From the Principal and Assistant Principal
Welcome back to the school year for 2025.
As we begin a new school year at St Joseph’s, we warmly welcome back our students and families. We look forward to a year of growth, learning, and shared success. Our dedicated staff are excited to support each student in achieving their best academically, socially, and spiritually.
You will note there have been significant structural changes this year with the introduction of GROW classes and not having a homeroom. We anticipate a high impact on the learning culture of the school with the mantra ‘High Expectations, High Support and High Accountability’. Our students have demonstrated through their PAT data that they are highly capable of being excellent learners and we are going to expect that of them. Learning is not just regarded as academic but as social and emotional, spiritual and physical learning so there is wide scope for all students. Details of all changes are included in this newsletter.
Our 2024 HSC results were outstanding and we are looking forward to seeing Year 12 2025 build on these results through engaging in the classroom and a sustained effort throughout the year.
Welcome Year 7 2025
Our Year 7 students have been warmly welcomed into our school community this week. On Tuesday, our Year 12 students hosted a BBQ for both Year 7 and Year 12, fostering connections between our newest and most senior students. On Wednesday, Year 7 received a guard of honour from Year 12 and a round of applause from the entire school community as they entered their first whole school assembly.
Congratulations to all Year 7 students on a positive and courageous start to high school!
What’s new in 2025?
We welcome 11 new members to our teaching staff:
Miss Ashburner HSIE / Religion
Miss Burgess English / Languages
Mrs Elphick Leader of Learning - Science
Mr Gilbert TAS
Mr Hartnett TAS
Mrs Luna Wellbeing / Diverse Learning
Mrs McCann Diverse Learning
Miss Smith HSIE
Miss Stellini HSIE / Religion
Mr Veness Science
Mrs Wilkinson PDHPE / Religion
Several changes to structure and procedures were outlined to students during our opening assembly. The slides from the assembly are attached below, and we encourage parents to review them to stay informed about the key updates and messages shared with students.
Uniform
Thank you to parents and carers for providing the correct uniform for your child. On enrolment, every family said they would support the Uniform Policy of the school. Only one aspect this year has been disappointing and I would ask parents/carers to rectify over the weekend - the length of the girl's skirt is to be to the knee. Not mid-thigh or above the knee. This will be under review for the next two weeks so please support us in this area. I would also like to remind you that the sports uniform is designed to be loose shorts, not firm fitting. Please ensure that this is the case.
Communication is critical for success. Please if you or your child has an issue, communicate with the PALS to gain the assistance you need. We are in partnership for the benefit of your child and we are looking forward to the journey over this year.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership—we look forward to a fantastic year ahead!
