The Reception students have been busy exploring measurement, using flowers to compare and describe which were the shortest and tallest, practicing language such as short, tall, shorter, and taller as they investigated differences in height. They also enjoyed a colourful art and science activity, experimenting with mixing colours to discover what new colours they could create using the three base colours, red, yellow, and blue. This led to lots of excitement as new shades appeared and curious questioning about why they kept making the same blue-green colour.

Welcome to Term 3. I hope you and your family have had the opportunity to rest and refresh in preparation for this term.

A special welcome to Nathan, Ryan, Dan, Sokha, Milana, Ataliah and Derek who have commenced Preschool with us this term as part of our Term 3 Preschool intake.

Welcome also to Akida, Marni, Harmony, Nayara, Ryan and Zachary to our Reception class. 4 of these children have moved from our Preschool to commence Reception with us this term as part of our Term 3 Reception intake. Harmony and Zachary are new to our school community.

I hope all our beginning Preschool and Reception children have a positive start to their Preschool/Primary School journey at St Joseph’s and make many new friends. I also hope they are engaged in their learning and feel a sense of fun and belonging to our school community.

Catholic Identity

Throughout his ministry, Jesus often used parables (stories) to help explain his teachings. Many parables involved the use of images of vegetation known to the region at the time. The parable of the Mustard Seed is one such example. The message Jesus portrays is that from little things big things grow. The mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds grows to become the largest of all plants. Here at St Joseph’s School, we are entrusted with supporting our parents as they nurture their children to grow and become thriving people, capable learners and leaders for the world God desires. At St Joseph’s School we focus on the education of the whole child, intellectually, morally, emotionally, spiritually, religiously, physically and socially, providing many varied learning opportunities and experiences in the process.

Curriculum News

I have included two mathematical tasks which you might like to have a go at with your child/children.

This week’s Mathematical tasks:

Reception to Year 3

What objects can you find at home that have 200g marked on them? Ask someone at home to help you make a list.

What can you find that is bigger than an apple but lighter than it?

Years 4-6

A packet of biscuits weighs 0.5kg. How much might each biscuit weigh? How much might the packaging weigh?

Can you find a collection of objects with a total mass of 2.25kg?

Happy inquiry.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

This year many of our children have once again taken up the opportunity to participate in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. The challenge closes later this term with children needing to have their Premier’s Reading Challenge Student Reading Record forms handed into the front office by then. I encourage all our children to continue to read regularly at home whether they are involved in the challenge or simply reading for fun.

Happy reading.

STEM Open Day

As part of Catholic Schools Open Week (Term 3 Week 5) and to coincide with National Science Week (Term 3 Week 5), you are invited to join our school STEM Open Day on Tuesday August 18, 11:30am-1:30pm in the school grounds. Parents and family members will have the opportunity to join our children as they work in class groups engaging in STEM learning activities planned by our teaching staff. It is hoped that as many of our parents and carers as possible will be able to join us as it provides teaching staff with an opportunity to showcase the learning which takes place as part of our ongoing STEM learning focus. 

School Speech Pathology Update:  Katrina Hromin

Throughout 2026, Speech Pathology services have focused on the early identification, assessment, and support of students' communication, language, literacy, and social communication needs across the school and preschool settings.

Early Years Speech and Language Screening

A significant initiative undertaken this year was the development and implementation of a Reception and Year 1 Speech and Language Screener. This screening tool was designed to establish a baseline measure of students' speech, language, and early literacy skills during Term 1. The screener enabled the identification of students demonstrating strengths as well as those presenting with areas requiring further monitoring, assessment, or intervention.

The screening process provided valuable data to inform classroom support, targeted intervention planning, and referrals where appropriate. Students identified as requiring additional support have been monitored throughout the year, with a planned re-screening this term to evaluate progress, measure growth, and determine ongoing support needs. This data-driven approach allows for early identification and intervention, supporting improved educational outcomes and reducing the likelihood of communication difficulties impacting academic achievement.

Assessment and Consultation Services

Our Speech pathology support has included observations, consultations, and comprehensive assessments for both preschool and school-aged students presenting with a range of communication and learning needs. Classroom and preschool observations have provided opportunities to evaluate students' communication skills within natural learning environments, allowing recommendations to be tailored to individual needs and educational contexts.

Following assessments, detailed summaries and recommendations have been provided to families and school staff. Collaboration between educators, families, and allied health professionals has remained a key component of ensuring students receive consistent and effective support across the school.

