Enrolment

At St Joseph’s, we warmly welcome enrolment enquiries for students from Prep to Year 6. Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we aim to make the enrolment process as clear, supportive, and welcoming as possible. Our school community is built on strong relationships, a shared commitment to learning, and a deep sense of belonging, where every child is known, valued, and supported to thrive.

We accept enrolments throughout the year, subject to availability, and in some cases, applications may be placed on a waitlist if demand exceeds current capacity. We encourage families to explore our school, ask questions, and connect with us to ensure St Joseph’s is the right fit for your child and family.

Enrolments & School Tours

As Principal of St Joseph’s, I am proud to lead a school community where faith, learning, and wellbeing come together in a nurturing and inclusive environment. At St Joseph’s, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Our dedicated staff work closely with families to create a strong partnership, knowing that children flourish when school and home work together.

We offer a rich and engaging curriculum grounded in the Victorian Curriculum and guided by Catholic values, with a strong focus on student voice, wellbeing, and high-quality teaching and learning. Our approach is underpinned by being Safe, Fair and Kind, ensuring that relationships, respect, and restorative practices are at the heart of everything we do. Beyond the classroom, students are provided with a wide range of opportunities in leadership, the arts, sport, wellbeing, and community connection, helping them grow into confident, compassionate, and capable young people.

I warmly invite you to connect with our school, whether through a tour, a conversation, or an enquiry. Choosing a school is a significant step, and we are always happy to answer your questions and support you through the process. We would love the opportunity to welcome your family and share what makes St Joseph’s such a special place to learn and belong.

Enrolment Process

Step 1: Initial Contact and School Tour
Begin by contacting the school to arrange a tour and a meeting with the Principal (or their representative). This is a valuable opportunity to explore the school grounds, gain insights into our learning environment, and ask questions specific to your child's needs.

Step 2: Application Submission
After the tour, families are invited to complete an online enrolment form. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide:

A copy of the student's birth certificate
Immunisation records
A Baptismal certificate (if applicable for Catholic families)
Any relevant visa documentation
Allied Health reports, where applicable (e.g., from paediatricians, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, or psychologists)

These documents are all submitted online here. If you require support, assistance uploading documents or hard copy paper forms, please contact the school office on 9762 3275 or via office@sjboronia.catholic.edu.au

Step 3: Application Review and Offer
Once all required documentation has been received, applications are typically processed within two weeks. Placement offers are sent via email or post and will include an acceptance slip.

Step 4: Confirmation of Placement
A student’s enrolment is not finalised until the signed acceptance slip is returned to the school (via email, post or in person to the office). Once confirmed, a timeline for the student’s commencement is arranged in consultation with the Principal, based on the individual needs of the student, their family, and the school.

Notification for Prep enrolments will be confirmed at the end of May of the previous year.

Transition Opportunities

Prep Transition Program

At St Joseph’s, we provide a comprehensive transition program for our incoming Prep students. The children engage in fun activities which build their confidence and friendships with their teachers and Year 6 buddies. Students become familiar with our school, so that they are ready when they begin their schooling journey the following year.

Letters of Offer for Prep will be posted at the end of May.

Getting to Know You Interview

Parents and prospective students will meet with the Principal or a member of the Leadership Team for a short interview at the start of Term 4. This is an opportunity for the student to meet the prep teacher and for families to chat with the Principal about how they can support the family join our community.

Prep Transition Mornings

St Joseph’s offers several transition mornings where the children will be involved in ‘get to know you’ sessions with the current Prep teachers or our specialist teachers. At the same time, parent information sessions will be held with members of the school Leadership Team to inform parents about the running of the school, opportunities for their children and how families can support their children as they settle into school.

Orientation Morning with Class Teacher

The Prep Orientation Morning is a session for students in their classroom with their teacher. They will also meet their Year 6 Buddy for the following year and participate in class activities together. The morning will conclude with a BBQ lunch where the Year 6 Buddies will introduce themselves to their Prep buddy’s parents and welcome them to the school community.

Parent Information Evening

A parent information evening is held in late November to partner with our parents to ensure their children are ready to begin school the next year.

Enrolment in Other Year Levels

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FAQs

1. What year levels do you accept enrolments for?
St Joseph’s welcomes enrolments for students from Prep to Year 6. We accept applications at all year levels, subject to availability, and encourage families to enquire at any stage of their child’s schooling.

2. When can my child start at St Joseph’s?
Most students commence at the beginning of the school year; however, mid-year or mid-term enrolments may be considered depending on class numbers and availability.

3. Do you have a school zone or parish boundary?
While families from our parish are given priority, we welcome enrolment enquiries from families outside the parish and local area, depending on available places.

