Initiated by Early Childhood Australia (ECA), Early Learning Matters Week runs from 5th - 9th August. It aims to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of early learning (Birth - 8) in shaping the development and wellbeing of children. It seeks to highlight the significant role that early learning plays in laying the foundation for the future success of every child. 

During Early Learning Matters Week, we recognise the value, wonder and complexity of the learning which takes place for children during their early years, and of the deeply powerful foundation this learning makes for a lifetime of success.

Building a sense of belonging and community is a vital part of child development. Experiencing belonging – knowing where and with whom you belong – is integral to human existence and establishes a sense of safety, community and connection, all essential pre-conditions to a successful school and learning experience. Belonging acknowledges the basis of relationships in defining children’s identities. In the early years of school, and throughout life, trusting relationships and affirming experiences are crucial to a sense of belonging. From before birth, children are connected to family, communities, culture and place. Their earliest learning, development and wellbeing takes place through these relationships, particularly within families, who are children’s first and most influential educators. As children participate in everyday life, they construct their own identities and understandings of the world. In building this belonging, teachers celebrate diversity with children and their families, and the opportunities diversity brings to know more about the world.

‘A strong sense of belonging in the early years has fundamental benefits for children and flow-on effects for their learning, development and wellbeing’ (AERO)

New Baby for Hudson

Healthy sleep, excercise and diet can make a difference

Healthy sleep, exercise, and diet play critical roles in a student's overall wellbeing, impacting not only their physical health but also their cognitive function, emotional regulation and ability to focus. 

Encouraging healthy habits early on sets the foundation for a lifetime of wellbeing. Children who learn the importance of sleep, exercise and a balanced diet are more likely to carry these habits into adolescence and adulthood, impacting their overall attendance and success in school.

'Elements' Working Bee

In preparation for our Creative Arts Showcase, ‘Elements’, St Joseph’s Primary School will be hosting a working bee.

The entire staff have been working tirelessly to create, plan and rehearse some incredible performance. We are determined to make our 2024 production our best yet and therefore, are seeking your help to assist our teachers in costume and prop making. You do not require any prerequisite skills to be able to assist us. Some tasks include costume assembly, prop making, sorting and labelling props/costumes, art framing etc.

Please strongly consider volunteering some time between 3:30 and 5:00pm on 7th August here at Joey's. ‘Elements’ truly is a ‘Joey’s community’ event and we hope to see you there supporting the creative excellence at our school. Feel welcome to bring tools, sewing equipment and your enthusiasm! Please contact the office if you have any questions.

This is an adult only working bee - babysitting will be provided by St Joseph's staff.

There is no need to let us know you are coming, if you are able to join us for some or all of the time please head to our school library on Wednesday afternoon where our staff will direct you to areas you can assist them.

Father's Day Celebration

Joey’s is very excited to be holding our Colour Run again this year together with our Father’s Day celebrations on Friday 30th August. The focus of the organising committee is participation and fun, to celebrate our dads and lads. It would be wonderful if everyone could join us and be a part of this great community event so please save the date. More information will be shared with you via Compass in the coming weeks.

We always appreciate volunteers to help make our events a success. If you have any time available in the next few weeks on Friday before assembly, to help bag colour or are available on the day please let us know by filling in the online form via this link - https://forms.gle/vCQTioY4CUKny3xv6 

Joey's Music and Hospitality Night

Grandparents Day, Mini Vinnies Socktober and $20 Boss Market Stall

Consent and online boundaries: hot to support your primary-aged child
Suitable for parents and carers of children and parents in primary school.
Tuesday 20 August 7:30 - 8:00pm
Register here

Understanding how to support your child with online gaming
Suitable for parents and carers of children and young people in primary and early secondary school.
Tuesday, 3 September, 12:30pm
Register here

Consent and online boundaries: How to support your primary-aged child
Suitable for parents and carers of children in primary school.
Tuesday, 13 August, 12:30 pm
Wednesday, 11 September, 12:30 pm
Register here

An introduction to online safety and emerging technologies
Suitable for parents and carers of children and parents in primary and secondary school.
Thursday, 5 September, 12:30pm
Register here

Since introducing Breakfast Club for all of our students in Term 1, we have seen it grow in popularity among the school. It runs every Tuesday and Wednesday morning where we go through 12-14 loaves of bread and 2 boxes of fruit.

We are very grateful to Bakers Delight (Robbie) and Woolworths (Troy Hardy) who have been kindly donating lots of goodies so our students have a great start to the day. Without their contributions we could not have offered this service to our school community, THANK YOU!

Next week we are giving families the opportunity to contribute to Breakfast Club if you would like to. From Monday, we will have baskets and an esky at drop off and homelines if you would like to donate:

Margarine
Jam
Vegemite
Serviettes 

Any donations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to all students, staff and families for making many happy little Vegemites as bright as bright can be!!

Wearing a seatbelt doubles your chance of survival in a crash - it's a simple act that is not only a legal requirement, but one that could save lives.

Remember it's student’s responsibility to use the seatbelt and buckle up. Parents are reminded to talk to their child about the importance of wearing a seatbelt on board buses and forming the habit of buckling up without being asked by the bus driver. If their seat is equipped with a seatbelt, they need to fasten it. 

Thank you for your support. 

We recognise that parents and carers enjoy photographing and recording the progress of their child at school and on school activities. We recognise that many of you like to share these personal memories online and on social media. We ask for your cooperation and care concerning the use and distribution of photographs of other children at our school. Some families have very real legal and safety issues which could put a child at risk if an image is made public online. More generally, it is respectful of the privacy of other members of the school community to ask permission before posting an image online. Even if your social media settings are private, it is easy for images to become public, particularly if they are tagged or shared by others. Please see the school website under “Policies and Forms” for the Photography Guidelines for parents and carers, mandatory policies and further resources.

When we run activities and hold events here at school that families are invited to we often take photos to share with our community through the school newsletter and our social media platforms. Please note that for adults attending public events there is assumed permission for their image to be able to be published on our platforms.

Today we celebrated a huge milestone in our Kindergarten classrooms - the 100th day of big school! Since their very first day in Kindergarten, our youngest learners have been counting the days leading up to the 100th day by adding stickers to a special chart and practising counting them daily by ones, fives and tens. Our 100th Day of Kindergarten was an exciting, fun-filled day of learning. The day included 100 Days of Kindergarten stories, craft, writing and maths activities as well as a visit from our Year 5 buddies. After the morning bell, the students were surprised to discover that their Kindergarten teachers had turned into 100 year old versions of themselves! All students had the chance to pop into a special photo booth with lots of dress ups and props to enjoy. 

Today, we proudly joined the nation in celebrating our Aussie Olympians in Paris by donning green and gold! Students were encouraged to add a splash of these colors to their uniforms, showing our pride in Australia's sporting achievements and helping to paint the country in our national colors.

A big thank you to everyone for supporting these incredible athletes on their Olympic journey.

Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!

The four boys from St Joseph’s who competed for Port United in Canberra came away with the championship in their age and division. The team went undefeated in five group stage games, a 3-0 victory in the semi finals and a 3-2 victory in the finals. 

This is a huge accomplishment for these boys, their team and our local football. Congratulations Remy Collier (3W), Braxton Beresford (4W), Elvis Scott (3B) and Jenson Jarvis (4B).

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.