Healthy Eating Equals Fuel For Our Brain

As I have been moving around the school, I have noticed many of our classes stopping for Brain Food. Eating well is good for our mental as well as our physical health. The brain requires nutrients just like our heart, lungs and muscles do. Here at St Joseph’s School children are encouraged to bring healthy foods to school to eat daily, with many classes stopping throughout the day for Brain Food snack time. Wholegrain breads, fresh fruit and vegetables are easy to manage Brain Foods children should be eating on a regular basis. A helpful tip when choosing snacks for your children is; if it comes with packaging it generally is high in salt, sugar and/or fat so avoid these snacks where possible.

To learn more about how you can support the wellbeing of your child, visit Be You. The website also provides a range of resources and ideas to support the mental health and wellbeing of our young people. I encourage you to visit the website at https://beyou.edu.au/and have a look for yourself.  

EdSmart

We have moved away from using the Audiri App to using EdSmart which is an email-based product. Information regarding what is happening within our school along with upcoming school events is now communicated to families using EdSmart. Be sure to monitor your email inbox for school updates.

May the love of the Risen Lord continue to be with us.

Working in partnership with you.

Shaun O’Leary.

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We have two counsellor interns from Adelaide University starting with us on August 3. They will work on Mondays until the University year ends in November. Their names are Jasmine and Dhwani. I am very happy to answer any questions you have, introduce you to them for a conversation about your child and to provide you with a referral form. Referral forms are also available through the office or let me know via email and I will send one to you.  My email is smccullough@stjotto.catholic.edu.au

Ideally all requests would be met but if a student is already accessing counselling, they will not need this. It is worth keeping in mind that if a student needs ongoing counselling or therapy, it may be best for the family to be accessing something more long term for them. Dhwani has a separate, additional qualification in understanding and working with children who have experienced trauma.

Some dates for the diary:

• Multicultural Day - Monday 24/8 starting with Whole School performance from Sean Choolburra
• Book Week Parade - Wednesday 2/9 from 9am
• Father's Day breakfast and liturgy - Friday 4/9
• St Joseph’s Got Talent - Wednesday 16th September from 1:30pm
• Community prayer each Friday 8:45am including a celebration of St Mary of the Cross 7/8 and St Maximilion Kolbe 14/7.

St Joseph’s Multicultural Celebration Week - Timetable

Monday 24^th August

9:30am - Sean Choolburra performance for whole school in Tenison Woods.

11:30am - Vietnamese Dance, Philippines Games Demonstration and Lion Dance along with celebrating all the colours and costumes.

12:30pm Shared lunch - picnic style outside. Children need to bring their own lunch, all other food will be dependant on what comes on the day as in previous years. Please see attached information about food preparation. The canteen will be closed for lunch orders.

2pm - African Dance with Sun of Africa performer Marc. Whole school gathering in Tenison Woods.

Thursday 27^th August - Indian Dance workshop - Mudra is returning this year to run a dance workshop from 2pm in the Tenison Woods Hall. All children who would like to participate are welcome. We had about 50 last year.

St Joseph's Book Week Parade

Join us on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, as we celebrate Book Week with our annual dress-up parade. This year's theme, "Symphony of Stories," invites students to bring their favourite characters and books to life through creativity, imagination, and a love of reading. We look forward to a wonderful celebration of literature and storytelling.

Getting to Know Us in Reception!

Our Reception children have been busy creating wonderful name clouds to help us learn more about each other. As part of this activity, the children shared information about themselves, including their favourite colour, favourite food, age, and other special interests.

The name clouds were a fantastic way for the children to celebrate what makes them unique while also discovering similarities with their classmates. We loved seeing the variety of favourite foods, colours, and hobbies, and it sparked lots of conversations and new friendships.

Year 6 Senior Jackets

Our Year 6 students were excited to receive their senior jackets, marking an important milestone in their final year of primary school.

The jackets symbolise leadership and responsibility, and our students are proud to wear them as they embrace their role as positive role models within our school community. We look forward to seeing them make the most of this special year ahead.

Join the roll call at Kensington on Friday 7th August

Private Instrumental Tuition

St Joseph’s partners with Hallmark Music Studio to provide in-school private instrumental tuition on various musical instruments as one-on-one lessons for students of all ages.  There are currently limited vacancies for piano, guitar and violin.  Lessons are provided throughout the school day by visiting music tutors with one lesson a week - with a major benefit of in-school lessons being no after school run around taking children to after school music lessons.  Parents/caregivers are responsible for the payment of all lessons for the term and the costs are not included in your school fee’s.  If you are interested in enrolling your child, please see reception for a brochure and further information, or email: kylie@hallmarkmusicstudio.com.au