A CARING CULTURE
Wellbeing
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PBL
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RRRR
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Zones of Regulation
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Wellbeing check in
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Life Skills Go
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Chickens
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Sunsmart
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Breakfast club
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Eat Up
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SWELL Week
SHARED VALUES
Our Core Values & Expectations
At St Joseph’s, we work together respectfully to create a
welcoming and faith filled community, where we treat others as
we would like to be treated.
St Joseph’s Springvale Core Values
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We are welcoming
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We work together
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We respect each other
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Semper Fidelis (We are always faithful)
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We live the Golden Rule (Treat others as we want to be treated)
St Joseph’s Springvale School Expectations
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We care for each other
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We are resilient and responsible learners
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We keep ourselves and others safe
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We care for property and the environment
Digital Responsibility
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Annual Parent Information Evenings — Held in alternate years and delivered either by Inform and Empower or by our own staff and student leaders, these sessions strengthen parent understanding of wellbeing, digital safety, and community expectations.
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Inform and Empower — Students participate in child‑friendly workshops that build confidence, digital awareness, and respectful decision‑making online and in the community.
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eSafety — Our school partners with national eSafety initiatives to teach safe online behaviour, responsible technology use, and practical strategies for staying protected in digital environments.
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Safer Internet Day — Students engage in activities that promote positive online choices, digital respect, and community awareness around internet safety.
LUNCH FUN
Lunchtime Club
At St Joseph’s, we offer a variety of engaging lunchtime clubs to support student interests, creativity, and wellbeing. These clubs provide opportunities for students to connect with peers, try new activities, and build valuable skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Available Clubs Include:
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Chess Club
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Library Club
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Knitting & Crochet Club
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Jigsaw Puzzle Club
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LEGO Club
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Art Club
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Sports Club
Students are encouraged to explore and participate in clubs that interest them. Some clubs have set restrictions, while others are open for casual participation at any time.
These activities help us live out our core values of working together, respecting each other, and welcoming all.
Buddy Program
At St. Joseph’s, we believe that safe, respectful relationships are the foundation of a thriving learning environment. When children feel secure and supported, they are more confident to explore, connect, and grow. Our Buddy Program fosters these connections by pairing students across year levels, encouraging empathy, trust, and a sense of belonging within our school community.
Foundation students are paired with Year 6 buddies, forming meaningful relationships that offer guidance, friendship, and a familiar face in the schoolyard. In addition, every other class across the school is matched with a buddy class, strengthening connections and fostering a sense of unity throughout our learning community.
Older students develop leadership skills and pride in their ability to support others, while younger students gain confidence and feel a strong sense of belonging. It’s one of the many ways we nurture a caring and inclusive school environment.
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Buddies engage in fortnightly activities such as art, shared lunches, and developmental play, with room to explore interests together
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Buddies are thoughtfully paired considering personality, temperament, and interests to ensure a positive experience
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Buddies attend church services and school assemblies together on special occasions
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Older buddies receive guidance from teachers to understand their role and build meaningful connections
Student Voice
At St Joseph’s Primary School, Springvale, student voice is actively promoted through the Student Representative Council, Year 6 Voice and Wellbeing Leaders, and leadership roles for Years 2–4. Students participate in the City of Greater Dandenong’s Children’s Advisory Group and the annual Children’s Forum. They also engage in decision-making around school data, contributing to projects, wellbeing initiatives, and community events, fostering leadership and meaningful involvement across the school and local community.
Grade 6 Leadership Program
At St Joseph’s, student leadership begins with a democratic process, where Grades 4 and 5 students vote for Year 6 leaders. Our leadership team includes four School Captains (two boys and two girls) and a variety of Year 6 leadership groups such as Art, Music, Italian, Digital Technologies, Sustainability, Social Justice, Library, Student Voice, Community Engagement, and Sports.
Leaders are supported through fortnightly meetings with staff mentors. We encourage all students to develop leadership skills, with Year 6 students taking on important roles across the school community.