4. Is there a waitlist for enrolments?
If demand exceeds available places, applications may be placed on a waitlist. Families will be contacted as positions become available.

5. How do I apply to enrol my child?
Families are invited to contact the school office to request an enrolment pack or arrange a school tour. Our team will guide you through each step of the enrolment process.

6. Do you offer school tours?
Yes, school tours are strongly encouraged. Tours provide families with the opportunity to see our learning spaces, meet staff, and experience the welcoming culture of St Joseph’s.

7. Is St Joseph’s a Catholic school?
Yes, St Joseph’s is a Catholic primary school that welcomes families of all faith backgrounds who value our Catholic ethos and commitment to inclusive, values-based education.

8. What documents are required for enrolment?
Enrolment applications require a completed form, birth certificate, immunisation history statement, baptismal certificate (if applicable), and any relevant educational or medical information.

9. How are students supported during transition?
We prioritise smooth transitions for all students. Our staff work closely with families and previous educators to ensure each child feels supported, settled, and confident in their new learning environment.

10. Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Our friendly office staff or the Principal are always happy to assist. We encourage families to contact the school directly with any questions or to arrange a conversation or visit.

School Uniform

At St Joseph’s, our school uniform reflects a strong sense of belonging, pride, and community. Wearing the St Joseph’s uniform helps students feel connected to one another and fosters an inclusive environment where everyone is valued equally. Our uniform has been designed to be practical, comfortable, and suitable for active learning and play, supporting students to move confidently throughout their day.

We offer a range of uniform options to suit different seasons and activities, including dedicated Physical Education attire to encourage participation in sport and movement. In line with our SunSmart policy, a school hat is an essential part of the uniform and must be worn from January to May and September to December whenever students are outdoors. This supports student wellbeing and encourages safe sun protection habits from an early age.

We believe that a consistent school uniform helps create a positive learning culture by reducing distractions, promoting equality, and encouraging students to take pride in themselves and their school. Families are supported with clear guidelines, and we appreciate the partnership we share in ensuring students wear their uniform correctly and proudly as ambassadors of the St Joseph’s community.

Uniforms can be bought from our on-site uniform shop on Tuesdays or at an arranged time with the office staff. Uniform order forms are also available from the office or attached to the weekly newsletter.

Before & After School Care

Camp Australia – Guiding Children’s Growth

We are proud to partner with Camp Australia to provide our Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) program.

Camp Australia programs are centred on child enrichment, while ensuring a reliable, engaging and hassle-free OSHC service at our school. Their engaged educators foster a safe, inclusive environment where children can relax, have fun and grow

At Your OSHC by Camp Australia, every before school, after school and pupil free day program is tailored to the likes and interests of each child in service. Camp Australia’s educators design enriching experiences to inspire your children’s confidence, independence and imagination. In any one week, they could be participating in science experiments, active play, creative expression and more – they believe in learning through experience so that each child can grow.

Rocketeers – Extraordinary Holiday Adventures

Rocketeers by Camp Australia is a space for children to escape the ordinary and experience the extraordinary during their school holidays. Every school holiday break is a new mission for children to embark upon. With carefully designed programs, directed by the children and informed by family feedback, no two days are the same with Rocketeers. Experiences planned could include games, arts & crafts, sport, excursions, cooking, coding and more.

Click here to find out more about Camp Australia’s program at our school, including hours of operation and fees. To attend care, you must register your child. Register now for free.

Buddy Program

Our Buddies Program brings students from Prep to Year 6 together in their house groups on a fortnightly basis, fostering house pride and positive relationships across year levels. Year 5 and 6 house captains work alongside teachers to lead games, activities, Circle Times, and lessons that focus on social-emotional learning, wellbeing, and multi-age collaboration. The program also provides opportunities to celebrate important events, such as NAIDOC Week, World Kindness Day, and R U OK? Day, helping students develop empathy, teamwork, and a strong sense of community.

Sunsmart

At St Joseph’s, the health and safety of our students is a priority, and our Sun Smart Policy aligns with the recommendations of the Cancer Council of Victoria. From February to April and September to December, students are required to wear hats whenever they are outside, supported by a ‘no hat, no play’ approach to encourage consistent sun protection. We promote the use of sunscreen, shaded play areas, and positive Sun Smart behaviours through our curriculum, assemblies, newsletters, and parent communication. Staff model these practices, ensuring a safe environment while fostering lifelong sun-safe habits. Staff take extra measures on exceptionally hot days to ensure student safety, including modifying PE lessons, adjusting the daily timetable, and holding ‘inside playtimes’ in our fully air‑conditioned classrooms.