St Joseph's Primary School, Merriwa is a small, rural Catholic school situated in the Upper Hunter with a unique school environment that provides a meaningful and inclusive learning program catering for the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social and physical dimensions of each student.
St Joseph’s operates as a Professional Learning Community where teachers work collaboratively to plan and deliver learning programs tailored to individual needs so that all students experience high levels of achievement.
The school is currently engaged in the Literacy and Numeracy Action Plan, a program designed at St Joseph’s to enhance the capacity of its teaching staff to lift the educational standards of its students in literacy and numeracy.
St Joseph’s also provides learning support services and special needs programs including access to specialists in psychology, occupational therapy and speech pathology.
The school’s open plan collaborative classrooms are designed to maximise open spaces that allow and encourage student interaction, developing a real sense of community, sharing resources, learning spaces and ideas. Students also benefit from state-of-the-art educational technology and sensory learning initiatives for a comprehensive learning experience.
St Joseph’s Creative Arts programs are available to all students and promote creativity, imagination, skills and talents. Students have the opportunity to audition for ASPIRE and participate in a three-day intensive workshop at the Upper Hunter Kia-Ora Youth Music Camp for drama, dance, music and singing. Students can also learn to play a musical instrument at the school with lessons offered by the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music.
The school’s environmental stewardship programs gives students the opportunity to participate in kitchen garden projects, worm farms, chicken raising, composting, tree planting, family working bees, Clean Up Australia Day and National Tree Day.
Having been awarded the Monsignor Coolahan Award for ‘Community’ as well as the ‘Excellence in Leadership Award’ and two awards for ‘Environmental Excellence’ at the Upper Hunter Australia Day Awards, students have the opportunity to be involved in senior citizens events, visiting the local aged care facility and hospital as well as active participation in community commemorative services and celebrations.
The Catholic Schools Office provides a coach to transport students from Merriwa to St Joseph’s High School, Aberdeen daily.
Students of St Joseph's Primary School, Merriwa are encouraged to continue their Catholic education for Years 7 to 12 by attending St Joseph's High School, Aberdeen.
