Filter Content
- Message from the Principal
- Flood Photos
- Mission & Learning at Joey's
- Term 2 Events Update
- Sports Report
- Kempsey Eisteddfod - Vocal & Instrumental | Speech & Drama 2025
- 2025 NSW Premier's Reading Challenge
- News from the Enviro Team
- Canteen News
- Health & Wellbeing
- St Joseph's OOSH & Vacation Care - CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
- School Fees
- Keeping School Funding Fair - What you need to know
- A Direction Statement for Parents Enrolling in a Catholic School
- Learn more about COMPASS - School Communication Platform APP
- How to Purchase your child's School Uniform
- Travelling to School by Bus
- Catholic School Parents - Resources
- Supporting Diverse Learning
- Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) - Copy
- Child Safety Handbook
- Billboard
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Parents, Caregivers and Families,
STATE OF THE SCHOOL
As we all begin to move from the devastation that the recent floods have delivered to our town, I firstly thank God that our community did not lose a soul, and that while the loss of property and structures tears at our hearts, we know that for the most part, this can all be replaced.
Like many of our homes and businesses, St Joseph’s was also directly affected by the rising flood waters, which for the first time since 2001, breached our classrooms, canteen and other facilities.Three classrooms were made completely inoperable, suffering damage to furniture, flooring, and resources. Other critical areas such as the Joey’s OOSH facility, an intervention room, canteen, playgrounds, tennis courts, toilets, maintenance shed, garden sheds, and the vegetable garden, were also inundated and heavily impacted.
In response, the School has prioritised checking in with local families affected by the flood to ensure wellbeing remains at the forefront of our support. Recognising the emotional and financial strain experienced by many, staff have been, and will continue to offer care and guidance alongside learning support, to help students and their families navigate this difficult period.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, the spirit of the St Joseph’s community has shone brightly. Staff have tirelessly rallied to ensure learning continues without interruption. Online learning platforms and take-home learning packs aligned with current curriculum units were swiftly developed and distributed, keeping students engaged during this difficult time.
Staff have worked hand-in-hand with the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools, stripping damaged classrooms, removing flood debris, cleaning and sanitising furniture, and relocating teaching and intervention spaces to prepare for a safe and timely return to school. The road to recovery is underway with a rebuild plan that includes the restoration of classrooms, canteen, OOSH facilities, playgrounds, tennis courts, and toilets.
These projects will be managed carefully to ensure a safe, vibrant, and inspiring learning environment for all students is returned as quickly as possible. While this event has deeply impacted the community, it has also highlighted the strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication of the St Joseph’s family. Together, we are committed to restoring not only our school but also the hope, routine, and joy of learning for every child.
As we move forward, we remain grateful for the incredible teamwork of our staff and families who continue to support our students and help rebuild a brighter future for St Joseph’s.Please see photos in the below section.
A PERSONAL THANK YOU FROM THE PRINCIPAL
I would like to publicly acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our St Joseph’s staff. From a call out during the flood itself, to the mammoth clean up after, and preparation of student distance learning. I cannot appropriately put into words how thankful I am to work with such an unselfish group of people.
Thank you.Guy.
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO ST PAUL'S COLLEGE
On behalf of the St Joseph’s community, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to St Paul’s College for their incredible generosity in offering us the use of their facilities. This allowed us to support families who needed to return to work or assist with flood recovery efforts. I thank the School Principal, Mr Melville, and Assistant Principal, Mrs Fullbrook for their wonderful support.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR ALL OUR MOTHERS We celebrated Mother’s Day with a beautiful, yet energetic mass. It was great to see so many mothers and motherly figures who could make it on the day to experience mass with your children. Our student readers did a great job sharing the Liturgy of the Word, and all mothers were given a special flower to symbolise love, creation and life.While celebrating Mass is a pivotal part of Catholic life, it is faith and family that binds us all together. I ask that we all remember the importance of having something worthy to believe in, something which teaches all of us how to be a responsible, loving and caring member of our community. Church is a way to acknowledge the importance of family and faith in our community. I remind all of our beautiful St Joseph’s families that faith is what stabilises a community, shapes who we are and instils us with values that define what we consider to be normal and abnormal. We should never be ashamed of our Catholicity.
