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Matthew O'Brien, Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and the wider St. Joseph’s Primary School Community,
“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10
Catholic Mission is the Pope’s international mission agency in Australia and is part of the global network of Pontifical Mission Societies operating in over 160 countries. We partner with communities to help them flourish by supporting grassroots projects, including healthcare, education, and faith formation, while also being an active voice for human rights.
Each year Catholic Mission celebrates the work of the Mission in Australia and around the world in October for Catholic Mission month.
Loving God,
You sent Your Son Jesus so that we may have life and have it to the full.
Bless the work of Catholic Mission as they bring life, hope and love to communities in need.
May their efforts in healthcare, education and faith formation help all people flourish in dignity and peace.
Inspire us to be part of Your mission, sharing Your love and standing up for justice around the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Welcome Back
Welcome back to Term 4! I hope the holidays were a time of rest, renewal and special moments with family and friends. As we begin our final term of the year, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose, gratitude and hope.
This term is always a significant one in the life of our school. It is a time of celebration, reflection and preparation as we look forward to milestones including grandparents’ day, end-of-year excursions and farewells to our graduating Year 6 students. Throughout it all, we remain focussed on the continued development of each child and look forward to another enjoyable term.
Welcome Dottie Dunn
Congratulations Laura Dunn (C3) on the safe arrival of the Dottie. Born yesterday. Mother and baby both doing well. All of the staff and the children of C3 are really looking forward to Dottie’s first visit to school in the near future. What a perfect way to start the term.
Holiday Works
We have completed the painting and laying of new carpet in the office, administration area, and staffroom. Big thanks to Cathy Duynhoven who coordinated this project.
At the end of last term we disconnected the power, storm water, deck and other services to the Year 5 portables so that they could be moved to the oval and then reconnected while the children were on holidays. Unfortunately, the removalists deemed that the oval was too wet for their large trucks and the risk of becoming bogged was far too high. With the persistent rain the ovals have not been able to dry out so we do not have a removal date at this time. This has caused some interruptions to normal classes, specialist lessons, intervention programs and after school care. Thanks to everyone for their flexibility and understanding.
School Assembly
No Whole School Assembly: As we have a Year 5 class operating in the hall we will have no assembly until the portables have been moved.
Botanic Road Upgrade
By the time you read this Warrnambool City Council will have finished the safety upgrades to Botanic Road. They do consult well to minimise disruption to school traffic and when possible they schedule works during the school holidays. These upgrades are designed to improve the safety around our school. Of course road design and safety features must be complimented by driver and pedestrian behaviours to guarantee safety for all. Safe travels!
Australian Interschool Equestrian




Congratulations to Bonnie King (and her horse Buddy) who represented St Joseph’s at the National Australian Interschool Championship. Bonnie and Buddy competed in the Primary Combined Training 80cm where they placed 4th overall in the championship, she was the highest placed Team Victoria competitor in her class.
She also competed in the Primary Show Jumping 80cm over three rounds and ended up in 4th in the championship - the Victorian Primary Show Jumping team which comprised of the 4 highest scoring Victorian competitors, which included Bonnie - were the Reserve Champions finishing in 2nd place.
Congratulations and well done!
Matthew O'Brien, Principal
Happy Birthday to children celebrating their birthday this week and during the holidays.
Jim Kenna, Harvey Umbers, Nash Anderson, Jack Boyd, Roman Mulatu, Andrew Adhikary, Leo Turland, Aster McDonald, Alexis Burns, Louis Johnson, Nellie Foster, Josephine Hai Qing Kao, Beau O'Keefe, Iris Foster, Zinzan McDermott, Halle O'Grady, Hugh Wright, Miles Boyle, Matilda Goldson, Elsie Gynes, Leonard Rope, George Van Engelen, Jaxon Green. Bradley Crooks, Regi Sobey, Bobby Jackson, Archie Gardner, Billy Brooks, Ella Carlin, Gabria Nibin, Ryan Pedro Hicks, Isla Priebbenow, Luna Gapes-Fiasco, Maya Molan, Estella Roberts, Esther Baulch and Gracie O'Grady.
2026 TRANSITION AND CLASSROOM PLACEMENT
Information for parents to follow:
Information for parents to discuss with their child:
We ask that parents start having conversations with their child/ren regarding who these partners may be.
Be mindful that a "good fit working partner" does not always mean their best friend, but a friend that they work well with.
on the morning of Thursday 23rd October.
9:30am - 11:30am
including Morning Tea in the Hall.
School Holiday - Author Workshop
It was great to see a few St Joseph’s students at the Library in the holidays, attending the Author workshop with Nova Weetman. Nova gave all the students some great insight into her world as an author and shared some invaluable writing tips for the budding, young authors. I have been a huge fan of Nova’s books for a few years now and I am constantly suggesting many Year 5 and 6 students to borrow her books from our Library. How lucky we were to have this opportunity in our own Backyards!






Save the Date - Book Week Dress Up
Friday 7th November - will be an optional ‘Book Week’ Dress-Up Parade and short Assembly prepared by our Year 6 Library Leaders. We will use this occasion to celebrate the conclusion of the Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge and present awards to those who finished the Challenge and to announce the Class Winners who read the most books during the Challenge!
Mrs Emily Lloyd
Teacher-Librarian/Digital Technologies
The PSA will be running their annual fundraiser to raise additional funds for the Art Department.
Magnets $14
6cm Round with a Matt Finish with Artwork that children design during their Art class.
Keyring $14
4.5cm Round with Artwork that children design during their Art class.
Ordering Details
Orders are now open via CDFPay at a cost of $14.00 and close at 3pm on Friday 10th October.
Orders will be delivered in plenty of time to use these items as Christmas presents.
Note: Our Art teachers will endeavour to ensure your child has completed the necessary artwork. However, if your child has been absent for an extended period of time for holidays or sickness they may not have completed their artwork.