St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Newsletter: Thursday 4th September, 2025 Edition 6, Volume 8

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 has been an exceptionally busy but rewarding time at St Joseph’s over the past few weeks. While many of our staff have been battling illness, we have worked hard to ensure that the day-to-day running of the school has not been overly impacted.

We have also noticed a significant number of children being kept home when unwell. Thank you for doing this. The best place for a young person when they are sick is at home, cared for by their family. This also helps us stop the spread of colds and viruses through our school community.

As we move into the weeks ahead, I wish all of our families health and peace. Building a strong, caring community is at the heart of who we are at St Joseph’s. As St Paul reminds us, “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). In the spirit of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, we also remember to “trust in God and let God take care of the rest.” May we continue to support one another and place our trust in God’s loving care.

Warm regards,
Troy Rickard
Principal

Camp

Last week I had the privilege of attending our Grade 4/5/6 camp. Our St Joseph’s students were an absolute credit to themselves, their families, and our school. Their behaviour was exemplary. Over the course of the camp, the students lived out our school values of kindness, courage, respect, and responsibility. I was so proud of them all. I am especially grateful to the staff who attended the camp—leaving their own families to support our students—and also to those who remained at school to keep things running smoothly.

Building Update

Our building program is progressing well. As of our last site meeting, we remain on track to take possession of the new building in mid-December. After this, renovations will begin on the original school building, with the principal’s office, foyer, and administration space being converted into another classroom.

The COLA (Covered Outdoor Learning Area) works are also underway. Much of the infrastructure—including the foundations, footings, and poles—is being constructed off-site and will be delivered soon. While progress has been slower than we hoped, we are encouraged by the work now taking shape.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to grow and improve our facilities while keeping learning and care for your children at the heart of everything we do.

Enrolment Survey

This week a 2026 enrolment survey has been sent out via SIMON. We kindly ask that each family take a few minutes to complete this very brief survey, as the information you provide is vital for our planning for next year. We currently have a number of families on our waiting list who are eager for a place at St Joseph’s. With this in mind, if you are considering moving on, please let us know through the survey so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

Student Voice: Year 1

In Literacy, students have been exploring split digraphs and the "bossy e" rule, as well as reading and writing poetry with a focus on rhyme. Book Week was a highlight, where we enjoyed and discussed this year's shortlisted books. In Mathematics, we have been investigating different pattern rules and practising skip counting.

Through Inquiry, students are discovering that all living things need food, water, and shelter. This learning links to the habitat dioramas currently under construction, as well as our investigation of animal features. These experiences were enriched by our excursion to Melbourne Zoo and our Bug Blitz at Connawarre, where we learned about insects and their habitats. Thanks to WET Trust and Field & Game Australia for sponsoring this excursion and providing us with the opportunity to participate.  

In Religion, we have been learning about the hierarchy of the Church and the people within it. Students have also explored the inspiring life of Mary Mackillop and her service to others.

Student Voice 

Year 1 Kath 

I have enjoyed the excursions to Melbourne Zoo and to the wetlands for ‘Bug Blitz’ because they were cool.  My favourite part of the Bug Blitz excursions was when I got to hold the spider.  At the zoo I loved the meerkats and the otters. Ayla H

Year 1 Vicky/Bree 

I have enjoyed making my diorama in Inquiry. I chose the animal lion who lives in the jungle! We learned that animals need food, a place to stay and water to live. Hushai

Special Occasions

Anakin: Anakin has been hard at work with his mum to create his very own book titled: My Dream Train Adventure. It will soon be published. Congratulations on this achievement Anakin!

Julianna:  Julianna has become a big sister to gorgeous baby Jake. Congratulations!

Zachy: Zachy became a big brother to adorable Zion, who is now 7 months old. Congratulations!

Wyndham Athletics Results 2025

Congratulations to all the amazing students who represented St Joseph’s at the Wyndham District Athletics on Tuesday, 19th August.

We were blessed with beautiful weather and enjoyed some welcome winter sunshine at the Werribee Athletics Track.

Our team of 41 athletes should feel extremely proud—not only of their efforts in their events but also of the respectful way they represented our school.

