values and understandings of behaviour. To support every child to thrive—both at school and beyond—it is essential that we teach and model clear expectations for behaviour in a consistent and supportive way. 

Since April 2025, we have been implementing the Classroom Mastery approach to classroom behaviour. This approach is focused on creating calm, orderly, and predictable learning environments where every child feels safe, respected, and ready to learn. Through this work, we have been actively reducing disruptions and distractions, ensuring learning time is maximised for all students. 

Ongoing support from our Classroom Mastery mentor has been both regular and invaluable. This week, we welcomed Bridie back to our school. She conducted classroom drop‑ins, provided targeted feedback to teachers, and facilitated a staff meeting where we began reviewing our Behaviour Curriculum. 

Bridie shared that she loved seeing “a calm tone across the school, with settled classrooms and positive student interactions,” which is a wonderful affirmation of the progress being made. 

We look forward to sharing the outcomes of our Behaviour Curriculum review and clearly outlining how it will be implemented at both a school‑wide and individual student level. While we acknowledge that behavioural challenges will still arise from time to time, families can be assured that clearer expectations and consistent processes are being established and will be communicated openly with our community. 

Our focus will be on strengthening consistent behaviour practices, with particular attention on addressing minor behaviours such as defiance, disruption, and disrespect before they escalate. This will ensure that everyone—students, staff, and families—has a clear understanding of expectations and that responses are fair, supportive, and centred on student wellbeing. 

Together, we remain committed to creating an environment where every child can learn, feel safe, and succeed. 

Farewell Mrs Whitehead

Next week we farewell Maria Whitehead. The heart of our admin office and school. 

We will speak to her years of service on Tuesday when we get together, so I’d like to take the opportunity to invite you to Assembly on Tuesday 5 May at 2.30pm where we will celebrate her contribution to St Joseph's.

We hope you can join us!

Movie Night - Thursday 7 May

Excitement is building ahead of our movie night next Thursday! When I left school this week, we already had the support of 90 generous people, with almost a week still to go. We are really looking forward to coming together to celebrate all the wonderful things about our school, while raising funds to enhance our outdoor learning and play areas.

There is still time to purchase your tickets, and we are pleased to share that supper will be provided before the movie.

Thank you for your continued support—we can’t wait to see you there!