At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Merewether, we are committed to providing a contemporary education that equips our students with the skills needed to thrive in a 21st-century world. Technology is integrated across all Key Learning Areas to enhance engagement, foster collaboration, and personalise learning experiences for every child.
Our 1:1 device program for Years 4-6 students ensures that each learner can access rich, dynamic content and develop digital skills in a safe, purposeful environment. Learning experiences are carefully designed to embed technology meaningfully, incorporating key contemporary learning dimensions such as collaboration, real-world problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, skilful communication, self-regulation, innovation, and knowledge construction.
Learning in a Technology-Rich Environment
Our staff have developed a school-wide approach to “Learning in a Technology-Rich Environment,” which underpins our commitment to developing digital literacy and fluency from Kindergarten through to Year 6. Students are encouraged to use digital tools to research, create, collaborate and reflect on their learning.
Technology at St Joseph’s is used to enhance—not replace—great teaching. Whether coding in Digital Technologies, collaborating on shared documents via Office365, or exploring visual thinking routines on their devices, students are supported to use technology as a tool for deep learning and creative expression.
We support a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) model in Year 4-6, enabling students to access learning seamlessly and develop ownership over their digital learning environments.
Developing Creative and Critical Thinkers
We believe in fostering creative, critical, and independent thinkers. Through a rich curriculum that integrates digital tools and visible thinking strategies, students are encouraged to explore ideas, take intellectual risks and express their thinking in innovative ways.
All students engage in STEM-based learning, where Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are taught through integrated, inquiry-driven units of work. These experiences are designed to build problem-solving capabilities, collaboration and critical thinking—skills essential for their future success.
Inclusive and Supportive Learning
At St Joseph’s, we prioritise the individual learning needs of every child. Our approach to technology supports inclusive practices, allowing students with additional needs to access personalised learning tools. We offer targeted support programs, enrichment opportunities for high-potential learners, and strong foundations in literacy and numeracy.
In the early years, our play-based and hands-on learning approach is enhanced through digital learning tools that develop foundational skills in engaging, age-appropriate ways.
STEM Education
Aligned with national education priorities, we recognise the importance of growing our students’ capacity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Our inquiry-based STEM programs are designed to foster curiosity, creativity and technical skills, preparing students to be innovative contributors to our rapidly evolving world. Visit the Department of Education website to learn more about STEM.
Accounts
School Webmail
Each student has their own student email account:
firstname.lastname@mnstu.catholic.edu.au (mickey.mouse@mnstu.catholic.edu.au)
School Account
1:1 devices are not connected directly to the school server. However, students still have full access to the school intranet via http://mnconnect.cloud
Students have a personal school account that enables them to log into MN Connect:
Username: firstname.lastname Password: (selected by students)*
If your child forgets their password it can be reset by a teacher or the teacher librarian.
Microsoft Account — Business (Office365)
Through Microsoft, the Catholic Schools Office offers all students their own “cloud space” (officially called OneDrive for Business). Students access this cloud via Office365 using their school email account and school password (Login Link https://login.microsoftonline.com/). This space is used by teachers and students for collaboration and communication.
Students may access free programs such as MinecraftEDU via the Microsoft store using their school email details.