Community
Parents as Partners
At St Joseph’s, we place great value on fostering a strong sense of connection and belonging. We know that these are essential to supporting the wellbeing of young people and have a direct, positive impact on their learning outcomes. Central to this is the powerful partnership between parents and our school. When parents are partners in their child’s education, care, and wellbeing, we build a shared foundation that strengthens our collective mission to nurture and educate the young people of our school.
St Joseph’s Primary School serves as a vital hub where our school and community come together. We are committed to fostering strong relationships, meaningful connections, and a genuine sense of belonging. Through shared experiences, our students and families are encouraged to connect with the values and relationships that define our school community. Supporting events and activities that shape students’ identity and promote family belonging is a core part of our work.
We believe clear, ongoing communication between home and school is crucial to building strong, effective partnerships for learning. We recognise parents and families as their children’s first educators and deeply respect the values you instill. Together, we aim to create an environment where the connection between home and school is tangible and positive.
It is vital that school staff and families work together to share, understand, and use a common language around learning, community, and shared responsibility. In doing so, we ensure that every child is supported by a unified and compassionate partnership.
School Advisory Council
The School Advisory Council is an important vehicle for dialogue and consultation between parents, school and parish. It provides a forum for discussion and discernment, where parent voice and community perspective are valued and support the decisions made by the school, ensuring the decisions made promote students’ wellbeing and that learning outcomes are paramount.
The following are some examples of the many ways the School Advisory Council may support the school and the principal:
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articulating and enacting the school’s vision and mission;
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promoting the school’s Catholic ethos and culture;
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promoting faith formation and development;
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supporting school policies as required;
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giving advice to the Principal on issues such as school improvement plans and enrolment trends;
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engaging in discussion with the Principal about the annual school budget and other financial matters;
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giving advice to the principal about the school master plan;
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providing capital resource planning and maintenance support to the Principal.
St Joseph’s School Advisory Council for 2025:
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Parish Priest: Fr Gallacher
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Principal: Annabelle Marinelli
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Deputy Principal: Dean Butler
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Chair: David Steghuis
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Secretary: Courtney Jendra
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Parents & Friends Reps: Laura Kay and Talia Hasset
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Parent Reps: Michael Touhey, Kate Tehan
Parents and Friends
The St Joseph’s Parents & Friends Association (P&F) exists to support the school. In communication with the principal, the P&F organises social events throughout the year to build a sense of community and a feeling of connectedness within the school. All funds raised go to improving the school environment and/or purchasing resources, which, in turn, directly benefits students’ learning and well-being. Purchases through P&F raised funds are in direct consultation with the principal and leadership team.
The P&F supports and adheres to all St Joseph’s Malvern School Policies, including the Parent Code of Conduct
The P&F aims to encourage social interaction between families (by organising events for parents, students and staff) and assist in building a sense of community and wellbeing within the school. It also exists to raise funds for projects and resources that would not otherwise be financed and that will benefit the students. In past years, events have included Welcome BBQs, trivia nights, luncheons, cocktail nights, fetes, art auctions, along with raising money with raffles and other fundraising activities.
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The St Joseph’s Parents & Friends Association (P&F) is guided by three key pillars - Building Community, Children's Enjoyment, and Raising Funds - the P&F aims to create meaningful connections among families, enhance students' school experiences, and support events and projects that directly benefit the students.
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Our Three Pillars
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Building Connection and Community: Strengthening relationships among families, students, and staff through inclusive community events and activities.
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Children’s Enjoyment: Creating fun and engaging opportunities that enhance the student experience.
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Raising Funds: Supporting the school by fundraising for resources and initiatives that enrich student learning and wellbeing.
Over the years, P&F events have included Beginning of the Year Welcome Event, trivia nights, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events, school disco nights, school fetes, social events related to our Art Show and School Production. Fundraising efforts have included election day fundraiser, bake stalls, silent auctions, raffles and other initiatives that contribute to support the school with resources to enrich our school environment.
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Getting Involved
The P&F warmly welcomes all parents and carers and encourages active involvement. Joining the P&F is a rewarding way to connect with the broader school community, meet families across different year levels, and contribute to the vibrant culture of St Joseph’s. Most importantly, your involvement strengthens your relationship with the school and helps build a deeper sense of connection for you and your child.
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Role of Year Level Representatives
​Year Level Representatives play an important role in the P&F by fostering a friendly, supportive, and inclusive community within each class. They serve as the key communication link between families and the P&F, ensuring that parents remain informed and engaged with school events and initiatives.
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Year Level Representative Responsibilities:
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Develop a welcoming and inclusive class community.
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Facilitate open and effective communication across the school regarding P&F social and fundraising events.
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Attend P&F meetings to represent year level parents and communicate key updates back to them.
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Welcome new families to the school and help them integrate into the community.
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Help organise and promote social and fundraising events for the school or year level.
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Help to organise school events throughout the year (e.g., Welcome Event, Grandparent’s Day, Mother’s/Father’s Day etc),
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Ensure at least one representative from each year level attends all quarterly P&F meetings.
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Coordinate teacher thank-you gestures on behalf of the year level group.
Year Level Reps:
​Year Level Representatives play a vital role in the Parents & Friends Association by cultivating a warm, inclusive, and connected class community. As key liaisons between families and the P&F, they ensure that parents remain informed, engaged, and supported throughout the school year. Year Level Representatives foster a welcoming environment within their year level, encouraging friendships and a strong sense of belonging among families. They help facilitate effective communication by sharing important updates about P&F initiatives and school-wide activities, and they represent their year level by attending P&F meetings, providing feedback, and relaying key information to families. They play an important part in welcoming new families to the school, helping them feel at ease and part of the community from the outset. In addition, Year Level Representatives support the planning and delivery of both whole-school and class-based social and fundraising events. Through their commitment and leadership, Year Level Representatives strengthen the vibrant, supportive culture that makes St Joseph’s such a special place for families and students alike.
Experience the St Joseph's Difference
You are invited to experience the St Joseph’s difference/the St Joseph’s way, where academic endeavour/excellence is united with a deep sense of care for each child.
Your child deserves the best start in life. Join us to experience the St Joseph’s difference.