St. Joseph’s Primary School begins strong in our Centenary Year

Our school was founded by the Sisters of St Joseph in 1923 and has developed a strong tradition in the local community guided by the Gospel values of respect, compassion, courage and unity. As we gear up for our 100th year, we look forward to reflecting on and celebrating our educational journey thus far and into the future.

At St Joseph’s we place a strong emphasis on engaging students in a faith-based education where high standards are maximised in all areas of the curriculum, particularly in English and Mathematics. We provide an environment which encourages all children to be confident and excited about learning that enables every child to reach their full potential in a rapidly changing world. We believe the child is at the centre of all learning and we recognise that students are individuals – each with their own distinctive learning needs and styles.

The small number of staff and students creates a close-knit school community, where staff, students and parents work together to create an excellent educational experience and an effective pastoral care system. Our dedicated and highly professional teachers adjust curriculum learning progressions to suit the ability of each child. We believe that the social, emotional, moral, spiritual, intellectual and physical wellbeing of our students is pivotal to student health, safety, learning and success. St Joseph’s has trained intervention teachers and teacher aides to assist children who experience difficulty in these crucial areas and to extend and challenge high functioning learners.

Well-resourced with technology and modern facilities, St. Joseph’s has the tools to assist in creating innovative teaching. Our students have access to specialist subjects in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM), Auslan and Physical Education.

The school gardens create a safe, stimulating outdoor area where the students can appreciate and enjoy outdoor learning and recreation. We have a unique Indiegnous edible garden with a yarning circle, this is a must see!

We are focussed on building in our students a foundation of faith, values, knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to create a lifelong passion for learning. You do not need to be Catholic, we are an inclusive school. 

We welcome and are looking forward to the many opportunities, over the year, to reflect and celebrate with you, St Joseph’s Primary School!

The truth about Catholic schools

• We welcome students of all religious and cultural backgrounds. Catholic education is open to all who seek it.
• We have high academic standards – not all our time is spent on Religious Education.
• We believe in science and accept the theory of evolution. Our faith and science co-exist so students get a full picture of the world around us.
• Our schools have evolved a lot over the last few decades. We work to give our students the best chance to succeed in a modern world.
• Students, staff and families at our school thrive by being calm, confident, curious, caring and creative.
• Collegial planning supports evidence-based practice and targeted teaching, including appropriate learning adjustments, enabling every child to learn.
• Extreme religious beliefs have no place in our school. Rather, we encourage students to question and make sense of the world around them.
• Our fees are very affordable and fee concessions are available to families experiencing hardship.

Vision Statement

Giving witness to the charism of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, St Joseph’s Catholic School is a welcoming, supportive community, respectful of the dignity of every person. We strive to build a learning community where all experience a sense of belonging so that each person can work towards developing their potential with confidence.

Inspired by the life of Jesus, we strive to develop a relationship with God.

In partnership, we aim to promote curious and confident life-long learners.

At St Joseph’s we foster respect for all and work to build strong connections with the community.

Australian Democratic Principles

We at St Joseph’s Primary School acknowledge Australian democratic principles, including:

• elected government
• the rule of law
• equal rights for all before the law
• freedom of religion
• freedom of speech and association
• the values of openness and tolerance.