Enrolment

Enrolling your child at St Joseph's School Clare

St Joseph’s Catholic School exists to provide a quality Catholic Education for primary students.

Our school endeavours to provide an environment that is an extension of the home so that each child feels that he or she is a part of the wider community. This environment is one where the child can feel comfortable, secure, respected as a person and find value in his/herself through respect shown to them.

Our school strives to foster a sense of love and caring in students through example and instruction. Therefore, expectations and consequences regarding student behaviour are communicated along with forgiveness, empathy, caring and understanding.

Our classes range from Reception to Year 9, with an average class size of 24 students. We have an enrolment of approximately 345 students.

We welcome all families with a commitment to a Christian values education. Place allocation gives consideration to Catholic parish membership, as well as the wider Christian community.

Enrolment Policy


What you need to know

Children are under compulsion to attend school between the ages of 6 & 16 years. 

Catholic schools offer two intakes per year for children starting Reception.

Intake into Reception:

  • The first intake (Term 1) includes children who turn 5 years old on or before 30 April. These children will complete 4 terms of Reception.
  • The second intake (Term 3) includes children who turn 5 years old on or before 31 October. These children will complete 6 terms of Reception.
  • Children who turn 5 after 31 October will commence Reception in Term 1 of the following year.

The second intake (Term 3) under the Two Intake Policy requires parents to seriously consider the following:

  • Your child will not be accessing their full Pre-School services
  • Your child will be required to complete a minimum of 6 terms of Reception
  • Your child will be entering a classroom setting after only two (2) terms of Pre-School.

In making this decision, you may also consider this checklist:

  • Is your child confident to start school?
  • Has your child developed effective social skills enabling them to confidently interact with peers and teachers?
  • Is your child confident to ask for assistance & ask questions as necessary?
  • Can your child listen to and follow instructions?
  • Can your child dress and toilet themselves?
  • Can your child manage their lunchbox and belongings?
  • Can your child cope with change in an emotionally secure manner?
  • Has your child developed fine motor skills, including cutting with scissors and using a correct pencil grip?
  • Will your child be able to cope with the rigors of 8.45am – 3.15pm, five days per week for ten weeks?

The school is charging a higher term fee rate for mid-year intake students to offset the lack of funding.

Please read our Parent handbook for more information

Middle School Tansitions

Transition to Middle School
St Joseph’s School, Clare offers Year 7 - 9 in a purpose-built Middle School facility.

Transition to Senior School
We work with all families and students to ensure a smooth transition to their chosen pathway school for senior high school years.

Please see our Middle School Curriculum handbook for more information.

Term Dates 2023

Term 1 
Monday 30th January to Friday 14th April

Term 2 
Monday 1st May to Friday 7th July

Term 3 
Monday 24th July  to Friday 29th September

Term 4 
Monday 16th October - Friday 15th December