The following students have qualified for the next level of competition:

9/10 Girls

• Jodi Ediagbonya – 1500m, 800m

• Johanna Selemani – 100m, 200m, 800m, Long jump

9/10 Boys

• Fella Olaogun – 200m

11 Girls

• Evelina Amoa – Discus

11 Boys

• Tayo Ogaosun – 800m

• Blanco Nyassinde – 100m, 200m, Long jump, Relay

• Daniel Mwanza – 100m, Relay

• Mohith Moganti – 200m, Long jump, Relay

• Joseph Suksai – Relay

The Wyndham / Hobson’s Bay Division Athletics will take place at the Newport Athletics Track on Thursday, 11th September. A bus will transport the qualified students to and from the venue, with further details to follow.

Term 3 Physical Education

After focusing on fitness, coordination, and learning about the components of fitness, our Years 2–6 students are now taking part in Hockey clinics. These sessions are being delivered by coaches from Hockey Victoria, and we feel very fortunate to have professional coaches sharing their expertise with our students.

St Andrew's Parish

School Fees, Direct Debits, CSEF Applications & Concessional Applications

2025 Fee Agreements - Direct Debits
If you have set up a direct debit, please remember all changes need to be emailed through to accounts@sjwerribee.catholic.edu.au as soon as practicable and where possible with 14 days notice as per the direct debit agreement. If you are yet to complete a direct debit form for the 2025 school year please contact the office ASAP.

Important Upcoming Direct Debit Dates:
16th September, 16th October - Mid-Monthly Direct Debit 

8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th September - Weekly Direct Debit

1st September, 1st October - Monthly Direct Debit

15th & 29th September - Fortnightly Direct Debits

Tri-Annually Direct Debits have now finished for the year. If you have a bounced payment please contact the office. 

All direct debit amounts are now also available in the SIMON school calendar as a reminder for all those on the direct debit plans. A gentle reminder that if you have a bounced payment all families are required to catch this up by making a payment at our office or by direct transfer.

CSEF (Camps, Sports, Excursion Fund) & Concessional Fee Applications

If you hold a valid healthcare or pension card, you could be eligible for the Camps, Sports & Excursion Fund. The 2025 applications are now closed; however, we are starting to collate data for 2026. If you have a new health care card or pension card please feel free to pop into the office so we can place a copy on file ready for next year. 

School Saving Bonus

Families who have submitted the SSB Uniform receipts in the past few weeks and meet the requirements, will have their accounts credited by the end of term 3.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

Community Initiatives

Community Pantry – Food Drop Off

Our Community Pantry will now operate only as a drop-off point for donations. Families are invited to support our community by bringing in non-perishable food items, which will be collected and distributed as needed. Our Faith and Mission Leaders will regularly check the pantry and create grocery bags ready to be distributed to our community.

If your family is in need of extra food or supplies, please don’t hesitate to reach out in confidence to Nicole Ryan at: nicole.ryan@sjwerribee.catholic.edu.au

Thank you for your generosity and for looking out for one another in our school community.

Donations for Our Community Library

We are excited to share that St Joseph’s will very soon have an up and running Community Library, and we need your help!

If you have any gently used picture storybooks or children’s novels that your family no longer needs, we would love to give them a new home. Your donations will help provide more reading opportunities for our students and families.

Books can be dropped off at the school office. Thank you for supporting our library and encouraging a love of reading in our community.

This wonderful endeavour will be led by our Faith and Mission Team, who are passionate about building a culture of sharing and reading within our community.

Cans & Bottles Drive

Our school is continuing to take part in the CDS (Container Deposit Scheme) Drive!

Families are encouraged to donate eligible cans and bottles by placing them in the collection bin located at the front of the school. Every donation helps raise funds to support our school initiatives and community projects.

Thank you for your generosity and for supporting this eco-friendly fundraising effort. Together, small actions can make a big difference!

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.

2025 School Closure Days

STUDENT FREE DAYS: TeamKids available

Footy Colours Day

St Joseph's School Disco

Community News

TeamKids