Principal's Update

Good Afternoon all,

The weeks have flown by, and as a school community, we now find ourselves moving towards the conclusion of a full and engaging first term.  We will conclude the term on Holy Thursday, April 2 at 2.15pm. 

Our Holy Week Liturgy will be held in the hall at 9.15am - please note the change in time. Families are warmly invited to join us for the liturgy and/or at the end of the day, for the draw of our Easter Raffle at 2.00pm.

Next Friday, March 27, at our whole school Assembly, we will announce our new PBIS Leaders and Fire Carriers.  We look forward to celebrating these students as they join our existing school leaders and take on their roles with enthusiasm.  They will actively contribute to school life through leadership, service, and setting a positive example.

You may be aware that employees in Victorian Government Schools are planning strike action on Tuesday March 24.  This will have no impact on our School and classes will continue as normal.

Student PSG's

Student PSG (Parent Support Group) meetings are open for Term 1 for students with a PLP (Personal Learning Plan).

We ask parents of students that do have a PLP to please book a suitable time via PAM asap. 

Email chowgate@sjquarryhill.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions or need to arrange an alternate time. 

PSG Dates:

• Thursday March 26 (Year 3-6) PSG's
• Tuesday March 31 (Foundation to Year 2) PSG's

Class Reps

We are still needing a couple of parents to put up their hands to be Class Reps for:-

• 1GS (Georgia Smith)

• 2CL (Chelsea LeGassick)

• 3/4JM (Jessica Michell)

• 3/4JS (Jessica Schofield)

• 5/6EN (Elise Nally & Nicole McKenry)

If you are interested, please contact the office.

Thank you to those who have already nominated.  Your help is greatly appreciated.

Enrolments 

If you have a younger sibling starting school in the coming year or know of other families who may be interested in joining our St Joseph’s community, we would love you to help spread the word. Enrolment information is available on our website at Enrolment Information - St. Joseph's Primary School. We warmly welcome families to explore what makes St Joseph’s such a special place to learn and grow.

St Joseph's Day

We enjoyed a wonderful day celebrating our Patron Saint, Saint Joseph, as a school community.  Our students participated enthusiastically in a range of fun activities led so confidently by our student leaders and were rewarded with a well‑earned zooper dooper for their wonderful efforts.  We concluded the day with a prayerful liturgy, and I would like to thank Mrs Nally and our student leaders for leading this so beautifully.  Thank you also to the parents who were able to join us—your presence helped make the celebration even more special.

Congratulations to Reville, the deserving winner of the 2026 Golden Hammer Award with 498 points.  Curtin followed close with 490 points and rounding off was Halifx with 485 points.  Reville was presented with the Golden Hammer in recognition of outstanding participation and positive team spirit, and for the way they consistently demonstrated Joseph‑like qualities of service, humility, and leadership throughout the day.

Colour Fun Run

Last Friday, our school enjoyed the annual Colour Fun Run.  This event is an important fundraiser for our school, and we are still collecting donations until March 25.  We greatly appreciate the wonderful support our families continue to show.  Students enjoyed running, laughing, and being covered in colour as we celebrate community, fun, and wellbeing.  Also enjoyed by all was the big slime at the end of proceedings.  It was a fantastic afternoon!

Parking & Safety Around School - Reminder

I would like to remind all families, once more, of the importance of keeping our pick‑up and drop‑off zones safe for every child.

Recently, a number of unsafe behaviours have been brought to my attention, particularly during afternoon pick‑up.  These incidents place children, families, and staff at unnecessary risk.  We ask for your support in ensuring that everyone is following the expectations outlined in our Family Handbook.

PICK UP/DROP OFF ZONE - BREEN STREET/ GLADSTONE STREET 

1. This is a clearly marked no parking zone. (Breen Street starts at the Gladstone Street end of Breen Street and finishes at the gate in Breen Street – undercover area and Gladstone Street starts near Russell Street up to the school crossing).  These zones must be kept clear between 8.15am-9.00am and again between 3.00pm– 3.45pm on school days.

2. Teachers are on duty at the gate at the end of the day until 3.30pm. 

3. At the end of the school day, children using the pick-up zone should be encouraged to make their way to the area next to the gate.  Children must remain inside the school fence until their vehicle is at the top of the queue.  Children are to sit at the undercover seats while they wait to be picked up.  The teacher on gate duty will then instruct the child to approach the vehicle. 

4. The driver of the vehicle must remain inside the vehicle, children board the vehicle and driver pulls out, allowing for the following vehicle to move forward to the top of the line (at gate) and so on it goes. 

Please note:  If your child is not at the gate when you reach the top of the line, you will have to leave the line and drive around the block to re-join the line.   

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school community safe.

Thank you, as always, for the ongoing support you show our students, staff, and school community.

Kind regards,

Julie Cornwall, Acting Principal