Joey’s Biggest Morning Tea 

Thank you to all who joined us for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea last week. What a truly beautiful day it was! Blessed with sunshine, laughter, and the warmth of our wonderful school community coming together for a cause close to many hearts. 

It was a joy to see so many families enjoying time together, sharing stories, and making memories on our school grounds. Events like this remind us of the strength and spirit of our community, and how fortunate we are to be surrounded by such kindness and generosity. 

We are proud to share that together, we raised just over $2000 for the Cancer Council, an incredible effort that will go a long way in supporting cancer research, prevention, and support services.  

A very special thank you goes to our Student Wellbeing Team, who were the driving force behind the event. Their organisation during the lead up, sometimes in their own time, and coordination on the day ensured everything ran smoothly. They did an outstanding job, and we are so grateful for the time and care they put into every detail. 

School Therapy Dog – Remi 

There was an excited buzz in the air on Monday morning when our Remi girl returned from her holiday. Students raced through the school gates when they spotted her roaming around with Miss McGinlay on the playground, giving kisses and catching up with her favourite boys and girls at St Joseph’s.  

It was truly heartwarming to see the smiles on the faces of our students (and staff!) as Remi made her way through the school grounds. We’ve certainly missed her gentle presence, wagging tail, and calming energy. Her return brought an extra dose of joy to the start of our week. 

Remi plays a special role in our school community, helping to create a warm, supportive, and calm environment for our boys and girls. Whether she’s listening to students read, joining them for a quiet moment, or simply being nearby during the day, Remi reminds us of the importance of connection, kindness, and care. We’re so glad to have her back with us and look forward to many more happy days ahead with Remi by our side. 

Pivot 

At St Joseph’s, we understand that when students feel safe, supported, and connected, they are more engaged learners and members of our school community. That’s why we have recently begun using the Pivot survey platform for Years 3-6 to gather valuable insights into student wellbeing and to help guide our ongoing efforts to support every child. 

Pivot is a research-backed platform that allows us to collect data directly from students about how they’re feeling in a range of areas, including their sense of belonging, relationships at school, emotional health, and engagement in learning. The surveys are easy to complete and age-appropriate, and students’ responses are treated with care and confidentiality. 

Through utilising Pivot, we are able to:  

• Identify trends and areas of need across different year levels or cohorts 

• Track progress over time to evaluate the impact of wellbeing programs 

• Empower students by giving them a voice in shaping their own learning and wellbeing experiences 

• Inform targeted strategies to support both individuals and groups. 

Already, the data gathered has been instrumental in helping us fine-tune our pastoral care approaches, deliver timely interventions, and strengthen our commitment to a safe and inclusive school environment. Please click here to learn more about Pivot.  

SchoolTV 

Please click here to view SchoolTV’s special report on Shaping Healthy Masculinity. 

This topic has gained renewed attention with the release of the critically acclaimed TV show 'Adolescence', which highlights the complex challenges boys are facing. In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in online spaces that present confusing and often harmful ideas about masculinity. Many boys are exposed to messages that glorify toughness, emotional detachment and dominance, while dismissing empathy, vulnerability, and kindness as signs of weakness. These outdated ideals are limiting boys' emotional growth and shaping how they engage with others. The impact is real - and it's being felt across our schools, homes and communities. 

Chloe Coe 
Wellbeing Coordinator