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 Parents,

Semester 1 Reports

Semester 1 academic reports for students in Pre-Primary through to Year 6 will be available via SEQTA Engage on Thursday, 2 July.

To access these reports, please log in using your existing SEQTA Engage credentials. We recommend that you check your login details prior to the release date to ensure smooth access.

A set of instructions can be found with this newsletter.

If you experience any difficulties, please contact the school office for assistance. While reports provide an important snapshot of student progress, please remember that our teachers are always available to discuss your child’s learning at any time.

New Three-Year-Old Programme

We are delighted to announce that St Joseph’s will be introducing a Three-Year-Old Programme, commencing next term.

This exciting initiative reflects our commitment to supporting families and providing high-quality early learning opportunities within our community. The programme has been thoughtfully designed to nurture young learners in a warm, safe, and engaging environment, fostering confidence, independence, and a love of learning.

Through a play-based approach, children will learn through exploration, creativity, and social interaction. Our experienced and caring staff will support each child’s social, emotional, and early academic development at their own pace. A range of structured and unstructured activities will allow children to build friendships, develop language skills, and engage in meaningful, hands-on learning.

Further details can be found on the flyer accompanying this newsletter.

Community Invitation – NAIDOC Week Liturgy

You are warmly invited to join our school community for a whole-school liturgy in celebration of NAIDOC Week.

🗓 Tuesday, 30 June

⏰ 9:30am

📍 School multi purpose room

This special gathering will include an opportunity for our community to learn and pray the Sign of the Cross in Miriwoong language, fostering cultural awareness, respect, and inclusion.

All students will receive an icy pole, and we invite families and community members to stay afterwards for a morning tea.

Farewell Message

As I prepare to say farewell to the Saint Joseph’s School community, I do so with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for my time in this beautiful part of the country.

The children have made me feel incredibly welcome, and I will carry their smiling faces and gentle ways in my heart for many years to come. It has truly been a joy to be part of their learning journey.

I have also had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated and passionate staff. Over the months I have been here, I have witnessed firsthand the commitment and care that each member of staff brings to our community. Something that is truly second to none.

As I move on, I extend my very best wishes to Mr Peter and the entire Saint Joseph’s School community. May the year ahead continue to unfold with success, growth, and many blessings for all.

Thank you for the memories, the friendships, and the shared purpose.

Warm regards,

Greg Green

Principal

Farewell Blessing:

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon your field.

Save the Date!

Students from Year 2 to Year 6 are participating in the St Joseph’s annual fun run in Mirima National Park on 30 June 2026.

Students participate in the event in a staggered start.

10:45am Yr 2

11:05am Yr 3

11:25am Yr 4

11:45am Yr 5

12:05pm Yr 6

12:25pm Whole School Lunch provided by the P&F

The Fun Run is not about winners, but helping classmates finish and achieve goals, by support and cooperation. Each class will be scored, as a total time for the circuit. So, the object is to help your classmates over the line!

Volunteers are always welcome. Please contact steve.italiano@cewa.edu.au if you wish to volunteer on the day. Students will need closed in shoes to participate and must remember to bring their hat and water bottle.

Students in Kindy to Year 1 will be participating in a fun run at St Joseph’s school on 1 July 2026. These children have been running a track around the school during their PE lessons. This informal race will start at 1:45pm for those parents wishing to watch. Please see map below.

Next week, our Boab value focus will be Strong Learners. Throughout the week, we will be working with students to explore what Strong Learners look like in the classroom. This includes, lining up as soon as the bell rings, get a good night sleep, stay on task, try your best, have a go, be positive about learning, go straight to class and continue learning. These simple actions help create a positive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued.

by Favor Mayom and Joffrey Lada

Confirmation with Bishop Tim: Term 3, Tuesday 25th August, Year 6 children and adults

First Reconciliation: Term 4 Year 4 children date TBA

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. Early next term, we will have Baptisms at Mirima.

Mass is held each weekend at St Vincent Pallotti Church on Saturdays 5:30 pm and Sundays at 8:30am.

Weekday Mass times are Wednesday and Friday at 5.30pm.

On Sundays, Children’s Liturgy is sometimes 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 Wednesday, June 17th, 18 students from Year 4/5 and 6 participated in the Dockers Shield Carnival organised by Garndawa.

We played against Wyndham St Joseph’s, Warmun and Wyndham District High School. Romiaz Coppin was our captain, and I was his assistant captain.

Miss Megan and Miss Tanya were very proud of us all for having a go and following the carnival rules.

We want to say a big thank you to Dee Dee Purdie, Gary Gerard and Miss Tilly for their awesome coaching and advice to make us all better players.

By Zyidique Morgan

For the next two weeks, Years 4-6 are involved in a creative challenge organised by Barking Gecko.

Two lovely ladies from Perth, Miss Ren and Miss Arianna, are teaching us drama skills and physical movements based around the theme of ‘My Impact’. So far, the ladies have shown us how to use our bodies for movement and using our voices and facial expressions for impact.

At the end of the fortnight, we will have a celebration to showcase our artwork. We also hope to perform our production at the Fete in August.

By Favor Mayom

Term 1: Monday 2 February - Thursday 2 April

Term 2: Monday 20 April - Friday 3 July

Term 3: Tuesday 21 July - Friday 25 September

Term 4: Tuesday 13 October - Friday 11 December

Friday 27 February

Tuesday 3 March

Tuesday 2 June

Monday 20 July

Monday 12 October

Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

7.40am to 2.00pm

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

7.40am to 2.00pm

Thursday

7.40am to 2.00pm

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.”