St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Newsletter: Thursday 23rd October, 2025 Edition 6, Volume 9

Acknowledgement of Country

In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s spiritual and cultural connection to Country, we acknowledge the Wadawurrung people, as the traditional custodians of the land, on which we meet and educate our children.

We recognise the continued care of the waterways passed from generation to generation, wisdom that is shared, and life that is celebrated in harmony with the natural environment.

We honour the Elders, past and present who have laid the foundations, traditions, and culture for emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and we commit to working together for reconciliation and justice.

Principal's Reflection

Dear Families,

It’s hard to believe how quickly the term is moving along! The warmer weather and longer daylight hours certainly make a difference to how we live our lives and enjoy our days.

There is so much happening around our school at the moment—it’s wonderful to see our students so engaged in their learning and activities. Last week, many of our students participated in the swimming program, and it was lovely to receive such positive feedback from the pool staff about their excellent behaviour. What a great news story!

Similarly, our Year 4 students recently took part in an art incursion with staff from the National Gallery of Victoria, who also spoke highly of how well-mannered and respectful our students were. This is a real credit to our students, as well as to the parents, carers and staff who work together to teach our young people how to behave kindly and respectfully in the world. Well done, everyone.

Traffic Around the School

A gentle reminder to please take extra care during drop-off and pick-up times. We are still seeing some unsafe practices, such as children being asked to run across the road or get into a car that has only briefly stopped. This is not only unsafe but also illegal. Please remember, as parents and carers, you are your child’s greatest teacher—your actions and instructions shape how they learn to act in the world. Let’s all model patience and safety.

Building Update

Unfortunately, the recent strong winds have caused delays to our building projects. Most disappointingly, the construction of the COLA will not be completed this year. While the main structure is now in place, further work is required underneath to install fire services, electrical outlets and sports equipment sleeves before the final surface can be laid. Although it has been a long wait, we’ve been assured it will be worth it in the end!

TeamKids / MACSEYE

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), our governing body, has established a new division called MACSEYE (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Early Years Education). This organisation oversees kindergartens, early learning centres, and before- and after-school care programs.

As part of this change, TeamKids will conclude its service at St Joseph’s at the end of Term 1, 2026, and our program will then be managed by MACSEYE. Due to our renovations and building projects, all before and after-school care programs will operate from our portable classrooms in 2026, which will become a dedicated Community Hub—a flexible space for community activities and gatherings.

Thank you for your ongoing support and positivity as we continue to grow and improve our beautiful school.

Warm regards,
Troy Rickard
Principal

Student Voice: Year 2

We have enjoyed doing Art in Inquiry, we created monsters where we couldn't see each other's parts of the drawing. We then coloured it in altogether - Andrew, Austin and Lucy

I love reading books especially when we read Charlie and the Chocolate factory - Zara

I enjoyed writing and using speech marks in our stories - Olivia

This term I've enjoyed writing stories with speech marks. I really liked writing a story about a puppy princess - Willow

This Term I've enjoyed Inquiry the most because we get to do Art and art is my favourite thing to learn about - Idhant

I've really enjoyed Religion this term and learning about Catholic Social Teachings. We have learnt about what Justice is. Some of the videos have made me a bit sad but I now know how many people are suffering in the world - Raisa

I like doing the ReLate Circle in the mornings as I get to talk to my friends about how I am feeling.-  Elijah

I love working in our maths cohort groups because it’s lots of fun - Izzy

I have enjoyed doing cricket, tennis and hockey in our PE lessons with Louise - David

Mission Month Celebrations

October is Catholic Mission Month, a special time in our Church when we focus on living out Jesus’ call to serve others and share His love with the world. To conclude the month, our school community will be taking part in activities to support Catholic Mission’s Socktober initiative, learning about global mission work, and raising awareness and funds to help those in need. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to others through our prayers, actions, and generosity.

Grandparents Day Prayer Service - Monday 27th October

We warmly invite all grandparents and special people to join us for our Grandparents Day Prayer Service on Monday 27th, October. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate and give thanks for the love, guidance and wisdom our grandparents bring to our lives. We invite grandparents/special people to join us for a cup of tea/coffee beforehand from 8:30am with prayer beginning at 9:00am.

Crazy Sock Day - Monday 27th October

As part of Mission Month, we will also be supporting Catholic Mission’s Socktober Event which is an exciting way to bring communities together and make a real impact on global issues. For a gold coin donation, students can wear their craziest, most colourful socks on the day to help raise funds for communities in need.

Toy Drive - Thursday 6th November

In addition, our Year 4 students will be running a Toy Drive to collect pre-loved games, puzzles and toys in good condition. We are asking that if your family has any of these items that are no longer needed, they be sent in to school to be added to the toy drive. 

These will be sold at a Toy Sale taking place on Thursday 6th November to raise further funds for Catholic Mission. Students are invited to bring in some money to make a purchase at the sale. 1 coin = 1 item.

We look forward to celebrating these special events and supporting important mission causes together as a school community.

