Enrolment

St Joseph's Primary School Elsternwick

We pride ourselves on our inclusive and welcoming environment. As a Catholic, co-educational school, we cater to students from Prep to Year 6. Our school is open to all individuals seeking to be a part of our educational community. We extend a heartfelt welcome to families who desire their child to receive the benefits of a Catholic education.

Our main year of intake is in Prep, however, students are accepted into all year levels where vacancies exist. Class sizes vary in order to cater for all students and are capped at the discretion of the Principal.

Prep Enrolments

Children must turn 5 years of age by the 30th of April in the year they are commencing school.

Enrolment Application Forms should be accompanied by:

Immunisation Certificate
Birth Certificate
Baptismal Certificate

Places at St Joseph’s are offered in accordance with the school’s Enrolment Policy.

New Enrolments at Other Year Levels

Families are welcome to make an appointment to tour the school and meet with the Principal. Parents of new applicants are required to complete the Enrolment Application Form below and attend an interview.

To submit an enrolment enquiry please click here.

Please click here to access the Parent Handbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

St Joseph's Primary School Elsternwick

Does my child have to be baptised Catholic to enrol at St. Joseph’s?/Do you have to be Catholic to join your school?

No. St. Joseph's warmly welcomes all families seeking a Catholic education for their child, regardless of their religious background. While preference is given to baptised Catholic students residing in the local parish, we value diversity and invite families from neighbouring parishes to enrol. Active participation in the religious life and culture of our school is expected. Our aim is to serve the needs of all families within our community.
Do you have straight classes or composite?

All 14 classes at St Joseph’s are straight grades, we do not run composite classes.
What are the fees at St. Joseph’s?

Please familiarise yourself with the School Fee tab located here enrolment page.
Do we have to wait for an Open Day to tour the school?

School Tours are a wonderful way to discover all that St Joseph's Primary School has to offer your family. Parents are welcome to contact the school to book a tour throughout the school term, please contact us on (03) 9528 1614. Tours are run by our Year 6 students, with an opportunity to speak with our School Principal at the conclusion of your tour. The tours will provide an overview of our curriculum, our specialist program, the importance of student wellbeing, as well as showcasing our amazing staff and students.
Which Secondary Schools do the students from St. Joseph’s attend?

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, St Mary’s College, Xavier. For girls: Loreto Toorak, Star of the Sea Brighton, St Mary’s College, Sacre Coeur. St Mary’s College in St Kilda is also a popular choice for those families wishing to send their child to a co-educational Catholic secondary school. Families sometimes choose local government secondary schools, depending on their suburb of residence.
How do I enrol my child?

Please see the Enrolment tab on the school website. All families are welcome to contact the school for a tour (link) or phone us on 9528 1614 if you have any questions.
Do you have Out of School Hours Care?

Yes. Our before and after school care program is provided on site by Junior Adventures Group. It operates in our multi-purpose room from 7am until 8.30am, and from 3.30pm until 6.00pm.

School Fees

St Joseph's relies on a local contribution from parents/caregivers to help cover the education costs for each student. This is achieved through the setting and collection of school fees and levies, which we review annually, to ensure that not only the school remains financially viable but continues to be accessible to families who value a Catholic Education.

The 2024 school fees and levies are outlined below.

Family fees assist the school in meeting the day to day costs of operating the school and Capital fees assist with school improvement, equipment purchase and maintenance programs, including the ongoing refurbishment project which will continue in 2024.

The Curriculum levy covers the supply of all books, text books, specialist, library resources, software licences and excursions/incursions. The Device levy covers ready access for children in Years 2 to 6.

We are committed to supporting our families and offer a range of payment options to assist families in meeting their obligation of paying fees. If you have any concerns about payment of fees, please reach out to Claire Tobin for a confidential discussion to explore financial support arrangements or government concessions to help you. (See the School Fee Concessional Policy).

School Uniform

All students are required to wear the following school uniform. All items except school shoes are available for purchase at Nicholls Furnishings. Sport uniform is to be worn all day on sport days, which are generally once or twice per week.

Summer (Terms 1 and 4)

Gold polo shirt (short sleeve)
Navy gabardine shorts
Navy jumper (optional) or Navy polar fleece with logo
Navy legionnaire hat with logo
Navy short socks
Black school shoes (lace up or buckle accepted)

Blue/white check dress with navy boxer under shorts or
Gold polo (short sleeve) with blue/white check culottes or
Gold polo (short sleeve) with navy gabardine shorts
Navy jumper (optional) or Navy polar fleece with logo
Navy legionnaire hat with logo
Navy short socks
Black school shoes (lace up or buckle accepted)

Winter (Terms 2 and 3)

Gold polo shirt (long sleeve)
Navy gabardine long pants or navy shorts
Navy jumper (optional) or navy polar fleece with logo
Navy short socks
Black school shoes (lace up or buckle accepted)

Navy tartan tunic with gold polo shirt (long sleeve) and navy tights or
Gold polo shirt (long sleeve) with navy gabardine long pants and navy short socks
Navy jumper (optional) or Navy polar fleece with logo
Black school shoes (lace up or buckle accepted)

Sport (All Year)

Navy and yellow polo shirt (short sleeve)
Navy rugby shorts (Terms 1 and 4) or
Navy tracksuit pants (Terms 2 and 3)
Navy polar fleece with logo
White sport socks
Runners

Accessories

Art smock
Library bag
School bag
Hair accessories to be in school colours - white, navy, gold
Jewellery - one small stud or sleeper per ear, religious necklaces are permitted

Hear From Our Community

"I love our specialist subjects, especially Italian because I get to be immersed in another culture and learn the language."

Ben, Student

"Our school events like Harmony Day and The Winter Appeal teach us to care for others the way Jesus did."

Mabel, Student

"Our Principal is caring and helpful. She always makes everybody feel welcome at our school."

Jack, Student

"Everybody at St Joseph’s is so kind and caring. Our friends are always looking out for one another."

Hugo, Student

"My buddy always plays tag with me. I love that we get to have buddy lunch together."

Elliott, Student

"My teacher cares about me and always helps me when I don’t understand the task."

Abi, Student

"Everyone at St Joseph’s is open to new ideas. Our teachers care about all the students and help us reach our goals."

Liam Student