Mr Nick Hurley
St. Joseph’s Catholic School Profile
General Overview
St. Joseph’s Catholic School, located in Canberra st. prides itself in its efforts to promote a holistic Catholic education for our children. We provide quality instruction for boys and girls from Prep to Year Seven.
School Mission Statement
The community of St. Joseph’s is committed to a lifestyle that is a sign that with Christ we grow. Our Mission statement indicates our purpose:-
With the Holy Family as our role model, the community of
St. Joseph’s strives to nurture the development and growth of
each child in an atmosphere of care and concern.
Within this spiritual context, we aim to provide an excellent
Education, working in partnership with parents, so that all
Children can attain their full potential academically, socially,
culturally and physically.
Geographic Location
Mackay is one of Queensland’s best kept secrets. It is known as the River City and is located at the junction of the Pioneer River and the Coral Sea. Rich in history, Mackay was settled in 1862 by John Mackay and has since developed into the sugar capital of Australia. Mackay is in the Rockhampton Diocese.
The population of Mackay is approximately 100,000 and is steadily growing. The city boasts a stable but growing economy and strong hinterland industries. The economic success of the city lies in the diversification of its major industries namely tourism, sugar and coal.
While St. Joseph’s is situated in North Mackay, the school population is drawn from areas throughout the city. Being in a central location the school is in a perfect position for families who work on either side of the Pioneer River.
School Objectives
St. Joseph’s is a committed Catholic School offering a Catholic education to children of families especially within St. Joseph’s Parish, North Mackay. As part of our evangelical nature non-Catholic families are welcome and accepted within the guidelines of the school’s enrolment policy.
School Services
St. Joseph’s offers a Catholic education for all children. Participation in all curriculum areas including religious education, sport and cultural events are expected. There are numerous opportunities for both children and their parents to be fully involved with the school.
School Population
St. Joseph’s is a co-educational P-7 school with a total current enrolment of 310. The school has a 25% non-Catholic population. There is an increasing number of indigenous students seeking a Catholic education at St. Joseph’s.
School Advantages
Where action speaks louder than words, there are many advantages for attending St. Joseph’s
Including: -
Dedicated Staff
The dedicated staff of St. Joseph’s boasts a rare mix of experience and enthusiasm ensuring quality learning experiences for our children.
The innovative curriculum practices at St. Joseph’s have demonstrated the push towards academic excellence throughout all year levels. A heavy emphasis on literacy and numeracy is particularly evident.
Technology Developments
Understanding the future needs of our children is an ongoing priority for our school. The community of St. Joseph’s ulitises a technology lab and specialist teacher, as well as the wireless networking of classroom computers to the internet.
School Management Plan
Focus Areas |
Outcome |
Strategies |
Action |
A. School Teaching / Learning Plan |
To provide students and Teachers with identified processes in regard to Teaching / Learning. |
Core Numeracy / Literacy Teaching Time |
Ongoing |
Teaching from Program not Text (Test is a Resource) |
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Minimising ICU outcomes – Concentrating on depth of knowledge |
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Weekly Planning to include specific core skills within Numeracy/ Literacy |
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Curriculum / Planning Meetings |
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Promote before School reading Yr 1 & 2 |
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B. School Technology Plan |
Connect our students and school community to the world beyond St. Joseph’s utilizing information technology. |
Phase 4 Multi Media classrooms |
Completed |
Internet Use Policy |
Completed |
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Develop Class pages on School Website |
In Progress |
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Intranet Restructure |
“ “ |
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Physical Restructuring of Tech Labs |
Term 1 2009 |
C. Staff & Student Induction / School Culture |
Strengthen our Pastoral Care utilising our revised |
Develop consistent guidelines for the Pastoral Care roles within our school- Mentoring of teachers |
Ongoing |
Provide a smooth transition for new staff, parents and children through appropriate induction processes |
Further Developed for 2007-8 Organisation (Induction Booklets / School Calendars) |
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Continue Behaviour Management practices consistent throughout the school relating to revised Behaviour Policy / Plan focussing on 4 Key Areas- Classroom, Assembly, Playground and Movement and associated Strategies (Routine Information / Classroom Step – Step / Playground) |
Planning Room- |
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Incorporate “Better Behaviour / Better Learning” Program |
2009 – Behaviour Management Program |
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Implementation of Peer Support Program
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2009 – Values |
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D. School Master Plan |
Take full advantage of the school setting whilst adhering to the appropriate WHS processes and structures. |
Land acquisition, in order to support continued enrolment growth- Convent Land / Adjacent Land |
Master planning |
Revised Master Plan – New Admin / PE Undercover Area |
Semester 1 2009 |
Partner Benefits
Evidence has demonstrated the relationship between effective teaching practices and the growth in academic ability at St. Joseph’s. The involvement by parents in the education process is highly valued and encouraged. With partnership developed local Catholic Colleges, Central Queensland University and Mackay TAFE our children are provided with quality learning experiences
Further Information
Opportunity exists for children from P-7 to participate in the “best-practice” education available at St. Joseph’s. More information can be obtained by requesting a personal interview with the Principal.