St Joseph's School, Coleraine
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Parent Information


Enrolment

If you are considering enrolling your child at St. Joseph’s, please make an appointment to speak with the Principal.

Does our family have to be Catholic to attend St. Joseph’s?

No, you do not have to be Catholic to attend our school. We provide faith inspired education for all families. 

School Fees

Fees for education in a Catholic School are an inbuilt component of the total funding of Catholic Education. A proportion of the funding for Catholic Schools comes from the Commonwealth and State Governments. The remaining proportion is raised through parental contributions (school fees), and fundraising. School fees are set by the Parish Education Board within parameters set by the Catholic Education Office, Ballarat each October for the following year. Accounts for these fees are sent out three times per year. School fees are currently $810 per family. The Catholic Education Office and the school have arrangements in place that can assist families experiencing difficulties in paying fees. Please do not hesitate to contact the Principal if you are having difficulties in paying school fees or to discuss any other issues.

Subject & Book Fees
At the beginning of each school year parents are required to pay a Book and Stationery Fee which is currently $145 per child. This fee, together with the Government Allowance of $30 per child, covers the cost of materials used by the children such as pens, pencils, books, paper etc. It also goes towards the cost of running such programs as Music, Science and Physical Education.

School Advisory Council

St. Joseph’s School has a School Advisory Council. The role of the Council is to advise the Parish Priest and the Principal on matters relating to the operation of the school, particularly in matters of policy, budget, maintenance and future directions. Nominations are called for and elections are held at the Annual General Meeting. All parents and parishioners are eligible to serve on the Council. If you want to know more about the School Advisory Council or if you would like something raised at Council level, feel free to approach any Council member.

St. Joseph’s School Advisory Council, 2014 

Parish Priest: TBA

Chairperson: Mr. Terry Gleeson

Secretary: Mrs Janice Braune

School Reps: 
Mr Josh McElgunn  (Principal) 
Mrs Fiona Fitzgerald (Finance)
TBA  (Staff) 

Parent Reps: 
Ms Tracey Gould
Mrs Tracy Plunkett

Parents’ and Friends Rep: Mrs Catherine Egan

Parish Rep: Mr. Terry Gleeson


Parents Association

The St. Joseph’s School Parent Association aims to meet several times a term, in the School (meetings are advertised in the school newsletter).  All parents (both mothers and fathers) automatically belong to the Parent Association. The AGM is held in July.
This year the office bearers are:
  • President: Mrs Tracy Plunkett
  • Secretary: Mrs Catherine Egan
  • Treasurer: Ms Chris Peterson

What you can do to help at home

Parents you can help at home by:
  • Showing patience and wait for your child to finish
  • Read a good night story.
  • Explain current happenings.
  • Pose problems.
  • Encourage a daily routine of regular bedtime, rising etc.
  • Allow your child to do household tasks
  • Provide “dressing up” materials.
  • Speak clearly and carefully.
  • Use the correct name for things.
  • Show your child you are a good listener.
  • Answer all your child’s questions.
  • Explain desirable behaviour.
  • Give your child opportunities to play with other children.
  • Give positive praise.
  • Accept your child as he/she is.
  • Teach your child to use “please” and “thank you”.
  • Set the example – children will imitate.
  • Attend school functions/meetings.
  • Teach your child to listen to others.
  • Teach your child to tidy up after an activity.
  • Praise your child for honest effort and tasks well done.
  • Make sure your child is always clear about any change in routine eg. Walking home from school
Annual Parent Survey

Reporting to Parents

Formal AusVELS reporting to parents takes place twice a year with written, A-E, reports sent home at the end of Terms 2 and 4.

In addition to these written reports the school also provides.

