Welcome back to the last term of 2025. This is always a busy term and we encourage you to keep up to date with what is happening across the school and in each of your children’s classes by reading all communication that is shared with you.

We are aware that at this time of year some families are making plans that include relocating and if this is the case for you we ask that you please inform us as soon as possible in order for us to offer places to students who are on our waiting list.

Building Project Update

The library is coming along brilliantly! The carpet has now been laid, the ceiling has been painted a beautiful sky blue, and whimsical clouds are being hung from above. Much of the joinery has gone in over the past couple of weeks, and the furniture has been ordered.

Outside, you may have noticed the exciting changes taking shape. The new covered shelter is looking very grand, with the arches now in place and the lining work well underway. Everything is tracking beautifully for an end-of-year completion — we can’t wait to see this incredible new learning space come to life!

Kindergarten Orientation

On Thursday, we held the first of our Orientation mornings for our 2026 Kindergarten children and their parents. It was an exciting morning for everyone, with our Year 5 students proudly stepping up as buddies.

The children enjoyed a variety of play experiences and the chance to make new friends, while parents spent time with our current Kindergarten teachers and leadership team learning all about life at St Joseph’s — particularly what to expect in those precious first school weeks.

We look forward to our next session, where the children will take part in a fun scavenger hunt around the school!

Staff Development Day

The first day back this term saw our teachers embark on a professional learning journey focused on the new HSIE (Human Society and Its Environment) New South Wales syllabus, which we’ll be implementing next year.

Our staff were highly engaged and came away inspired to bring this KLA to life in creative and meaningful ways. One teacher summed up the day perfectly:

“The very best professional learning day I have ever attended — a catalyst to inspire me to make the most of the new syllabus!”

We can’t wait to see the new HSIE syllabus in action across all grades next year.

Holiday Maintenance Works

Although the school grounds may have seemed quiet over the break, there was plenty of work happening behind the scenes!

A truckload of softfall has been spread across the Tokooliba area, giving it a fresh look and making it even safer for students when climbing. Over $15,000 was invested to address drainage issues under the COLA and along the side of the big field near the sandpit. Fingers crossed that this has resolved the problem!

The entry area and administration block were professionally pressure washed, and new windows were installed on both the top and bottom levels of the Infants’ building along the parish car park side.

The holidays are always a great time to enhance and improve our facilities — and the results are fantastic!

As we move through Term 4, there’s so much to look forward to — from our upcoming community events and end-of-year celebrations to the continued progress of our exciting new library. Thank you to our families for your ongoing support and enthusiasm.

Together, we’re building a school we can all be proud of!

Karen