Interested in Joining our Community?

Some frequently asked questions from prospective families... 

Some frequently asked questions from prospective families... 

Does my child have to be baptised Catholic to enrol at St. Joseph’s?

No. Our school is open to all who want to share its educational goal, inspired by Christian principles, and we welcome all families who wish for their child to benefit from a Catholic education.
In accordance with our enrolment policy, preference is given to students who are baptised Catholic and who live in the local parish and then to children of Catholic families from neighbouring parishes who wish to enrol. However, we are very welcoming to all families who wish their child to be guided in their education by Christian principles and values.

All families and their children, Catholic or non-Catholic, are invited to have a Catholic education here at St. Joseph’s but must be willing to participate in the religious life and culture of the school. Our aim is to serve the needs of all families in our community.


Do we have to live in Malvern for our child to attend St. Joseph's?

No. Our enrolment policy gives priority to children who reside in Malvern, however, we do enrol children from neighbouring suburbs.


What are the fees at St. Joseph’s?

Our annual fee schedule incorporates all student resources, including all stationery, intensive swimming program, transport costs, software costs, excursions, incursions, technology (ie laptops, ipads etc):

Total Per Year for 2021:
1 child $ 4,350
2 children $ 5,550
3 children $ 6,750
4 children $ 7,950


As a Catholic parish primary school, we always aim to keep tuition fees as low as possible and it is our goal to ensure that Catholic Education is accessible to all families who share its philosophy and aims.
Fees can be paid termly or alternative arrangements can be made, eg monthly payments. Due consideration is always given to families in need of assistance.

Do we have to wait for an 'open day' to tour the school?
No. You are more than welcome to contact the school on 9597 6300 to organise a personal tour of our beautiful school. Alternatively, you can email our office on office@sjmalvern.catholic.edu.au to arrange a time to look around. We are pretty flexible!

Which Secondary Schools do the students from St. Joseph’s attend following Year 6?

Our Year 6 students typically gain a place in their first choice of secondary school. Some examples of Year 7 choices are:

For boys: St. Kevin’s College, De La Salle College, CBC St. Kilda, Xavier College
For girls: Loreto Mandeville Hall, Sacre Coeur, Star of the Sea Brighton

St Mary's College and Emmaus College are also popular choices for those families wishing to send their child to a co-educational Catholic secondary school
Some families choose local government secondary schools, depending on their suburb of residence.


Do you have Out of School Hours Care?

Yes. Our before and after school care program is provided on site by Extend. It operates in our multi-purpose room from 7.30am until 8.50am and from 3.30pm until 6.00pm.

What is the curriculum like at St. Joseph’s?

We are committed to the explicit teaching of foundational skills in English and Mathematics as we know that these skills and understandings provide the building blocks for all future learning. The Victorian Curriculum is the foundation for teaching and learning at St. Joseph's.

We provide a broad, contemporary curriculum, which provides learning experiences that cater for individual student’s needs and inspire a love of learning. As a Catholic school, we provide an education that equips our young people with the knowledge, skills, hope and optimism to live meaningful lives and shape and enrich the world around them.

We have a strong emphasis on the social-emotional wellbeing of students, with a range of programs and practices in place to assist students to develop a positive sense of self and positive relationships with others. Teachers use the 'Personal and Social Capability', from The Victorian Curriculum, to form the foundations for the social and emotional learning of students.

Specialist teaching areas include Music and Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Physical Education/ Sport and Italian.


How are the classes structured at St. Joseph's?
From 2020 all of our classes are structured as 'straight' grades.

How are parents ‘kept in the loop’ at St. Joseph's?

We pride ourselves on clear and timely communication with the parent community.

Our school newsletter, celebrating the week’s events, is sent out each Friday afternoon. This contains community/ learning news and reminders/ dates for future events.

The Class Dojo is a secure (private) platform used across the school. P+F news and reminders are communicated through the dojo, and teachers share classroom news/ learning in individual class pages. Teachers also upload weekly bulletins on Friday afternoon, with reminders for the following week. Students share learning with parents using this platform.

Operoo is an online communications system, which allows all permissions and important information to be communicated with parents electronically. Parents use Caremonkey to share medical information with the school, including anaphylaxis and asthma management plans.

School reports are sent home twice a year, at the conclusion of Terms 2 and 4.

Parent Information Nights are held throughout the year; a classroom information night is held early in February, with transition nights or wellbeing information nights held throughout the year. Parents also formally meet twice a year with the classroom teacher to discuss their child’s progress in school.


How do I enrol my child?
Online enrolment applications can be made via our website or PDF enrolment forms are available for download. 
Of course, you may have other questions that you would like to ask and we encourage you to make contact on 9597 6300 or via email: office@sjmalvern.catholic.edu.au

We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful community in the heart of Malvern.

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