  • Information Evenings at the beginning of the year
  • Parent/teacher interviews in Term 1 and 3
  • Additional interviews with parents if required
  • A Communication Journal that documents student progress. This journal is sent home at the end of each term
  • A comment page on the reports for parent feedback
  • Student self-assessments and reflection activities during the year

Parental Involvement

We welcome parents to the school at any time and as well as the more formal involvement via the School Advisory Council and Parents Association, we appreciate the help given in the following areas;

  • Literacy Learning Centres
  • Reading
  • Maintenance & Working bees
  • Swimming & Sports days,
  • Excursions and talks,
  • Library book covering

Communication HOME

Newsletters
The School newsletter is sent home every Wednesday where possible. It is a very important that you read the newsletter as often children forget to pass on messages. It is often a good idea to check little bags for notes, readers or spelling journals, etc.

Contact Phone Numbers:
Please keep us up to date with your phone number and the number of your Emergency Contact Person.

St. Joseph’s Primary School: 03 5575 2131
Parish Priest: 03 5581 1044
Email address: Click here

Absentee Notification
If your child is to be absent from school please let us know beforehand. If your child is absent due to unforeseen circumstances then we require that you contact us by telephone or provide a written note of explanation on the first day of your child returning to school.

    Contact phone numbers

    Include your Emergency Contact Person/s as well please.
Submit

Australian Democratic Principles 


Australian society is defined, among other aspects, by a belief in elected Government; by a commitment to the rule of law, to equal rights for all before the law; and by a belief in freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of association. Our society is also tolerant of a range of religious, political, social and cultural beliefs and values in the context of the fundamental principle of our democracy. 

The ‘Education and Reform Act 2006’ requires all education providers to operate in a manner consistent with this set of Australian democratic principles.

In accordance with the Act we will deliver our programs and teaching in a manner that supports and promotes the principles and practice of Australian democracy. This includes a commitment to:

  • Elected government
  • The rule of law
  • Equal rights for all before the law
  • Freedom of religion
  • Freedom of speech and association
  • The values of openness and tolerance

Daily Routine

9am - School day begins
10am – Munchies (fresh fruit or veg. snack)
11am - Recess
11.30am - Classes recommence
1pm - Children eat lunch in their classrooms
1.10pm - Lunch recess begins
1.55pm - Classes recommence
3.25pm - Dismissal

School Uniforms

Summer: (see images below)
Girls
  • Green & White Gingham Dress
  • Green School Rugby Top
  • White Socks 
  • Black Shoes
  • School Green hat – Wide Brimmed / Bucket
Boys
  • Grey Shorts/Long Grey Trousers
  • Gold Polo top
  • Green School Rugby Top Grey Socks
  • Black Shoes
  • School Green Hat – Wide Brimmed / Bucket
Winter:
Girls
  • Gold Skivvy/Polo top
  • Green School Rugby Top
  • Grey Tunic
  • White Socks / Green Tights
  • Black Shoes
Boys
  • Grey Shorts/Long Grey Trousers
  • Gold Skivvy/Polo shirt
  • Green School Rugby Top
  • Grey socks
  • Black Shoes

Sports Uniform:
Girls
  • Gold Polo Shirt
  • Black Sports Shorts
  • White Socks
  • Runners
  • Green School Rugby Top
Boys
  • Gold Polo Shirt
  • Black Shorts
  • White Socks
  • Runners
  • Green School Rugby Top

School Banking

The Coleraine and District Community Bank provides a banking service for the children. Bank books are collected from the school on Wednesday and returned the next day

Grievances and concerns

At times there may be a grievance and/or concern about the school.
The principal and staff need to know about it so that appropriate action may be taken. The school will deal with grievances and/or concerns that have been communicated to the principal and the staff by the concerned party.
The following procedures are set to ensure that a fair and just system is available for all parties.

  • Concerns regarding a student, or inquiries about classroom operations are directed to the class teacher in the first instance.
  • All concerns regarding the school teachers, teaching methods, resources, uniforms, or any other matters are directed to the principal in the first instance. Where appropriate the principal will direct the concern to the teacher concerned.
  • The classroom teacher and the parent (and where appropriate the principal) will meet to discuss the concern where all relevant information is shared.
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