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Matthew O'Brien, Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and the wider St. Joseph’s Primary School Community,
As we begin this celebration of Arts Week at St Josephs, I call to mind Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart and their families. Also, all Victorian Police members particularly those in our community. I also offer this prayer for Milla Killeen and her family and the school community of Christian College Geelong following the tragic bus crash last week.
Prayer for the artist within
Bless the creator in us, O God of creation
And by our gifts let us make the world
A more joyful and beautiful realm
Teach us to see more clearly
The truth around us
And through your inspiration
Let us call forth wonder and awe
in our own living
In our hope and vision
remind us that life is precious
Bless us who create, O God of Creation
Pour your creative spirit upon us
That our hearts may sing and our works be fulfilling.
Amen
Arts Week
There is a real buzz around the school this week as we celebrate our biannual Arts Week. Putting the week together is a real team effort by the staff but it would not go ahead without the drive, vision, energy and leadership of our Arts Team. So a big thanks to Kath McMeel, Cara Chisholm, Michelle McIntyre-Hand and Caitlin Symons who have devoted countless hours to the preparation and organisation of the activities which is highlighted by the “Illuminate Night Walk” on Wednesday.
First Eucharist
Congratulations on First Eucharist
We extend our warmest congratulations to the children who celebrated their First Eucharist on the weekend — a very special step in their faith journey. We also thank and acknowledge the families, teachers, and parish community who have supported and guided them with love and faith. May this milestone be a source of lasting joy and spiritual growth for each child and their family.
Also a big thanks to our school choir who led the singing on Sunday evening.
School Review
“BEST REPORT EVER!”
Last week we hosted the external review panel of Pauline Fisher (external reviewer), Lee Schlooz (DOBCEL) and Janet Cain (Principal, St Colman’s Mortlake). The panel interviewed students, parents, teachers, leaders, and non teaching staff to understand our school, our context, strengths and challenges. We received very positive feedback from the panel in all aspects of our school. In fact Pauline said and I quote “This is the best self reflection report that I have ever read”. Quite a compliment. As a part of the process we have drafted priorities, strategies and success indicators to continue to our school for our students.
The draft priorities (to be ratified by the Director) are:
Priority 1: Enhance religious learning and strengthen Catholic identity by fostering student-centered learning and voice, enabling authentic dialogue between the Catholic tradition and students’ lived realities.
Priority 2: Students will experience greater opportunity for student voice, higher levels of engagement, improved wellbeing and academic outcomes.
Priority 3: To nurture a safe, inclusive, and compassionate learning environment that supports the wellbeing of all staff and students, informed by Catholic Social Teaching.
Staffing Update
Laura Dunn begins her maternity leave at the conclusion of this term and we welcome Ella Grundy into C3 and the Foundation team.
Mark Gercovich is taking long service leave for Term 4 and we welcome Breanna Saddington who will be full time in F7.
Jayne Gercovich is also taking leave for Term 4 with Monica O'Brien now full time in E2.
Camps
Good luck to the Year 5 team as they head to the goldfields of Ballarat for their camp. Also to the Year 6 team who head away to Melbourne for their camp. Enjoy!
Book Week Dress Up
Thanks to everyone (parents and children) who gave such politely written, well meaning feedback on this year’s book week dress up. I have received many emails and hand written notes (see below) consequently I have scheduled this conversation for Wednesdays Leadership Team Meeting where we will reschedule the dress up for a suitable time in Term 4.
Matthew O'Brien, Principal
Happy Birthday to children celebrating their birthday this week.
Zoe Ucang, Hudson Coates, Miguel Kamba, Lincoln O'Keefe, Meg Coleman, Harvey McDowall, Macy Vagg, Eddie O'Donnell, Dhanvant Sivasankar, Bonnie King, Asia Suringa, Cleo Coffey, Alby Smedts and Ollie Southwick.
Arts Week is here and there is great excitement building around the school!
What is happening during the week!
Wednesday 3rd September
We ask that all students and parents vacate the school grounds as soon as possible so that staff can put up displays and food vans can be set up safely.
We also ask that students do not touch displays.
Lantern and Light Walk Night Tour
Entrance
B1 gates will open at 6pm
Entry Donation
Gold coin donation on entry (eftpos available)
QR Code
Scan to do the Night tour Quiz as you go around.
Food
Food vans and a BBQ
Glow Sticks
Glow sticks 50 cents and foam glow sticks (limited stock) with battery lights $5 for sale.
Performances
There will be performances by students at the Rotunda in the Passive Play area.
6:10pm Choir
6:30pm School Bands
7:00pm Rock and Roll Dance club
7:20pm Jon Madin and invited students
Proceeds from our night walk towards the Arts budget.
Friday 5th September
Assembly
Assembly will start at 2:00 sharp.
D4 will be leading this special assembly. They will be Showcasing our winners from St Joes Got Talent, Jon Madin (Musician) and students performing and many videos of all the action from Arts week.
Art Exhibition
There is an art exhibition of student work available for viewing at the Father’s Day breakfast.
Have a great ARTS WEEK Everyone!
7:00am - 9:00am
Friday 5th September, 2025
Our PSA is once again holding a Father's Day Breakfast for our school Dads (or special person).
Children arrive at school early with their dad and enjoy a breakfast of egg sandwiches, egg and bacon sandwiches or sausages in bread. The PSA will provide some fruit, juice and hot drinks, gluten free bread available. After the breakfast dads can walk their child/ren to the classroom for a visit.
Orders made via CDFPay
Orders close 3pm Tuesday 2nd September.
Sorry, no late orders accepted.
Volunteer
We rely on the assistance for volunteers on this day and the afternoon prior.
Please complete the volunteer form if you are able to assist with setup on Thursday after school or on the Friday morning for cooking, serving or cleanup.
A Special Report: Celebrating Father’s Day
For many years now, the role of fathers has changed and evolved. During the industrial revolution, fathers were often considered detached and distant due to working long hours in factories. However, today things have changed dramatically with many dads being celebrated for being sensitive, caring and more hands-on.
Recent studies have shown that children benefit greatly from having fathers who are present and interacting in everyday activities. This has transformed the understanding of how fathers shape children’s lives from the start, challenging conventional ideas of parenthood and gender.
Research also suggests that fathers influence their sons and daughters in different ways, which is especially true during their transition to adolescence. Engaging in regular physical activities can play a key role in influencing children to learn self-control, face challenges, regulate emotions and take manageable risks.
In this Special Report, fathers will learn about the positive impact they can have on their child’s mental health and wellbeing, whilst also ensuring they indulge in a little self-care.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Digital Media Literacy & Safety Webinar
This exclusive, one-off event is this Wednesday 3rd September and we’d love to see our families benefit from the insights of two of Australia’s leading experts, Susan McLean and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.
They will share invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
You do not have to have viewed part I and part II for this webinar to be of value.
Please note: Participants must register prior to the commencement of the webinar to gain access.
It is timely to refer all parents to our "Getting to School Safely" webpage.
From Monday 1st September, children are required to wear their hats at school whilst outside at recess, lunch and sport.
No Hat = No Play
Children without hats will have to stay in the undercover area during lunch and recess. We do NOT have a grace period, hats must be worn from the 1st September.
Hats are available at Lowes, Gateway Plaza.
As per our Sun Protection policy:
Please ensure your child has adequate sun protection during the months of September to May. You child will require the following:
- their own sunscreen SPF 30+ or higher,
- St Joseph's Primary School sun hat,
- rash vest (if they are going swimming).
The above items are all to be labelled with their name and room number please.
Classrooms all have a supply of sunscreen available.
