School News

 Happy Birthday

Wishing all our students a very happy birthday who celebrated their special day over the holiday break and last fortnight.

2 April - Hazel M Kinder and Scarlett C Year 5

3 April - Amarlia G Kinder, Charlotte K Year 5 and Morris M Year 5 

4 April - Michael C Year 1 and Sebastian R Year 3

5 April - Brooks B Year 2, Toren B Year 2 and Stella A Year 3

6 April - Cooper N Year 3

9 April - Frank T Year 1

14 April - Oliver K Year 5

15 April - Autumn B Year 2 and Grace M Year 6

16 April - Arlo M Year 1

17 April - Mila D Year 1

18 April - Ellis W Year 2 and Arabella G Year 4

20 April - Ivy M Year 3

21 April - Fox S Kinder, Zara M Year 5

22 April - Leo S Year 1, James A Year 4 and Portia M Year 5

23 April - Reg M Year 2 and Chloe S Year 2

25 April - May F Year 5

27 April - Summer F Year 2

New Complaints Management Policy

Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) is introducing a new Complaints Management Policy to support fair, respectful and child-focused resolution of concerns across all Catholic schools in the diocese. The policy is available below and will take effect from the start of Term 2 (20 April 2026).

The policy outlines:

• Where and how complaints can be made

• What complaints can be made about, and what information is needed

• When acknowledgement can be expected, and how complaints are handled

• Options for review

We are committed to working in partnership with families to maintain a safe and supportive school environment. We value your feedback and encourage you to raise any concerns early so we can address them promptly and effectively.

Council of Catholic School Parents Guides

The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW (CCSP) has a number of high-quality free handbooks for parents to download from the CCSP website. These handbooks are easy to read and help parents better understand how to support their children at school.

Families and Schools Together: How parents can work with schools to support children’s learning and wellbeing 

• Supports parents in building strong, respectful partnerships with Catholic schools

• Explains what parent engagement is how to help their child thrive

• Provides advice on building positive relationships with the school

• Includes tips on helping children with learning at school and at home

• Encourages parents to be involved in parent groups and school life

• Invites parents to help create caring Catholic communities

Download the guide below

Supporting Diverse Learners with Disability in Catholic Schools: A guide by parents for parents

• Designed to help parents confidently navigate the school journey

• Provides guidance on working effectively with teachers and school staff

• Offers practical advice for both primary and secondary school parents

• Helps parents prepare child with a disability for school and each stage of learning

• Provides tips to support positive learning and wellbeing outcomes

Download the guide below

Our Catholic faith: A handbook for parents of students with children in NSW Catholic schools

• Is an introduction to our Catholic faith what makes a school Catholic

• Explains Catholic beliefs and traditions in a simple way

• Includes easy-to-understand information about Religious Education, liturgy and Mass, faith formation, the Catholic school calendar and prayers

• Is an easy-to-read guide for families and staff who aren’t Catholic.

• Schools may find this resource particularly helpful during enrolment time.

Download the guide below.

2026 Maths Olympiad

St Joseph's Stage 3 students will once again be participating in the Maths Olympiad competition. The Maths Olympiad is an annual contest offered by the Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads Inc (APSMO). It consists of four separate contests, held approximately every six weeks between May and September. 

The Olympiads are specifically designed to challenge students to develop their problem solving skills. Competition dates for participating students are:

2026 Book Club Issue 3 

Students received our Book Club Issue 3, 2026, last week.  

Issue 3 will close 11 May 2026.

Books will be delivered in the week beginning Monday 18 May 2026.  Orders above $19.50 will receive a $5 discount to redeem on Issue 4.

Uniform Requirements

Students will return to school in Term 2 wearing Summer Uniform. The official change over to Winter Uniform is Monday Monday 4 May (Week 3, Term 2). 

Parents may use their discretion in the 2 weeks following the change over date particularly on days of extreme heat when it may be too warm for winter uniform.

CCTV Installation

The installation of CCTV cameras in specific external areas of the school site will take place during Weeks 4 & 5 this term with the surveillance beginning on its completion. Please find the CCTV Policy here: SJB CCTV Policy.pdf

Parent Teacher Interviews - Week 3, Term 2

Parents will be invited to meet with their child’s teacher in Week 3 of Term 2. 

Following positive feedback from both parents and teachers last year, these meetings will again be held earlier in the term rather than after Academic Reports are issued. 

Parents will be able to book an interview time via the Compass Parent Portal in Week 1 of Term 2.

Mother's Day Celebrations - Thursday 7 May

We are delighted to be hosting Mother's Day celebrations on Thursday 7 May. Please find an outline of the celebrations. More information will be forwarded early Term 2:

• 8am - Breakfast

• 9am - Open Classrooms

• 9.40am - Mother's Day Liturgy

   

Celebrations will conclude by 10am. Students will then have the opportunity to purchase a gift from the Mother's Day Stall. 

Mothers, Grandmothers and 'Mother figures' are invited. 

2027 Enrolments - Online applications now open

Our online applications for Kindergarten 2027 are now open.

The online application form will be accessible from the home page of our school website

Sport

Term 2 Sports Uniform Days

NSW PSSA Swimming

Congratulations to all the students who represented the Diocese at the MacKillop Swimming Trials in Homebush at the end of last term.

Special congratulations goes to Archer T in Year 6 who was selected in the MacKillop team and will compete in the NSWPSSA Championships on Tuesday 28 April. We wish Archer all the best!

Diocesan Rugby Union Trials

Congratulations to the following Year 6 boys, Taj A, Zane N, George W and Isikeli V, who last Friday were selected in the Diocesan Rugby League Team. We wish them the very best of luck as they compete in the MacKillop Trials in Forbes in June. 

School High Jump Trials

Thank you to Mrs Mitchell for teaching High Jump skills during PE lessons. All students K-6 participated in skill development during week 1 lessons. Students aged 8-12 years will have the opportunity to trial, to compete in the Championship High Jump event at the school athletics carnival, during weeks 2-3 PE lessons. 

Canteen

Cash purchases for snacks and drinks can be made at recess and lunchtime. Snacks and drinks can also be ordered via the new platform FlexiSchools.

Lunch orders

Orders for lunch can only be made through Flexischools.  Please note that orders close at 9.15am daily.  Orders cannot be placed after this time. 

Note:  Canteen is CLOSED MONDAYS

Flexischool Parent Support Line - 1300 361 769 (Hours: 7.00am-12.00 noon)

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Handbook

2025 Bus Timetable (Premier Charters)

PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning)

Ask your child about the weekly focus for students.

This week's focus:

Respect Learning Time!

We do this by:

Being organised and prepared with learning materials; Following instructions the first time; Staying focused and on task; Keeping talk-time related.