Principal's Update
St Joseph's is a child-safe school.
We promote the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all students.
Good Afternoon
As we move through our first few weeks of the school year, it has been wonderful to see our students so engaged, settled, and enthusiastic about their learning. Classrooms are buzzing with curiosity and positive energy, and it has been a joy to witness the strong start our teachers and students have made together.
A very big thank you to our PFA and all the helpers who generously gave their time on Shrove Tuesday to cook pancakes for our students. The smell of pancakes drifting through the school was wonderful, and the children certainly enjoyed the treat. Your support and willingness to jump in and help is always appreciated.
On Ash Wednesday, we gathered in smaller groups throughout the school to mark the beginning of Lent with reflective Liturgies. These moments of prayer and stillness were a meaningful way for our students and staff to enter this important season together.
It was also wonderful to see so many families at our Welcome Night. The warm conversations, shared smiles, and sense of community made the evening truly special. Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make it such a positive event.
Next week, we look forward to our Learning Conversations. These meetings are a valuable opportunity for teachers, students, and families to connect, share goals, and strengthen the partnership that supports each child’s learning.
Parking & Safety around school
Parking Services from the City of Greater Bendigo have contacted our school to request that we share the following important information with our school community.
The illegal parking of vehicles near our school poses a significant safety risk to children, pedestrians, and other road users. Parents are reminded to follow all parking restrictions when dropping off and collecting children to help ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Motorists must:
Not stop in "No Stopping" areas, even briefly, regardless of whether the engine is running.
Not Park next to a continuous yellow edge line, on nature strips, over driveways, too close to school crossings, or double park.
Observe time-restricted parking zones, such as 2-minute pick-up/drop-off areas, which are in place to maintain traffic flow and safety near schools.
Not perform U-turns over an unbroken or continuous dividing line.
Regarding children’s crossings, the law requires drivers to approach at a speed that allows them to stop safely if needed. Please slow down and take extra care when driving in school zones.
City of Greater Bendigo Parking Officers and Bendigo Police conduct random patrols throughout the school year at various locations to ensure compliance with Road Safety Road Rules.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school community safe.
Learning Conversations
Learning Conversations will be held on Tuesday February 24 and Friday February 27, 2026.
Please remember to book your Learning Conversations through PAM. Bookings close Monday February 23 at 4pm.
2027 Enrolments
Foundation Enrolments open soon for 2027. If you have a sibling beginning school next year, please visit the school website to access enrolment forms. Enrolment Information - St. Joseph's Primary School
School Fees
School Fees for 2026 have been emailed to families this week. Please check you have received your Statement and contact the office with any queries. For more details, please go to the Primary School Fees page of this newsletter or the school website - School Fees - St. Joseph's Primary School
Engagement of Volunteers
There are some great ways for parents to be involved at our school. We thank you for taking the time to Volunteer and for your continued support. Volunteers are integral to the school experience for our students, and they provide an important link to the community.
Some of the ways our school use Volunteers include:
School Tuckshop
Coaching school sports teams
Helping during excursions or incursions
Support at our school sports days
At St Joseph’s Primary School, Quarry Hill the safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. To uphold our commitment to child safety, ALL Volunteers are required to review and acknowledge our Child Safe Code of Conduct, Staff & Students Professional Boundaries Policy and Photography & Video Policy and Procedures. Additionally, Volunteers must complete a Volunteer Registration form and successfully complete the CESL School Volunteer Induction before commencing their role as a Volunteer.
We deeply value the contributions of our Volunteers and appreciate your support in maintaining a culture of care and protection. Together, we can continue to provide a safe and nurturing space for every child to thrive.
For more information regarding volunteering click on the link below to complete the Volunteer Registration form.
All Volunteers will be asked to:
Complete a Volunteer Registration form (including personal details, Working with Children Check (WWCC) and 2 personal referees), please inform your referees they will be contacted by the school in relation to your volunteering.
Once you have completed the Volunteer Registration form and are approved to Volunteer at the school, you will be sent an email with a link to access the required training: (Please note – Completing this induction replaces the previous onsite induction interview)
CESL School Volunteer Induction; and
Read and acknowledge the Child Safe Code of Conduct, Staff & Students Professional Boundaries Policy and Photography & Video Policy and Procedures.
All Volunteers will be required to update details at the start of each year and inform the school of any changes to your circumstances or updates to your WWCC. All Volunteers will need to complete the CESL School Volunteer Induction and read and acknowledge all relevant safeguarding policies at the start of each school year even if an existing Volunteer.
All information received regarding volunteering and providing referee details will be maintained in line with CESL Privacy Policy.
Wishing everyone a calm and productive week ahead.
Kind regards,
Julie Cornwall, Acting Principal