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 and Carers,

And just like that, it is the end of Term 3!

We welcome Elsie (3YOK), Poppy (3YOK), Caitlin (3YOK), Jack (3YOK) and their families to our school community. It is always nice to see new faces at St Joseph’s PS.

Parents and Carers: Thank you for your trust, commitment and support throughout the term. Your partnership with our teaching staff and continued involvement in school life makes a real difference to our students. We are proud to be a community-minded school and value our partnership with you.

Holidays: Wishing all our students and families a safe and enjoyable holiday break. Take care and we look forward to welcoming everyone back next term!

Term 4: Our first day back is Tuesday, 13 October. Staff are engaged in professional development on Monday.

Communication: The school leadership team and teachers are always happy to listen, discuss any questions or concerns you have. We aim to be approachable and supportive and encourage you to reach out whenever a conversation would be helpful. This can be a chat, email or phone call.

Kind regards,

Mr Peter O’Mara

Principal

2027 Enrolment: Please note that younger siblings do not automatically have a place in 4-Year-Old Kindy for 2027. Likewise, students currently enrolled in 3-Year-Old Kindy are not automatically enrolled in 4-Year-Old Kindy next year.

Families wishing to enrol their child in 4-Year-Old Kindy for 2027 are required to complete an enrolment form, available on the school website or as a hard copy from Georgie in the school office.

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.

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 Thursday

7.40am to 2.00pm

Tuesday, Wednesday and 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.”