Sports News: Red Ball Tennis

On Thursday, 16th October, the St Joseph’s mixed tennis team represented our school in the Western Division Red Ball Tennis Competition at Saltwater Reserve.

Despite the hot and windy conditions, our students demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and showcased some impressive tennis skills. We were extremely proud of their efforts on the court and the way they embodied our school values throughout the day.

Although we didn’t take home the pennant this time, everyone enjoyed the experience and gave their very best.

Wellbeing Update Newsletter

St Joseph's Community Library

MacKillop College Open Day

2027 Foundation Enrolments

Thank you to all our current families who have submitted an Enrolment Enquiry Form and completed the Application Form for Foundation 2027. For families seeking a place in Foundation 2027 who have not yet completed the Enrolment Enquiry Form, please click the link below to fill out the Enrolment Enquiry Request Form. Once submitted, you will receive an email containing a link to complete the Application Form.

Enrolment Enquiry Request Form

We kindly ask that all application forms be submitted by February 1st, 2026. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office on 8742 3381 or via email at enrolments@sjwerribee.catholic.edu.au

St Andrew's Parish

School Fees, Direct Debits, CSEF Applications & Concessional Applications

2025 FEE AGREEMENTS - FORTNIGHTLY DIRECT DEBITS

The 2025 Direct Debit program is coming to a close. This is a gentle reminder to families to please ensure you have money in your account the day of the scheduled direct debit program. This ensures the school doesn’t have bounced payments for school fees.

In the event of a bounced payment, it is the responsibility of the family to ensure that missed payments are made as soon as practicable for the school and the family. We are unable to complete another direct debit run for individuals due to the nature of how our system is set up.

IMPORTANT DATES - DIRECT DEBITS:

27th October 2025 - Final Date for Fortnightly Direct Debits. 

All programmed direct debits are now also available in the SIMON school calendar as a reminder for all those on the direct debit plans. In the event that you have outstanding fees once the direct debit has concluded you will need to make these payments as soon as possible and by no later than Friday 31st October 2025

CSEF (Camps, Sports, Excursion Fund) 

CSEF applications have now closed for the 2025 school year. Applications for 2026 will be open in November. If you are struggling to meet your financial obligations with the school please email accounts@sjwerribee.catholic.edu.au.

Please reach out if you have any questions

School Attendance Procedure

School Attendance - SIMON Everywhere App

If your child is absent from school, please communicate this with the school office by 9:30am. Please search for 'Parent Notified Absences' on the SIMON Everywhere App and click to enter details.

Alternatively, please use the school phone number (8742 3381) and select the attendance line option. When leaving a message please ensure you clearly state your child’s full name, class and the reason for their absence. We must have a valid reason for marking your child/children absent.

If your child needs to arrive late or be picked up early from school, please notify us through the SIMON Everywhere App. Select 'Parent Notified Absences' and choose either the Late Arrival or Early Leave option.

Early leave requests can be submitted via the app until 12:00pm. After this time, please contact the school directly by emailing admin@sjwerribee.catholic.edu.au or calling 8742 3381.

Please note that early leave cannot be arranged during break times: 10:45–11:15am and 1:30–2:00pm.

For extended absences, please email the details to  admin@sjwerribee.catholic.edu.au and an Extended Leave Form will be sent for you to complete. Parent forms can also be accessed via SIMON under 'Knowledge Bank'.

School Term Dates 2025

Our school day operates from 8:45am – 3:10pm and gates will be open for arrival at 8:30am and for pick up at 3:00pm.

Term 1 Commencement 2026

Thursday 29th January 2026 (All students: 8:45am – 3:10pm) 

2025 School Closure Days

STUDENT FREE DAYS: TeamKids available

Upcoming Events

St Andrew's Parish Fair

SAVE THE DATE!

St Andrews Parish is having a Fair on Saturday November 22nd and it’s sure to be a great time. 

Join us for a wonderful day of community, fun, and celebration. There will be exciting rides, delicious food, games, and plenty of entertainment for all ages.

Unlimited Ride Passes are now available via the Try Booking link. Each pass includes unlimited rides plus a sausage, drink and donut — perfect for a full day of fun and great value for families.

Raffle Tickets are also on sale! Fantastic prizes such as $1000 Peninsula Hot Springs Voucher, Restaurant Vouchers and a 50inch TV are up for grabs, so don’t miss your chance to win. Tickets can be purchased from the front office of the school for $2 each. 

The parish Primary Schools will be running a stall on the day so don’t forget to come over and say hi if you see us around.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the fair and celebrating together as a parish community!

Community News

Big Summer Read

Did you know that the Big Summer Read is open to all children and young people, up to the age of 18?

Reading five books or competing five days of reading gives the entry to be in the running for one of three fabulous prizes! 1st Prize is a Zoos Victoria membership (valued at $149), 2nd prize is a Museum Victoria membership (valued at $99) and 3rd prize is a Lego Creator set (valued at $79.99)!

The competition runs from December 1st, 2025, to January 31st 2026. Please see the Big Summer Read welcome letter attached for more information.

Transitioning to School: Parent Talk