Matthew O'Brien, Principal

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and the wider St. Joseph’s Primary School Community,

State Governement Capital Works Funding

Yesterday I received official confirmation from the Hon. Ben Carroll MP, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education that we have been successful in obtaining funding for stage 1 of our master plan. The letter read as follows: 

“I am delighted to confirm that your application for the ‘Construction of general learning areas, amenities and associated spaces. Demolition of general learning areas and amenities.’ has been approved for the amount of $2,400,000.00 (excluding GST).”

The first stage of the master plan includes the demolition of a large part of our middle school; D4 -D8 and the toilet block.  These will be replaced by new classrooms, offices, pull out spaces and a shared area for the middle school. The amenities will also be upgraded. 

This building upgrade will create a safer, more engaging learning environment which enables a variety of learning configurations, mindful of noise and light. It will be energy efficient.

We expect to begin building in 2026. 

Thanks to Cathy Duynhoven, Chris Baudinette (architect) and our School Advisory Council for their vision in developing the master plan. 

Matthew O'Brien, Principal

Happy Birthday to children celebrating their birthday this week.

Finnian Dwyer, Mason Southwick, Oliver King, Xavier Skevofylakas, Ruby White, Max Bell, Harriet Davis, Sibella Lewis, Beaux McInerney, Euan McRae, Joe Haberfield, Will Haberfield, Quinn Madigan, Wesley McPherson, Ivan Santos, Theodore Wilson and Caloway Sicely.

We are excited to share the latest updates and upcoming events in our Physical Education program.

Lawn Bowls Training and Competition

We will be having another lawn bowls training session on the morning of Friday 2nd August. All students who have signed up are encouraged to attend the session with Mr Jim Guinan and Mr McMillan. The competition date for lawn bowls is set for Friday 9th August.

Year 4 Basketball Trials

The first Year 4 basketball trials will be held on Wednesday 31st July. The District Year 4 basketball competition will take place on Monday 19th August at the Emmanuel Centre in Warrnambool.

Year 6 Basketball Trials

Year 6 basketball trials are scheduled for on Friday 2nd August during recess and lunchtime. The District Year 6 basketball competition is on Friday 23rd August at the Emmanuel Centre in Warrnambool.

Best of luck to everyone!

Matt McMillan
P.E Teacher and Sports Coordinator

Cyber Safety

• Warrnambool Police Student Sessions Monday 2nd September
• Parent and Student Session: 6pm, Tuesday 3rd September

To further support and educate our children we have partnered with the Warrnambool Police to run information sessions focussing on Cyber Safety for Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6.

They will also run a parent and student night at 6pm on Tuesday 3rd September.

Please note that this session is designed for both parents and students and is designed to open up conversations that can continue at home. I strongly encourage all parents of students from Year 4 and beyond to attend this important session.

Science Week, 2024 is fast approaching! 

In week 5, classrooms will celebrate science whilst placing an extra emphasis on the theme “‘Species Survival - More than just sustainability”.

During this week students will experience Australian native wildlife up close with an interactive incursion, ‘Wildlife Xposure’.

The First Eucharist is a Sacramental Program for Year 4 students which is well underway with candidates attending a combined Parish schools Eucharist preparation Day last week.

A reminder of the key dates for this program, highlighting the earlier 9:00 Mass time for Sunday 4th August for the Mass of Committment.  

Key Dates

Piety Shop

With the celebration of First Eucharist coming up, parents and grandparents may be interested in purchasing items from the Piety Shop.

Disco Volunteers

We require volunteers for both Junior and Middle/Senior Discos. 

Please complete the linked form if you are able to assist.

Volunteer numbers are capped, please consider volunteering for the Middle/Senior Disco if you have children attending both discos.

School Canteen Support