EMBEDDING EXTENSION AND INTERVENTION INTO LEARNING
Ongoing literacy support programs continue to run throughout our learning weeks here at St Joseph’s. While many of these programs occur outside of the classroom, they are strongly linked to classroom learning outcomes, and help, support, encourage and improve student learning and growth. At St Joseph’s we understand the importance of both intervention and extension in enhancing the learning growth of all our students, allowing them to achieve their full potential across all subject areas.KINDER CLASSES IN 2026
I have started the interview process for our future 2026 Kinder students, and while it has been interrupted by the school closure, we are again up and running. It is exciting to see classes filling up so early in the year, which is great news for our schools continuing positive growth. The 2026 Enrolment application window has now closed.WINTER WARMTH
As we head into the colder weather, we usually see a few non uniform items, such as beanies, scarfs, jumpers and jackets worn into school.In order to keep the high standards of St Joseph's a matter of pride within our community, I ask that all students present to school wearing the school uniform correctly. We have several warmer uniform items, such as the St Joseph's Track Jacket or Fleece Jumper, track pants and trousers.The track pants must be worn with the schools sports uniform only, while the unisex trousers must be worn with the schools academic uniform only.BEING PERSISTANT AND HAVING A GROWTH MINDSET
At our last school assembly, I spoke to the students about Perseverance, explaining that perseverance is what drives you to keep working even when you want to quit. I outlined how having perseverance, or being persistent, will help you learn all through life, and how this is similar to having a Growth Mindset.People with a growth mindset believe their abilities and intelligence can be developed and improved through dedication, determination and perseverance. Having a growth mindset can help you learn, improve, and overcome problems.
I then informed the students that they all have the potential to be anything they want, however, they have to work hard in order to achieve it because nothing comes easy and you only get out of anything, what you put into it.
I would love it if you could continue this conversation at home.
Again, it was an honour to spend the day with our Captains, who represented the school with the maturity and respect that I expect from all of our St Joseph’s students.
OUR MOBILE PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY
Bringing mobile phones and electronic devices (including; laptops, iPads, digital/video cameras, electronic games, smart watches etc.), to school, is strongly discouraged. The School takes no responsibility for the safety and security of these devices.For security purposes, mobile phones must be handed into the office before the 8:55am bell each day, and are to be collected after the 3:10pm bell. Students may leave their phones switched on and on silent in order for messages to be received by that device only. Smart watches and other devices worn or carried on a person, are not to receive messages or be data active during the school day.
Any photographic or video material taken at School or at a School event must be used in an appropriate manner or else consequences may apply. This includes the use of a school device under staff instruction. Consequences will apply when students contravene this policy. Depending on the severity of the offence, consequences may include, detention, suspension or termination of enrolment.
If a student’s mobile phone or electronic device is seen and or heard whilst the student is under the Schools duty of care, an Assistant Principal will contact parents, informing them of the action and consequence. This policy aims to reduce class distraction and cyber bullying, control inappropriate access to social networking sites and help to manage potential legal and sensitive issues that may arise.Parents and Caregivers, I am sure that you all agree how important is for the school to have complete control and knowledge of the information coming into the school and going out from the school. Therefore, I ask that all communications to and from your children, while they are at school, goes through the front office or through a member of staff.
As always, I thank you for your support in regards to your child’s ongoing learning and growth.
Guy Campbell
Driving Excellence in the Macleay
PENTECOST SUNDAY
Do you remember the excitement of looking 
forward to your birthday - when they were in single digits? The energy you woke up with when the day finally arrived, knowing the day would be filled and there was so much for you to do? Perhaps you see it in children around you still.
The birth of the Church must be by far, the most energetic and energising story recorded for us in Scripture. Violent wind, carefully dispersed fire and bewildering new skills for all present. A lot can be said for bringing energy back into our birthdays. Each one could be our last (hopefully not of course) and ideally should be celebrated as much as when we were 5 or 6 or 7 or 8.
As with birthdays, have we lost a lot of the energy associated with being filled with the Holy Spirit? Is there a fire in us? Or are we just “going through the motions”?
Preaching on Pentecost a couple of years ago, Fr Richard Rohr, wrote: “We can recognise people who have had a second baptism in the Holy Spirit. They tend to be loving. They tend to be exciting. They want to serve others, and not just be served themselves. They forgive life itself for not being everything they once hoped for. They forgive their neighbours. They forgive themselves for not being as perfect as they would like to be.”
If we are in need of rejuvenation, Pentecost may be a great opportunity for an injection of the Holy Spirit, to be re-inspired, to reclaim respiration in our day-to-day lives. (Reflection taken in part by Leonie Duck)
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, energise me with your presence.
Amen
Sourced from: https://cms.vinnies.org.au/media/wyqh0odx/0325-spiritual-reflection-guide-may-2025-digi.pdf?folder=nsw__publications-nsw__spiritual-reflection-guides&path=wyqh0odx%2F0325-spiritual-reflection-guide-may-2025-digi.pdf (May 2025)
With Mr Owens
ZONE CROSS COUNTRY
Last week we had our Zone Cross Country representatives run at the Diosecan event at Woolgoolga.
Congratulations to all runners on competing well.
Cohen Davies who finished first and Sophia Reichel who finished third in their respective races will now proceed to the Polding event, representing Lismore Diocese, in Sydney on Wednesday 11th June.
