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 St Joseph’s families,

On Ash Wednesday we began our Lenten journey with a beautiful liturgy that invited us to “take something up” as we strive to grow as followers of Christ. It was a meaningful start to this important season of reflection and renewal.

A heartfelt thank you to Sr Julianne for her care in preparing the liturgy, and to our students and staff for their thoughtful participation.

Last Friday, our school community came together for a great Community Breakfast. It was a joyful start to the day, filled with friendly conversations, plenty of smiles, and a strong sense of belonging.

A heartfelt thank you to the many people who helped make the morning such a success:

The Kununurra Police for stepping in wherever needed and ensuring everything ran smoothly.

Deedee Purdie, Garry Gerrard, and Daniel Grinbey your organisation, enthusiasm, and energy were greatly appreciated.

Isaac Burgoyne one of our parents, and Des Farrell from (PCYC) for keeping the food coming and supporting our families throughout the morning.

We also extend special thanks to Jarrod Chipperfield at PCYC, who generously donated all the breakfast food.

Your community spirit helped create a warm and memorable event for our students, families, and staff. Thank you for supporting our school so wholeheartedly.

Important Upcoming Dates

Pupil-Free Days

• Friday 27 February

• Tuesday 3 March

On both days, staff will be engaged in Vision for Learning development and curriculum planning as we continue to strengthen teaching and learning across the school.

Term 1 Assemblies

• Friday 6 March – Year 4/5 Assembly at 1:30pm

• Friday 13 March – Merit Assembly at 1:30pm

• Friday 20 March – Year 2/3 Assembly at 1:30pm

We look forward to welcoming families to these special events and celebrating the wonderful achievements of our students.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Greg Green

Principal

Loving God,

As the season of Lent begins, walk with us across this Country we call home.

Bless the red dirt, the rivers, the ranges, and all who care for this land.

Open our hearts to listen deeply, to act with compassion, and to grow in hope.

Guide our steps as we turn back to You and towards each other.

May this Lent be a time of healing, kindness, and new beginnings.

Amen.

Next week, our Boab value focus will be Respect. Throughout the week, we will be working with students to explore what respect looks like in the classroom. This includes moving quietly when people are working around you . Remember to walk quietly into classes and on time. Listen to the speaker and let others do their work. Use friendly and kind words when talking to everyone. These simple actions help create a positive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued.

Last week, Miss Megan's class visited Miss Jess' class for some buddy reading. The younger children develop their listening skills, vocabulary and love of reading while learning from positive role models. At the same time, the Year 5/6 students strengthen their fluency, expression, leadership skills, and sense of responsibility as they support their younger peers. This shared experience also builds strong cross-grade relationships and fosters a caring, connected school community.

Peter O'Mara

Assistant Principal

We warmly welcome Fr Ernest Kandie to Kununurra as our new Resident Priest. We are delighted to have him join our community and look forward to his spiritual leadership.

Fr Ernest will also be visiting Kalumburu once a month to support the faith community there.

On Thursday, March 19, we will celebrate the Feast of St Joseph, our Patron Saint. Mass will be held at 8:15am in the School Library with Father Ernest. All are warmly welcome to join us for this special celebration.

On the same day, our classes will also celebrate Harmony Day. Families are encouraged to come to school dressed in traditional cultural attire. A gold coin donation is requested, with all proceeds going towards Project Compassion.

We look forward to celebrating this meaningful day together as a school community.

In Terms 2–4, children cover a unit of work on one of the Sacraments. At the end of the unit, if requested, children of the Catholic faith are prepared to receive the Sacrament at St Vincent Pallotti Church.

Fr Ernest will be available for Baptisms at any time throughout the year. Baptismal forms can be collected from the school office and returned to Sr Julianne with a preferred date, or by contacting Fr Ernest directly on 9168 1027. Please also let family and friends know about Baptisms if you are aware of pre-school children needing to be baptised.

Other Sacraments this year will be celebrated as follows:

First Eucharist: Term 2 (Year 5 children)

Confirmation: Term 3 (Year 6 children)

First Reconciliation: Term 4 (Year 4 children)

We are aware that some children may have missed receiving a Sacrament with their class in previous years due to absence, sickness, etc. This is not a problem and can be catered for as part of the program.

Families are the first educators of children in their faith, and our staff look forward to partnering with you in your child’s faith journey.

Please contact Sr Julianne or Miss Sian at the school at any time if you have any questions or concerns.

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

Weekday Mass times are Wednesday and Friday at 8.30pm.

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.

Our School is committed to ensuring that our students are empowered to travel to and from school safely. We recognise that eRideable devices such as eScooters and eBikes are a popular mode of transport accessible to many within our School community.

Equally, our School recognises that eRideables are subject to legislation that prohibit a child under the age of 16 from utilising these devices. Therefore, from Monday 2 February 2026, students who are under 16 years of age will not be permitted to use or store an eRideable device on school premises.

Examples of eRideables include but are not limited to:

• eScooters

• eSkateboards

• hoverboards

• eSkates

• eUnicycles

The Road Safety Commission has developed a webpage with information about the Road Traffic Code (legislation) which can assist individuals in understanding their personal obligations where eRideables are concerned. For more information about eRideables please click here.

We thank you in advance for your support of this initiative which will ensure the ongoing safety of our students and broader school community

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