Catholic Identity
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Bulli 
St Carlo Acutis
Carlo Acutis, who died at age 15 from leukemia in 2006, was canonised a Saint this week. He was named as the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. A self-taught computer programmer from Milan, he was in many ways a normal teenager who enjoyed video games, soccer, and hiking. He was also deeply devout and used his tech skills to build a website that documented Eucharistic miracles, earning him the nickname "God's influencer." He is now seen as a relatable role model for young people, demonstrating that holiness can be found in an ordinary, modern life.
St Carlo gives us hope, that even in our modern times, we are all called to be saints!
The Season of Creation
During the special Season of Creation, Pope Leo has continued the work of Pope Francis by sharing a powerful prayer for our planet. He reminds us how important it is for all of us to take care of our "common home." By watching the Pope's prayer, we can all find inspiration to make small changes in our daily lives—both at home and at school—to protect the environment, ensuring our community and the world remain beautiful and healthy for everyone. The link to the video of the Pope's Prayer is here
During this time and into Term 4, many classes are or will soon be learning about Creation in their Religious Education lessons
In Kindergarten, students will
respond to the wonder of creation in prayers of praise
listen and respond to the story of Noah
explore ways to care for the world around them
In Year 1, students will
listen and respond to the story of creation
learn about ways God’s people praised God for creation
In Year 2, students will
explore the beauty and diversity of creation
consider ways to take care of creation
In Year 4, students will
learn about the Creation story in Gen 1 - 2:4, and that they are created in the image of God
explore how Aboriginal spirituality inspires us to live in harmony with the earth community
about the Church’s call to a change of heart and mind in relation to the environment and a
greater respect for it
about St Francis of Assisi and his Canticle of Creation
In Year 5, students will
define the concept of ecological conversion and come to an understanding of the need to change attitudes and actions
learn about the Sabbath and the need for Sabbath time in their lives
Religious Literacy Assessment
In week 3 of Term 2, all students in Year 4 across the Diocese of Wollongong participated in the Religious Literacy Assessment (RLA). The assessment focused on religious literacy, knowledge and understanding of key concepts taught in the Religious Education program from Kindergarten to Year 4. Like all quality assessment, the results help us inform our teaching and celebrate the wonderful learning that is happening at St Joseph’s!
Our recent results indicated that our school achieved well above the Diocesan average in all areas. This highlights the high quality Religious Education that is being taught in our classrooms. Well done!
Father’s day
Last Thursday, our school community gathered to celebrate Father's Day with a special liturgy and open classrooms. It was a wonderful opportunity to honour the dads, grandfathers, and father figures who play such an important role in our lives. Students shared heartfelt prayers and reflections, expressing gratitude for their support, guidance, and love. Following the liturgy, families were invited to visit the classrooms, where students eagerly showcased their work and shared their learning. The event was a beautiful way to bring our community together, celebrating the special bond between children and their fathers.
Catholic Mission Launch
Today, Mr Walker, Mrs Duffin and the School Vice Captains attended the 2025 Catholic Mission Launch at Magdalene Catholic College. The Theme for Catholic Mission Month is ‘Missionaries of HOPE among all peoples’.
Next term students will learn about issues of mission and justice. Students will be empowered to contribute to God’s mission in the world by supporting the work of ‘Catholic Mission’ through prayer, advocacy, and action, including fundraising. During Catholic Mission Month (October) SJB school community will work together to Sockit to Poverty.
What ideas do you have to raise awareness and money to those who are less fortunate than us?
Mr Alexander Walker
Religious Education Coordinator