We wish them well.
RUGBY 7s POLDING TRIAL
Charlotte Mainey and Bella Dallas-Morgan trialled for Girls Rugby Polding. They didn't make the team but enjoyed the experience trialling in Sydney. Both will be better for the experience. Well done girls.
CLICK HERE FOR THE PRC WEBSITE.
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY - 5TH JUNE
World Environment Day is a special day when people all around the world focus on protecting the environment and living more sustainably. In 2025, the theme is “Ending Global Plastic Pollution”—a big reminder that cutting down on plastic waste is super important to keep our planet healthy.
This day shows us that everyone can help make a difference. Whether it’s little changes in our daily habits or bigger lifestyle choices, being eco-friendly helps protect the Earth for the future.
As travelers and global citizens, we have a part to play too! Choosing greener travel options and cutting back on single-use plastics while on the go can really add up to a cleaner planet.
This World Environment Day, the Enviro Team is encouraging everyone to reduce their use of single-use plastics. Don’t forget, when you recycle Return and Earn containers at the Kempsey Depot, you can have the credits go to St Joseph’s. The school then gets Bunnings gift cards to support our projects!
Let’s all do our bit to help the planet—every little action counts!
COASTLINE BANK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT
We are excited to announce that St Joseph's Primary School, Kempsey, has been awarded a $2,000 grant from the Coastline Bank Community Foundation to support our environmental initiatives! This generous funding will help us refurbish our garden area by replacing the worm farms and garden beds that were damaged during the recent flood. Additionally, we will be refreshing the sand in the LP sandpit to enhance outdoor play for our students.
As Kathryn Reynolds from Coastline Bank shared, “I’m pleased to let you know that St Joseph's Primary School, Kempsey has been successful in receiving a Coastline Bank Community Foundation School Environmental Project Grant. Your school will be awarded $2,000 to support your environmental initiative.”
We sincerely thank Coastline Bank for their support in helping us create a vibrant, sustainable outdoor space for our school community!
10c RETURN AND EARN RECYCLING
We have recently updated our account details for our 10c Return and Earn Recycling
Program.
Families are asked to conveniently take their 10c drink containers straight to the High Speed Depot Drop Off at 47 South Street, South Kempsey whenever it suits you.
The School Office has small cards with our NEW Crunch Account details on it to keep in your car (or use this bar code).
All proceeds are used to assist with our St Joseph’s veggie garden and related learning activities.
Collection bags are still available in the Canteen Foyer. Children who recycle by visiting the High Speed Drop Off will still receive a prize from the Enviro Prize Box (see Mrs Hagger in the Canteen). Just be sure to bring in your docket to Mrs Tarrant.
SUSTAINABILITY HUB
old phones, batteries, used stamps, prescription glasses, toothpaste tubes/brushes and plastic writing implements.
Please feel free to drop these into the bins located in the canteen foyer.
If you have other items that you think the school may be able to use for art/craft etc please contact us.
REUSABLE CUTLERY SETS
IF YOUR CHILD DOESN'T HAVE A PACKED LUNCH
Families, should your child happen to forget their lunch, our Canteen can provide them a sandwich, piece of fruit and a drink. Unfortunately, no hot food can be made. Thank you.
2025 CANTEEN MENU
OFFSITE BAGGED LUNCH
This special lunch bag will be an option for any offsite events that are held locally (no hot lunches will be delivered offsite).
The Offsite Lunch Bag consists of chicken & salad wrap or sandwich, bottle of water, muesli bar, pkt plain chips and a piece of seasonal fruit for $15. Select "Offsite Bagged Lunch" from the Compass Canteen Menus.
STUDENT BIRTHDAY BUNDLES
Should you have any queries please contact our Canteen ladies, Mrs Hagger & Mrs Crowe.
HEALTHY LUNCH BOX WEBSITE
The Healthy Lunch Box website is your one-stop shop for recipe inspiration and information to help you add more fruit, veg and wholegrains into your child's diet to improve their health.
Lots of quick and easy recipes and snack ideas.
Informative blogs about healthy eating.
Healthy swaps.
Interactive lunch box builder that helps parents and kids plan and pack a healthy lunch box with foods they like.
FAMILY CONNECT IN SCHOOLS
The wellbeing of our students and their families is paramount here at St Joseph’s and we are lucky to have some extra support built into our school community through a Program Worker from Family Connect in Schools.
If you have any concerns about or need assistance/support with being linked into specialist services such as, external providers for healthcare, housing, domestic violence, Centrelink, disability/NDIS, counselling services, culturally appropriate supports etc, please contact the front office. More information is attached.
Please note that due to the recent flood damage, OOSH will be closed until further notice.
Apologies for the inconvenience.
