At St Joseph’s, we believe that learning to read and write is one of the most important foundations for lifelong learning. Literacy is at the heart of all learning areas, and we are committed to providing every child with the skills, confidence and enjoyment to succeed. Guided by the Vision for Reading and Writing Instruction from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), we use evidence-based programs and practices to ensure all students flourish.
Reading at St Joseph’s
Students in Foundation to Year 2 are taught using the InitiaLit Reading Program, with all staff trained to deliver it effectively. This evidence-based program is designed to prevent and reduce reading difficulties by teaching the essential building blocks of reading.
From Years 3 to 6, students engage in novel studies designed by Ochre Education in partnership with MACS. These studies build comprehension, vocabulary and critical thinking through exposure to rich and challenging texts.
Our whole school approach to reading includes:
- Phonemic awareness – recognising the sounds in words.
- Phonics – understanding letter-sound relationships to decode words.
- Fluency – reading accurately, quickly and with expression.
- Vocabulary – building word knowledge to support understanding.
- Comprehension – making meaning from texts.
To support students with specific needs, we also provide targeted small-group interventions using MiniLit, MacqLit, and 1 to 1 Literacy intervention, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive as a reader.
At St Joseph’s, we create supportive classrooms where reading is valued, practised daily, and connected to a knowledge-rich curriculum so that students not only learn to read, but also read to learn.
Writing at St Joseph’s
We see writing as both a skill and a creative process that empowers students to communicate, imagine and explore ideas. Our teaching of writing is evidence-based and designed to build confidence, fluency and enjoyment across all year levels.
Our approach includes:
- Supportive environments – Writing is explicitly taught and valued across all subjects. Students write often for real audiences and purposes, with additional support provided when needed.
- Essential skills – Students learn handwriting, spelling, grammar, punctuation and sentence construction. We also teach planning, drafting, editing and revising, with feedback that helps students grow.
- Building knowledge for writing – Students explore a variety of text types and structures through modelling and guided practice. Rich vocabulary, grammar and content knowledge are developed to support clear and creative expression.
At St Joseph’s, we aim to ensure every child develops strong literacy foundations. By combining structured, evidence-based teaching with creativity and real-world purpose, we give our students the tools to become confident readers, writers and lifelong learners.