St. Joseph’s Catholic School follows the Ministry of Education’s curriculum guidelines in all subjects. Subjects taught in all grades include Religion, Science, Social Studies, Career Education, and Applied Design, Skills and Technologies. As well, the school offers swimming and other recreational opportunities that allow students to explore activities that otherwise would not be available through the regular Physical Education classes, or other life-long learning possibilities.
Student progress report (report cards) are issued three times a year. Two Parent-Teacher interview sessions are scheduled. One is scheduled for the first term and a Student-Led Conference is scheduled for the second term. Parents may request an additional conference with the teacher at any time during the school year.
St. Joseph’s Catholic School offers a Fine Arts program that includes Art in every class. Student art has been featured in a number of venues in the community, including the Ministry of Education building and the Goldstream Interpretive centre. Dance and Drama are integrated into Physical education, Language Arts, the Religion Program, and Social Studies. St. Joseph’s is proud to offer award winning programs of Irish and Jazz dance.
The school offers a Music Program consisting of Choir, and Band for grade five, six and seven students. Both the choir and bands perform annually at the Christmas Concert and ICS Spring Showcase along with other ad hoc performances, as opportunities permit, throughout the year.
St. Joseph’s Athletics program embraces the tenets of good sportsmanship, fair play, and teamwork. We expect our student athletes to learn and develop skills and attitudes that are conducive to good sportsmanship, and to have fun while competing. St. Joseph’s offers students in grades 3-7 participation in inter-school Cross Country and Track and Field events, and a swim team. Volleyball basketball, ultimate frisbee, and rugby are available to grade 6 and 7 students, who play other schools in the Lower Island Middle School Association (LIMSA), and grade 7 students can join badminton, playing other schools in the area under the auspices of Victoria Independent Schools Sports Association (VISSA). Grade 7 students have the opportunity to learn and participate in refereeing. St. Joseph’s also offers an intramural sports program for grades 4-7.
Extra-curricular activities are a vital part of our school, providing opportunities for students to participate and develop skills in areas outside the regular school curriculum. They also serve to build community and support the basic goals of our school. St. Joseph’s staff members are dedicated to offering programs outside of school time. Activities include sports, (volleyball, cross-country, basketball, badminton, track and field, and swimming).
Co-ed Irish and Jazz Dance programs are available to students in primary and intermediate grades. These programs meet before school, and at lunch to participate in the Victoria Fine Arts Festival each spring. To round out our extra-curricular offerings, St. Joseph’s Choir performs at the Christmas Concert and Victoria Performing Arts Festival. They also perform at other special occasions, school masses, flash mob events and choir trips. Rehearsals are before school and at lunch.