Our Policies

Child Safety and Wellbeing

English

Our approach ensures that every child has a robust understanding of language.

At St Joseph’s we ensure that every child develops strong foundational skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Our students begin their journey with a synthetic phonics program, Little Learners Love Literacy.

The program is sequential, explicit and backed by research. The teaching focuses on phonemic awareness, the alphabetic code (phonics), vocabulary and linking the teaching of reading, spelling and writing – no guessing strategies!

Mathematics

At St Joseph’s our Mathematics Program starts with your child. Knowing our students and their individual strengths and learning needs ensures that classroom activities focus on developing and extending the mathematical capabilities of all learners. Our Mathematics Program strives to promote a positive attitude about mathematics for all students and allows them to develop confidence and appreciation for this domain.

We use a range of ongoing assessment methods and tools to identify what children currently know and plan the next steps for their learning. Our students learn in a variety of settings including like-ability and mixed-ability groups, as well as whole-class and individual tasks.

Learner

Qualities

Inquiry
Based
Learning

At St Joseph’s Primary School, we believe that Inquiry Based Learning allows all students to be actively involved in their own learning and to take responsibility for that learning. Inquiry allows each student’s understanding of the world to develop in a manner and at a rate that is unique to that learner. Inquiry, interpreted in the broadest sense, is the process initiated by the student or the teacher that moves the student from his or her current level of understanding to a new and deeper level of understanding.

Through rich, holistic and flexible inquiry students are provided challenging, and stimulating learning experiences, allowing them to explore and build on their knowledge and understandings.

Education in Faith

St Joseph’s Northcote is a Catholic School that seeks out the good in every person whilst promoting a sense of belonging and encouraging diversity within our Community.

When exploring themes of Social Justice we approach learning using an Inquiry based Pedagogy of Encounter. Through a Catholic lens, we explore the context of the Christian faith and encourage tolerance and acceptance of all people and all religious denominations.

At Saint Joseph’s we proclaim the Good News through compassion and love that is at the heart of every encounter in the school community. As examples, our students are encouraged to use their gifts to transform their world for the benefit of people everywhere and to take their part in shaping the future.

We provide the opportunity for students to attend liturgical celebrations and Masses and through the opportunity to participate in our Sacramental Program:

Reconciliation (Year 3)
First Eucharist (Year 40
Confirmation (Years 5 and 6).

We are an inclusive, diverse school that provides a warm welcome for all. We encourage you to come and have a chat with us if you have any questions about how we can support your child.