Catholic Education Week

The theme for Catholic Education Week 2024 is “Innovation and Faith”. As a Catholic School community, we are being called to live out the mission of Jesus Christ by bringing Jesus’ light to the world through our own creativity and innovation. 

The light within us is not our own, but is a reflection of his light, the light of God. God is light, in him there is no darkness. I ask Jesus to touch our imaginations and show us how our faith can bring colour and life to the world.

At Joey’s we pride ourselves on offering an authentically Catholic education to our community and are humbled that you entrust in us that journey of your child’s schooling.

Religious Education Conference - Be Loved

At the beginning of this term, 14 leaders from across the Diocese travelled to Los Angeles to attend the Religious Education Congress. Mrs Brianne Hoitink and I felt very privileged to attend as part of this contingent.

The theme for the conference was ‘Be Loved’, which was unpacked by Internationally renowned keynote speakers including Fr Greg Boyle, Dr David Wells, Fr Richard Leonard, Fr Tony Riccard, Sarah Hart and Sr Sharlot Wagner. Brianne and I were able to participate in a variety of workshops, as well as daily Eucharistic celebration, prayer experiences and sacred spaces for reflection.  A memorable moment, among many others, was listening to our Daily Mass in a variety of Languages, ensuring everyone was able to participate. It was a moving experience to connect to our faith tradition through ritual rather than language.

One of the most moving experiences we had though was when we visited Homeboy Industries (founded by Fr Greg Boyle sj). This organisation is the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. For over 30 years, Homeboy Industries has stood as a beacon of hope in Los Angeles to provide training and support to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated people, allowing them to redirect their lives and become contributing members of our community. Brianne and I were absolutely astounded by the amazing work this organisation does and how it has changed so many lives. Listening to their stories was extremely humbling.

Attending the LA RE Congress was an opportunity to be part of a large gathering of faith-filled Catholic people, creating a renewed sense of community and belonging, and rejuvenation of faith which we can now share with our school community.

Jeannine Ucdereli
Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching

ANZAC Day March and Ceremony

ANZAC Day is fast approaching and this year falls in the school holidays. In keeping with our tradition, we invite our school community to represent us with our Student Representative Council by marching behind the school banner in the parade down Horton Street to the Cenotaph. Two of our School Captains have been invited to lay a wreath on behalf of St Joseph’s during the Wreath Laying Ceremony. 

Students are asked to meet on Horton Street near Thai Tastic by 9:30am on Thursday 25th April. They are to be collected from our school group at the Cenotaph square after the march or ceremony. Students are to wear their full school uniform including their black shoes and hat.  Please make sure they also have a water bottle to carry with them.  You are welcome and encouraged to march with us if you wish.

We look forward to as many of our available students representing our school community on this important occasion. 

New Staff Welcome

St Joseph's welcomes Polly Causer to the teaching staff commencing Term 2. Polly will be joining us as a Collaborative Release Teacher across Kindergarten to Year 6.

Recognise and praise your child's regular attendance

Recognising and praising your child's regular attendance is a powerful way to reinforce positive behaviour and encourage a strong commitment to their education. Here are some ways to effectively recognize and praise your child's consistent attendance:

• Verbal Encouragement. Regularly express your appreciation for your child's commitment to attending school. Use positive and encouraging language to let them know you notice and value their efforts.

• Positive Notes or Messages. Write short notes or messages expressing your pride in your child's regular attendance. Slip these notes into their backpack or lunchbox as pleasant surprises during the school day.
  
  
• Set Goals Together. Work with your child to set attendance goals for each term or semester. Collaboratively establishing achievable goals can instil a sense of responsibility and motivation. 

• Celebrate Milestones. This strategy will be specific to the goals you set together. Acknowledge these achievements and make them special occasions for recognition. Encourage your child to reflect on their own accomplishments related to attendance. Discuss how their commitment contributes to their learning and the positive experiences they have at school.

• Positive Rewards. This does not have to be buying something. It can be a special family activity or extra playtime. 

Positive reinforcement alone may not be sufficient to address deeper emotional or psychological factors contributing to school avoidance. Work closely with your child and school to identify the specific reasons for their reluctance to attend school.

Congratulations to all of our amazing students who ran in the Cross Country Carnival on Tuesday. Everyone displayed such spectacular spirit and sportsmanship.

Huge congratulations to our Runner Up and Age Champions.

Please note these dates can change from time to time due to unforeseen circumstances and we will endeavour to advise you of any changes at the earliest possible opportunity. Our school Google calendar can be accessed via this link for additional advanced dates -

For your convenience 2023 school term dates are listed below. They are also located on our website. Click on the words “TERM DATES” on the home page.