Message from Liz 

Dear Parents and Carers

At St Joseph’s, we understand that school funding can sometimes be confusing. That’s why we’d like to share a simple and open explanation of where our funding comes from and how school fees help us create the best learning experience for every child.

What Government Funding Covers

At St Joseph’s, we’re grateful for the support we receive from both the State Government and the Federal Government. This funding is distributed through the Victorian Catholic Education Authority and plays a big part in helping our school community thrive every day. It helps us with:

• Paying our committed teachers and support staff
• Providing classroom resources, learning programs, and curriculum materials
• Offering student support services like learning assistance, disability inclusion, and wellbeing programs
• Covering day‑to‑day needs such as electricity, water, cleaning, insurance, and maintenance
• Receiving guidance and support from Catholic Education Sandhurst at a system level

Thanks to this government funding, we can make sure our school runs safely, smoothly, and continues to offer the best possible environment for all our students

What St Joseph’s Fees Support

The school fees paid by our families make a real difference. They allow us to offer programs, experiences, and resources that go beyond what government funding covers. Thanks to these contributions, we can provide every student with a rich, engaging, and well‑rounded education that helps them thrive.

1. Family Fee

This fee supports classroom consumables, general learning resources, and specialist programs such as AUSLAN, Arts, Physical Education, and Wellbeing. 

Two levels apply:

• One student
• Two or more students

2. Curriculum / ICT Levy

This levy funds digital learning tools and technologies across the school, including:

• Software and devices
• Classroom TVs and internet access points
• STEM and literacy resources
• Online subscriptions, photocopying, and printing

Foundation students also receive a set of headphones at the start of their first school year.

3. Camp, Sport & Excursions Levy

This covers most activities throughout the year, including:

• Camps (Years 3/4 Swan Hill, Years 5/6 Cave Hill Creek)
• Swimming, Sports Carnival, Kelly Sports, and interschool sports
• Excursions and incursions (e.g., In 2025, some excursions were to Kyabram Fauna Park, Discovery Centre, Courage & Crowns, The Blurbs)
• Transport for all camps, excursions, and sports days
• Preschool bus visits to St Joseph’s

Golden Hammer Day

We have enjoyed a truly wonderful celebration today in honour of the Feast of St Joseph. Our students took part in a full day of activities recognising Harmony Day, Ride2School Day, the World Day of Kindness, and of course, St Joseph himself. It has been a joyful day of learning, community, and gratitude.

A heartfelt thank‑you goes to our Parents and Friends team, who generously provided a nutritious lunch for all students. We are especially grateful to the small group of helpers who took time out of their day to prepare and serve the meal. Your support makes such a difference, and we deeply appreciate it.

In the coming weeks, we will be inviting families to share ways they may be able to support our P&F and school activities. Every contribution—big or small—helps strengthen our community, and we look forward to partnering with you.

We feel truly blessed to be part of the St Joseph’s family. Thank you for the trust you place in us and for walking alongside us as we nurture and educate every child in our care