We have two dedicated classrooms on the St Joseph's Catholic Primary School campus in Kemp Street, West Kempsey. The classrooms are filled with resources and games to suit children from Kinder to Year 6.
Students from all schools in the Macleay Valley and surrounds are welcome at Joey's OOSHC.
Joey's OOSHC has a proud history of providing high quality out of school hours care for than ten years. Joey's dedicated and experienced staff plan and manage programs that offer both fun and educational opportunities.
To find out more and to explore the enrolment process visit our website at https://www.joeyskempsey.org.au/
2025 FEE BILLING
The School Services Levy and Term Tuition Fees were billed during February, allowing families to view the full-year fees on their statements. These statements were forwarded via Compass.
The Diocese Fees team have written to all families asking them to nominate a payment frequency from the following options:
Available payment methods are Bpay, Compass Pay, Centrepay Deduction or cash/EFTPOS at the school office. Your Bpay details appears on your monthly statement emailed at the start of each new month.
We recognise the financial pressures that families may face and strive to offer
flexible payment options to accommodate different circumstances. For more
information and to contact our Diocesan Fees Team, please visit the Diocese of
Lismore Catholic Schools website.
To learn more about the COMPASS Platform please click here
About the Compass Platform
The Compass platform is a web-based system that is accessible on any modern web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome & Safari) or by using the Compass School Manager iOS or Android App.
Parents have the ability to;
- Receive notifications about school events, news and information
- Enter an explanation for absences
- Communicate with your child’s teachers,
- Update your family contact details (mobile phone & email)
- View your child’s timetable and the school calendar
- Download and view your child’s academic reports
- Book parent-teacher conferences (parent/teacher interviews)
- Pay and provide digital consent for events (No more permission slips)
- Order lunches from the Canteen
- Pay school fees
Effective immediately, all students can only be dropped off at their registered school in the morning, we can no longer drop off in town for sports carnivals etc.
All buses are required to complete their school runs as per contracts.
BUS PASSES
- All students catching the bus in 2025 will need a school travel pass.
- Under the School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS), eligible students can apply for free or subsided travel between home and school.
- For more information about the School Student Transport Scheme and how to apply for a school travel pass, visit https://apps.transport.nsw.
gov.au/ssts/#/ from a desktop computer.
Students who need a School Bus Pass for 2025 can apply here. A new application will need to be submitted if they are applying for the first time, or if they are requesting additional travel entitlement because of a new shared parental arrangement (e.g. joint custody).
If a student’s distance eligibility has changed based on their grade (i.e. grade two to grade three), the system will automatically update their entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, we will send them an expiry notification via email.
Students living in rural and regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the start of the new school year from their nominated transport operator. It may be given to the student as they board the bus for the first time in 2024 or be sent directly to them at home.
Important Note:-
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.
Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home.
FREE WEBINARS FOR PARENTS
The Council of Catholic School Parents is hosting a number of helpful webinars for parents on a variety of topics. You may also like to subscribe to the ParentTalk newsletter, which provides interesting articles for parents in Catholic schools.
Catholic School Parents Australia has developed free resources to strengthen the home-school partnership! The new video workshops help guide primary and secondary parents, principals, and school staff to take a holistic approach to their children’s well-being and educational
experience.
The resources also include guides for local facilitators to run through the video workshops in collaborative sessions with principals, staff and families. Insights from experts like Andrew Fuller, John Hattie and Donna Cross inform the workshop’s research-backed strategies.
The resources can be found on the Gearing Up for Parent Engagement website.
Please find below a download to the
"Supporting Diverse Learning in Catholic Schools" resource.
WHEN YOU HAVE A MEDICAL CONCERN - CONTACT NORTH COAST HEALTH CONNECT
North Coast Health Connect is a free (bulk billing) new service providing health support and advice from registered nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays. If you are a resident or visitor to the North Coast, you can speak or live chat with a nurse. The nurse will ask some questions to understand what’s troubling you and then provide advice on what your next step should be.
This may include self-care advice to help you to manage your health (or that of a loved one) from home, or the nurse may recommend a GP appointment or a consultation with a pharmacist. The nurses are able to book an appointment for you directly with a local general practice or pharmacy or if appropriate, can transfer you to a 24/7 GP telehealth service. If the nurse believes you need to attend an emergency department or see a different health service, they will let you know.
Visit https://northcoasthealthconnect.org.au/ for more info and save as a contact for when you need it
https://northcoasthealthconnect.org.au/communication-resources/ (1)
This incredible service will help families access ‘on the day’ healthcare which is bulkbilled and is a vital and important service in this area.
Currently we have 220 GP appointments each week, supported by 23 GP clinics, across the entire North Coast region to access.
Visit https://northcoasthealthconnect.org.au/ for more info and save as a contact for when you need it by visiting https://qrco.de/bdkiJm or by scanning the QR code below.