St Joseph's School Newsletter

Inspired by Mary MacKillop, we strive to achieve excellence in education and pastoral care, foster well being, develop strong values and include all cultures and community members.

Following Jesus' example, we support all cultures and needs by building trusting relationships and fostering high expectations that inspire and empower our children to be compassionate, lifelong learners.

Dear Families and Community,

This week we pause as a school community acknowledge National Sorry Day Tuesday 26 May. A significant day in Australia’s history where we recognise the experiences and enduring impact of the Stolen Generations.

At Saint Joseph’s, we are committed to fostering a spirit of respect, understanding, and reconciliation. National Sorry Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the past and to listen, learn, and grow together.

We honour the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly the families and Elders within our Kununurra community. Their stories, culture, and connection to Country enrich our students’ learning and deepen our appreciation of the land on which we live and learn.

In classrooms, our students have engaged in activities to help them understand the meaning of “sorry” — not only as a word, but as an act of empathy, healing, and commitment to doing better. Throughout the year they explored themes of kindness, fairness, and belonging, which are so important in building a strong and inclusive school culture.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we nurture a caring and respectful school community.

Don't forget, next week Tuesday, 2nd of June is a pupil free day. Enjoy an extra long weekend!

Warm regards,

Greg Green

Principal

Dear God,

Thank you for loving us.

Today we say sorry for the hurt and sadness in our world.

Help us to be kind, to listen, and to care for one another.

Teach us to walk together in friendship and respect.

May we bring peace, love, and healing to everyone we meet.

Amen.

Next week, for our Boab value we will be focusing on Being Responsible. Throughout the week, we will be working with students to explore this means.

This includes, playing games fairly encouraging others by using gentle words, respecting other people's property

These simple actions make people feel valued and help create a positive environment where everyone feels safe.

School Captains

Favor Mayom & Joffrey Lada

First Eucharist: Term 2 Year 5 children

This term, all classes are covering a unit of work on the Eucharist as part of the Religious Education Program. On Sunday 7th June we will celebrate First Eucharist for families who wish for their children to receive the Sacrament.

A note has been sent home to all families identifying as Catholics on our records.

Confirmation with Bishop Tim: Term 3 Year 6 children

First Reconciliation: Term 4 Year 4 children

Children at St Joseph's school will be prepared for Sacraments as part of their Religious Education program.

Families who have children not at St Joseph's school, and wish to be included in the sacrament, can contact Sr Julianne. We have preparation programs that can be done at home with family, or by meeting with Sr Julianne after school hours for preparation.

Missed Sacraments:

We are aware that some children have missed Sacraments in previous years due to absence, sickness, moving house, etc. This is not a problem and can be catered for as part of the program.

Baptism:

Fr Ernest is available for Baptisms at any time throughout the year. Baptismal forms can be collected at the school office and returned to Sr Julianne with a preferred date, or by contacting Fr Ernest directly. Please also let family and friends know about baptisms.

Mass is held each weekend at St Vincent Pallotti Church on Sundays at 8:30am.

Weekday Mass times are Wednesday and Friday at 5.30pm.

On Sundays, Children’s Liturgy is included during Mass.

Fr Ernest is available for Reconciliation on any day, usually from about half an hour before Mass.

When possible, each class will visit the Juniper Aged Care Facility to share an activity with the residents (e.g., singing, Lego, painting, reading, etc.). A permission form and additional information will be sent home prior to the visit.

On May 27th, 2026, Mrs M. Hawkins' class of 5/6 went to Juniper to honour Sorry Day. The class presented the residents with a special bookmark, and we all sang a special Sorry Day song. The residents joined in with clapping sticks and we did fun actions. Miss Eileen made a special damper for the residents to enjoy for their morning tea. We shook the residents' hands to say hello and goodbye.

This week we farewelled our Canteen Manager, Kevin. We wish him all the best!

As we have not secured a replacement for the rest of this term, we will be providing emergency lunches only (ie fruit for recess and toasties for lunch).

We appreicate your cooperation and look forward to our new canteen manager commencing in Term 3.

Hi all,

Today, the 29th of May, will be my last day running the canteen.

Sadly but truly, our Australian adventure is coming to an end after spending five incredible years in this beautiful country. Soon we’ll head back to where my funny accent comes from — the Netherlands — to prepare to cycle across Africa and chase new adventures. If you’d like to follow the journey, my Instagram is @KevinBuiting.

For now, I’d love to thank everyone who has contributed to my amazing time here at St Joseph's School. The countless laughs, spontaneous chats, and listening to stories from the wonderful students have warmed my heart every single day.

Thank you all!

Kevin

The School Bus leaves at 7.00 am each morning, to pick up children in town.

At Approximately, 7.30, the bus then goes out to Ranch, Reserve & Garden areas.

Children MUST be out the front ready for the bus. With an increase in bus numbers this year, even a one-minute delay at each stop—such as children searching for shoes—can significantly extend the bus run time.

Please ensure that an adult is visible at home when we drop children off at the end of the day, otherwise this can delay the bus with staff having to get out and knock on the door or make phone calls to find you. Just a simple wave to the bus driver is all we need.

St Joseph’s white school bus only

Old Town students: 7.00 -7.30am

Ranch, Reserve & Garden students: 7.30-7.40am

Role of the Director General

Schools are required to publish information about the role of the Director General and the following is recommended: “The Director General of the Department of Education is responsible for ensuring that the school observes the registration standards, including the standard about its complaints handling system. Any student, parent or community member is entitled to contact the Director General with concerns about how the school has dealt with a complaint. Information is available on the Department of Education website. While the Director General may consider whether the school has breached the registration standards, she does not have power to intervene in a complaint or override the school’s decision.”