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Matthew O'Brien, Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and the wider St. Joseph’s Primary School Community,
Invitation to prayer
God of All Goodness,
Give us hearts for generosity.
Show us how to hold our possessions lightly,
Ever mindful of their temporary value.
Inspire us to share what we have in full measure,
So that others are able to live without need or want.
Let us know the grace of a bountiful life, One overflowing with gratitude for all that we have to give.
In the name of Jesus, the one who showed us how to give, we pray.
Amen
Treston, K (2024) Choices for Life, The Beatitudes for Daily Living Garrett Publishing Mulgrave
Catholic Mission Month
October is traditionally Catholic Mission Month. This year’s theme is inspired by Pope Francis' message for World Mission Sunday 2025 and carried forward by Pope Leo XIV, "Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples," highlights hope and unity, emphasising how we can collectively turn our faith into action.
School Review Final Report
Last week we received the final report validating our school review recommendations and commending our school community on continued growth whilst supporting us in pursuing our identified priorities for the coming four years. Pauline Fisher, our external reviewer, provided this letter to share with our school community.
School Community Report
In accordance with the DOBCEL School Review and Validation policy and procedures, St Joseph’s school recently engaged in the External Review and Validation process.
Over two days, the external panel examined the school’s self-review documentation, the school data sets and spoke with teachers, parents, students and support staff.
The panel validates the school’s achievements over the last five years, and commends the staff of St Joseph’s school for its work in ensuring the Vision and Mission of the school is central to its Identity as Catholic school, for the consistent and focussed work in implementing new approaches to Literacy across the school, and for its commitment to improving student learning and wellbeing for all.
The panel endorses the school identified improvement priorities for the next improvement cycle:
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.
Students will experience greater opportunity for student voice, higher levels of engagement, improved wellbeing and academic outcomes.
To nurture a safe, inclusive, and compassionate learning environment that supports the wellbeing of all staff and students, informed by Catholic Social Teaching.
The panel congratulates St Josephs on their work in this review process and wishes them every success in the implementation and actioning of their priorities.
Thank you
Pauline Fisher
Chair of St Joseph’s Review and Validation panel
September 15th 2025
Matthew O'Brien, Principal
Happy Birthday to children celebrating their birthday this week.
Tanny Ndagurwa, Spencer Sarra, Eva Smedts, Akarsan Paramanantham, Flynn Burleigh, Georgie Milroy, Lachie Crowley, Harley Inns, Meredith Jones, Arley Struth and Hugo Wilson.
Collins Booksellers Kids Club
Introducing - NEW Collins Booksellers ‘Kids’ Club’ Book Ordering Forms.
When I am given the opportunity to shop locally - I always jump at the chance! I am so excited to support our local booksellers Collins, in their new venture ‘Kids’ Club!’ This term we are handing out their ordering magazines to the eldest child in the family, in place of our usual Scholastic Book Club Magazines! Do start ordering from Collins Booksellers, just follow the step-by-step instructions below to order some great books in time for Christmas, and we will receive a 10% kick back to our School Library!
If you have any outstanding rewards or points with Scholastic Book Club then we can continue to honour these while you still make your order via the LOOP App.
Book Week Dress Up and Parade
Friday 7th November - will be an optional ‘Book Week’ Dress-Up Parade and short Assembly prepared by our Year 6 Library Leaders. We will use this occasion to celebrate the conclusion of the Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge and present awards to those who finished the Challenge and to announce the Class Winners who read the most books during the Challenge! You are more than welcome to join us in the School Hall from 9am, for a 9:15am start.
Please email me with any questions you might have about these two events to: elloyd@sjwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au
Regional Athletics
Last Friday, seven of our students travelled to Ballarat to compete in Regional Athletics. A huge congratulations to Indi McLaurin, who won long jump and will now be heading to the State Championships. Well done to Indi and all our competitors who represented our school.
District Cricket - Thursday 23rd October
We’re looking forward to the District Cricket competition next Thursday 23rd. Trials were held on Monday for the boys and the girls on Tuesday. Thank you to everyone who participated, teams will be announced shortly.
Regional Basketball - Friday 24th October
Best of luck to our Year 6 boys basketball team who will be competing at the Regional Basketball competition next Friday 24th.
Hot Shots Tennis (Girls) - Tuesday 11th November
Our Girls Hot Shots Tennis day is coming up on Tuesday 11th November. After progressing to this stage early in the year, the girls have had to wait a long time for the next competition! All the best girls! More information will be shared soon.
Matt McMillan
Sports Coordinator & Physical Education teacher.
To provide opportunities for social meetings between parents, and promote a spirit of union and good fellowship. The PSA runs and supports several events throughout the year to raise money for the school and to support our school community.
What do we do? Mother’s Day Stall, Hot Cross Bun Drive, Father’s Day Breakfast, Mother's Day Stall, Pizza Days, Art Activities and Canteen support
Next Meeting Date: Tuesday 21st October 2025 at 7:00 pm.
How can I help? Come along to the meetings, contribute to the discussion, share ideas, support events that enrich the school community.
on the morning of Thursday 23rd October.
9:30am - 11:30am
including Morning Tea in the Hall.