Vision, Values, Purpose

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SCHOOL MOTTO

GROWTH TROUGH LOVE

At St Joseph’s our motto 'Growth through Love,' reminds us each day that we are called to foster the unique gifts and talents of all students to ensure they grow spiritually, academically and socially. As a Catholic community, we believe that God is love and that this love is reflected in the vocation our staff shares to ensure each child grows to experience life in all its abundance. 

MISSION

Enabling our students to experience the fullness of life (John 10:10).

At St Joseph’s Primary School, we provide a quality faith-filled education enabling students to be inspired to grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.

VISION

Our mission is to instil a love of learning and to promote academic excellence so every child becomes a compassionate, engaged member of our community. Here, all are welcomed, and all belong as we deepen our relationship with Jesus, grow through love, and seek lives of purpose, service and faith.

PURPOSE 

Our St Joseph’s School community work in partnership to embody a Catholic environment that aims to: 

  • Create a joy-filled environment enriched by Gospel values and Catholic traditions
  • Generate a sense of community and compassion where we all experience belonging
  • Energise students with quality learning and teaching experiences
  • Inspire, support and empower others to fulfil their potential
  • Personify gratitude and act for social justice by building awareness and empowering students to take action
  • Engage families to be active participants in the culture and community of school life
  • Celebrate the diversity of ability, background and culture. 

VALUES

Learning capacity

Here at St Joseph’s, we maximise the learning capacity by:

  • ensuring all are involved in our school community
  • developing a learning environment to assist all students in being successful
  • utilising the talents of all the community
  • learning from each other
  • providing opportunities for all to participate.
Success

Here at St Joseph’s, we display success through:

  • discovering the potential within
  • using indicators of success
  • a focus on results improvement
  • goal setting to monitor improvement
  • communicating success
  • being open to changing our approach to ensure individuals can achieve.
Engaging, collaborative learning journey

Here at St Joseph’s, we display an engaging, collaborative learning journey through:

  • all are engaged in learning together (staff, students and parents)
  • being focused on the whole child, not just the academic performance
  • having links to preschools and establishing Junior Joeys
  • having constant conversations about best practices through a rich curriculum
  • using modern methods like open classrooms, team approaches and inquiry learning
  • having professional learning teams, embedded in the Contemporary Learning Framework
  • taking up the invitation to work together(Staff, students and parents).
All members of the school community

Here at St Joseph’s, all members of the school community include:

  • staff, students and parents
  • the wider parish community
  • Parish Priest
  • Playgroup
  • Aspect
  • other schools, for example, Trinity Catholic College, St John's College
  • volunteers
  • organisations and personnel in the wider community
  • Catholic Schools Office Lismore
  • Learning Assistance Program (LAP) tutors
  • welcoming all other visitors.
Committed

Here at St Joseph’s, we display commitment through:

  • agreed expectations for consistency of standards
  • understanding it is a partnership between home and school
  • respect for the Catholic ethos
  • mindfulness of our own role in 21st-century learning
  • celebrating our commitment
  • student ownership of their learning and behaviour.
Contributions valued and respected

Here at St Joseph’s, we display a value and respect for contributions through:

  • raising our expectations
  • continuous and open communication
  • listening to all stakeholders
  • keeping all interactions positive and respectful
  • giving people a voice in many roles (PSF, class parents, volunteers, LAP volunteers, parishioners).
Christ centred, nurturing environment

Here at St Joseph’s, we display a Christ-centred, nurturing environment through:

  • Making Jesus Real
  • Sacramental programs
  • Meditation
  • Behaviour Benchmarks of Safety, Effort, Respect & Self Responsibility
  • Anti-bullying policy
  • Pastoral Care Policy
  • Wellbeing focus
  • Seasons program
  • Religious Education Key Learning Area
  • Church/liturgies/Prayer
  • Special celebrations
  • Better Buddies program
  • Retreat days
  • Parent Assembly
  • Learning Assistance Program
  • Social Justice group
  • Mini Vinnies
  • Acts of Kindness.

Frequently asked Questions

What does it mean that Catholic schools are “proudly Catholic”?

Catholic schools are communities built on the teachings of Jesus and the mission of the Church to share the Good News. Being “proudly Catholic” means our schools embrace a rich tradition of prayer, reflection, values, and service. This identity shapes the culture of our schools, how we teach, how we care for students, and how we work together as a community. We honour the legacy of those who came before us and continue to share the message of faith, hope, and love in all we do.

Are Catholic schools only for Catholic families?

No. Catholic schools warmly welcome all families who value a faith-based education. Whether you are Catholic, belong to another faith tradition, or have no religious background, you and your child are welcome in our school communities. All students are included in the full life of the school, including Religious Education and prayer experiences, and all families are respected, valued, and invited to take part in community life at a level that feels right for them.

What are Catholic schools expecting from families?

When families enrol in a Catholic school, they enter into a partnership that supports their child’s faith and life journey. Families support their child’s participation in school liturgies, retreats, and other moments of spiritual growth. For families of baptised children, this includes continuing their child’s sacramental journey. Above all, parents aspire to the values and worldview that shape Catholic education, one that forms the heart, mind, and spirit.

What if our family belongs to a different faith, or our child is not baptised?

That’s absolutely okay. We see enrolment as a privilege and a moment of welcome. Our schools honour each family’s story and beliefs. We do not seek to convert or impose our faith; instead, we offer a gentle invitation to explore the Catholic tradition through learning, reflection, and shared experiences. Students and families of all backgrounds are respected and included in the spiritual life of the school, in ways that are meaningful and appropriate to them.

What is the ultimate goal of Catholic education for our child?

Catholic education aims to nurture the whole person, spiritually, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. Our hope is that every student, through their time in our schools, will encounter Jesus, experience a sense of belonging, and come to know the fullness of life He offers. We strive to help each child grow into a person of goodness, truth, compassion, and purpose, equipped not only for success in the world, but also to make a meaningful difference within it.