PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Matthew O'Brien, Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and the wider St. Joseph’s Primary School Community,
The Lord's Prayer for Peace
God of Peace
May Your name be honored in our actions.
May Your will for peace be done on Earth as it is in heaven.
Give us the strength to share the resources of this world with compassion, so that all may thrive.
Forgive us our failures to live in harmony, as we strive to forgive those who harm us.
Help us to resist the temptation to divide and use power over, and guide us towards unity and understanding.
Deliver us from the violence and hatred that plague our world, and lead us to a future of lasting peace that we always help to create.
This day and as we go forward
We commit to being instruments of peace.
We commit to build bridges of understanding and to work for justice.
We choose hope over despair, love over hate, and unity over division.
May our actions and our words reflect the values of compassion and peace, so that all may experience Your love and peace.
Amen
World Teacher’s Day Friday 31st October
This week we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, a special opportunity to recognise and thank the incredible teachers who make such a difference in the lives of our students every single day.
At St Joes, our teachers do far more than teach lessons — they nurture curiosity, build confidence, and inspire a love of learning that extends well beyond the classroom. Their dedication, creativity, and care shape not only the minds but also the hearts of our children.
We are deeply grateful for the countless ways our teachers go above and beyond — preparing engaging lessons, supporting wellbeing, guiding faith and values, and celebrating every success, big or small. Their impact lasts a lifetime, and our school community is richer because of their commitment and passion.
On behalf of our students, families, and the wider community, we say a heartfelt thank you to our teachers for the difference they make each and every day.
Happy World Teachers’ Day!
Playground
A big thanks to Brett Gladki who coordinated the removal of the old senior playground over the weekend.
Also to Mick Edwards (grandpa of Hudson, Nellie and Lottie Foster) who donated his time and expertise on the bobcat and to Sarah Porter, Darren Welsh, Dylan Bowman, Brendan Foster and Matt Shields who added their labour to get the job done.
Installation of the new playground will commence on Monday November 10th.
School Interschool Equestrian Team
On Friday 24th October, the Warrnambool St. Joseph's interschool equestrian team went and competed at the Warrnambool Showgrounds, doing show jumping and dressage.
Bonnie King and Braxton Harrington both participated in the freshmen show jumping event (40 cm). Bonnie had an impressive performance, going clear in the first round on her horse, Bobbi (Salient Park Bobbi). However, in the second round, she and Bobbi, knocking down two rails in the jump-off round. Additionally, Bonnie also competed in the Aspiring Show Jumping (85 - 95 cm) category with her pony, Buddy (Kenda Park Warrior). Bonnie and Buddy had one rail in the two-phase (85cm) but still came 5th place!
In dressage, both Braxton and Bonnie showcased their talents in the Prep 1 and Prep 3 tests. Securing 3rd place and a percentage of 67% in the Prep 1 dressage and 4th place with a percentage of 58% in the Prep 3 dressage test on his horse, Prince Harrington. Overall, it was a fantastic day of competition for the team!
Bonnie did Prep dressage on her horse Bobbi, they both did two very good dressage test with 68% and 66%.
And Bonnie competed on Buddy too in the Novice dressage, coming first with 60% and 65%
Overall, the 2025 St. Joseph's interschool equestrian team had a great day competing!
The blanket that is on Braxton’s horse is the new St Joseph's equestrian blanket! Special thanks to Jacinta Harrington.
Bonnie King and Braxton Harrington
School Equestrian Team
Student congratulations
Congratulations to Aurora Suringa who won a Geelong FC jumper signed by the Geelong AFLW players. Aurora won the jumper through her participation in the All Girls Auskick run by the AFL last term. Tristan from AFL was at school to present the jumper and to promote Auskick and Superkick sessions to be held at St Josephs in Term 1 next year.