Principal's Page

Dear Parents and Friends,

On Wednesday, Christine, Anne-Marie, Ange and I attended a System Professional Learning Day which focussed on Middle Leadership. The keynote speaker, Dr Kylie Lipscombe from UOW, presented insights into the crucial role middle leaders have on improving student outcomes through their direct link with teachers and classroom practice. 

We considered the significant role of middle leadership. Middle Leaders are responsible for leading school improvement whilst also navigating operational demands, including Stage Leadership responsibilities, as well as often maintaining a teaching load.

We are incredibly fortunate to have exceptional Middle Leaders in Christine, Anne-Marie and Ange. Their commitment, passion and moral purpose are matched by their knowledge, skills and expertise. Wednesday provided the opportunity for me to truly reflect on the outstanding leadership they provide each day. 

Ange and I were asked to present a brief section of the day to share how we build trusting teams at SJB. Firstly, it was an honour to have been asked, but more importantly it was a privilege to share with a couple of hundred colleagues how the staff at SJB support one another, work collaboratively and embrace our shared purpose of providing a quality Catholic education for students.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognise and sincerely thank Anne-Marie, Christine and Ange for their outstanding leadership and service to our school community they bring through their roles.

2026 Annual Improvement Plan 

Goal: Students will be challenged to maximise their learning growth in Writing and clearly articulate their learning goals, know their next steps, and monitor their progress.

PROGRESS UPDATE:

• Members of the Leadership Team conducted a Learning Walk this week to evaluate the impact of our Annual Improvement Plan. All marker students were able to articulate their personal writing goals and share their progress towards meeting these. Bump It Up Walls and Worked Examples are used consistently across the school to provide students with exemplars and models to improve their writing.

   

• Over the next few weeks, all teachers will participate in Observation & Feedback Cycles. These cycles provide an opportunity for teachers to identify a specific aspect of their pedagogy they would like to strengthen and receive constructive feedback from a colleague and Instructional Coach. The aim is to support ongoing professional growth and strengthen the impact of our teaching on student learning.

Recent Staff Professional Learning

Research tells us that the quality of the teacher is the greatest in-school influence on student achievement. Therefore high quality professional learning for teachers must be a priority to ensure improved teacher practice that leads to improved student learning growth. 

Please find a snapshot of the professional learning our staff will attend over the coming fortnight:

25 August 2026

CEDoW Religious Education Standing Committee 

Mrs Duffin

28 August 2026

Senior School Support Officer Network Day

Mrs Wilson

School Assemblies

Assemblies will be held in the hall from 2pm. All are welcome!

28 August 2026 (Week 6) - K-2

Celebration of Learning - Kinder

4 September 2026 (Week 7) - Years 3-6

Celebration of Learning - Year 6

Kaylene Duffin

Principal

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

Principal Awards

Our Principal's awards are presented to students.

From Semester Two we will move to separate fortnightly assemblies:  

• K–2 (even weeks)

• Years 3–6 (odd weeks)

The following students from K-2 will will receive their Principal Awards at our school assembly, Friday 28 August 2026 (Week 6).

The following students from 3-6 will will receive their Principal Awards at our school assembly, Friday 4 September 2026 (Week 7).

How does my child receive a Principal's Award?

When students have received five awards from any combination of the following categories: Blue Merit, End of Term, Spelling Bee (1st , 2nd 3rd), Stage 3 Public Speaking (1st , 2nd 3rd), Stage 3 Diocesan Christmas Art Story (top three in Yr 5 & Yr 6) and St Francis of Assisi, they submit them to the school office to be recorded and become eligible to receive a Principal’s Award at the school assembly. Upon receiving their fourth Principal’s Award, students are presented with a Principal’s Medallion at a school assembly.

Please see the "School Handbook" for a full list of eligible awards.

Acknowledgement to Country

St Joseph's Bulli acknowledges and pays respect to the Dharawal people past, present and emerging the traditional custodians of the land on which our school is built