News from the Deputy Principal

Mental Health in Primary Schools 2025

In 2025 we are excited to participate in the Mental Health in Primary Schools initiative.

The model will build on existing school wellbeing and mental health structures already present in the school.  The Mental Health in Primary Schools initiative hopes to build the capability of the whole school about mental health and wellbeing (identification, promotion and prevention), providing support to staff to better identify and support students with mental health needs, establish clear pathways for referral for students requiring assessment and intervention, and monitoring and evaluating student progress.

Professional Learning and Planning processes will be implemented in 2025, and some wellbeing initiatives, supporting families with Mental Health, will be introduced in 2026.

Bushfire Ratings and Catastrophic Fire Danger Days

As we head into the Summer season, it is time again to become familiar with the protocols and fire danger ratings. Already at school, we have had fire drills to ensure that our procedures and routines are in place in case of emergency. These are important procedures for schools to ensure the safety of all members of the school community when faced with an emergency situation.

This week Nick and I met with MACS Emergency Management Team to review some of the policies and procedures related to an emergency threat. It was great to hear feedback about the procedures we have in place in case of an emergency, which are practised regularly.

Fire danger ratings and warnings are used in Victoria to provide clear direction on the safest options in a bushfire.

School procedures for days of Catastrophic fire danger

Schools listed on the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) will be closed when a Catastrophic fire danger day is declared in their weather district. St Joseph's has been identified as being one of those at high bushfire risk and is listed on the BARR, so will close on any declared Catastrophic fire danger days. 

We will provide as much notice of a Catastrophic fire danger day as we can. A Catastrophic day will be declared the day before. Once we are advised of the declaration, we will provide you with advice before the end of the school day.

Once a Catastrophic day has been declared, the rating will not change, regardless of improvements in the weather forecast. This is to avoid confusion and help your family plan alternative care arrangements for your child.

It is also important to note that:

• No staff will be on site on days where the school is closed due to Catastrophic fire danger.
• Outside School Hours Care will also be cancelled on these days.
• School camps or excursions will be cancelled if a Catastrophic fire danger day is determined for the weather district in which the camp / excursion is located. (Camps in some bushland areas may also be cancelled in the event of an Extreme fire danger day, but this will be determined on a case-by-case basis.)
• As a bus coordinating school, all bus routes will be cancelled.

On Catastrophic days, families are encouraged to enact their bushfire plan – on such days, children should never be left at home alone or in the care of older children. For those in bushfire-prone areas, fire services advise that the safest option is to leave the night before or early on the morning of Catastrophic days.

As part of preparing our school for potential hazards such as fire, the school has a robust Emergency Management Plan, and ensures that school grounds and facilities are well prepared for bushfire.

What can you do?

• Download the VicEmergency app to stay informed about emergencies and warnings in your area.
• Make sure your family’s bushfire survival plan is up to date and includes alternative care arrangements if our school is closed.
• Ensure we have your current contact details, including your mobile phone numbers.
• Keep in touch with us by reading our newsletters, by checking our website, and by talking to your child’s teacher or any other member of the teaching staff about our Emergency Management Plan.
• During the warmer months of the year, if you’re planning a holiday or short stay in the bush or in a coastal area, check warnings in advance of travel and remain vigilant during your stay.
• If your child is old enough, talk to them about bushfires and other emergencies, and your family’s bushfire survival plan.