School News

 Happy Birthday

Wishing all our students a very happy birthday who celebrated their special day over the last fortnight.

1 August - Sophia J Year 5

2 August - Andie D Kinder

5 August - Neve A Kinder and Archie S Year 6

6 August - Grace M Year 1

7 August - Noah D Year 6 & Hartley B Year 6

8 August - Duke M Year 5, Alistair B Year 1, Thomas L Year 5

9 August - Harper A Year 6

14 August - Rocket O Kinder

Book Week Parade - Wednesday 20 August

We are looking forward to our epic Book Week Parade this Wednesday 20 August beginning at 9.15am. This is very well supported by our families and we appreciate all of the effort that goes into preparing a costume. 

Due to the large number of visitors for this event, we will be enacting our Traffic Management Plan for Special Events: 

Car Parking:

• Parish Car Park

• Basketball Court

• Surrounding Streets

   

Please do not parkin the Anglican Church as this blocks access for residents who live behind the Church. Please also remember to park vehicles correctly and considerately on our surrounding streets:

• Park as close to the curb as possible

• Avoid blocking driveways

• Adhere to all posted parking signs and restrictions.

Gate Access:

• Park Road (near Hall)

• Hutton Avenue

• Rowan Street 

   

Please note that due to cars parking on the Basketball Court, walking access into the school will be through the Park Road gate closest to the Hall.

Bullying No Way: National week of action

This week is National Bullying No Way Week.

Bullying No Way is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.

The theme for this year's campaign is ‘Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up’.  As a school community we hope to be bold and say something kind and  support others and be proud to take a stand against bullying.  

SJB will recognise Bullying No Way: National Week of Action tomorrow, 15 August through participation in a variety of learning activities and webinars.

Students are also invited to wear a ‘pop of purple’ tomorrow - the new hero colour for the campaign symbolising peace, strength and empowerment to take a stand against bullying behaviour. This could involve wearing a purple accessory such as a purple ribbon, badge, hat, socks or wrist bands etc. 

For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website.

Year 5 Canberra Overnight Excursion 

Today, students in Year 5 left on their overnight educational tour of the national capital. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia's history, culture, heritage and democracy.

The Australian government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their civics and citizenship education.  To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $30 per student under the parliament and civics education rebate programme towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Important Notice Regarding Allergies and Anaphylaxis 

The safety of all students whilst at school is critical and we do what we can to prevent any incident that causes harm to any student. Many of you will know someone who is affected by anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

There are many students across the school with severe allergies to either peanuts, eggs, or seafood and fish. These food items have the potential to put these students at risk. The school asks for your support in helping to make school safe for these children.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School asks that food containing nuts or nut products, sesame or eggs not be sent to school with your child. This includes Nutella type products. Please consider these children when packing crunch and sip, recess and lunch each day for your child.

In addition, Year 6 parents are requested not to send seafood or fish products to school including canned fish such as tuna. 

To further reduce the risk for these children, products containing nuts are not sold in the school canteen. Also, fish products will not be available to Year 6 students to order for lunch, either online or over counter purchase.

You can also assist by clearly labelling your child’s food containers and drink bottle with their name.

No Sharing of Food Policy

At St Joseph’s we have a ‘No sharing of food’ policy and we ask that you reinforce this with your child.

If you have any queries or concerns about the management of those at risk of anaphylaxis, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you for assisting us in caring for students at risk of anaphylaxis.

The Fathering Project at SJB – Call for a New Parent Lead

SJB has proudly been part of The Fathering Project since 2022. This national initiative is all about helping dads and father figures build stronger connections with their kids and with the school community.

The role of fathers is evolving, and many dads today are doing their best to navigate the joys, challenges, and responsibilities of raising children. But it’s not always easy — life gets busy, and it can be hard to stay connected. When dads feel isolated or unsure of how to be involved, it can impact not just them, but also the wellbeing of their children and families.

That’s where The Fathering Project makes a difference — by providing fun, inclusive events and research-based resources to support fathers to be the best dads they can be. Together, we’re building stronger families and a stronger school community.

Since launching at SJB post-COVID lockdowns, Benn Lim has been our Parent Lead, helping to bring this initiative to life. Since 2022, our dads have enjoyed a series of Father & Kids events like Paper Planes & Pizza, Hot Dogs & Handballs, and Bingo Night. They’ve also supported the Mother's Day Gift Stalls (from the mums who had been running this prior) and Mother's Day Breakfast to celebrate our mums. Benn has also run monthly dads’ catch-ups, helping build a sense of support and connection among the fathers in our community.

After three years of leading this with heart and dedication, Benn is now looking to hand over the reins to a new Parent Lead who can continue this great work into the future.

If you’re interested in getting involved or would like to find out more, please contact the school office.

National Child Protection Week – Parent Information Sessions by CatholicCare -Understanding and Managing Anxiety - Friday 12 September

In recognition of National Child Protection Week (7–13 September 2025), CatholicCare’s School, Student and Family Program (SSFP) will be offering parent engagement initiatives.

This year’s theme, “Shifting Conversation to Action”, reinforces the message that every child in every community needs a fair go. Our focus is on helping parents translate meaningful conversations into practical actions that strengthen the safety and wellbeing of their children.

To support this, St Joseph's Bulli will be hosting a one-hour complimentary parent presentation by CatholicCare, details are as follows:

Meeting With Teachers

Teachers are always very happy to meet with parents to discuss students' learning, social and emotional learning and behaviour, even if this is a quick 'check in'.  We do ask however that these check-ins and conversations are pre-arranged. 

Before and after school each day, teachers are either planning, supervising students to ensure safety or preparing for the next day and cannot give the focus or attention required to respond at these times. 

If you would like to meet with a teacher please either email or call the school office. The teacher will then call the parent or reply to the email on that same day. Thank you for your support with this.

When do students go into summer uniform?

Students change from winter to summer uniform from Monday Week 8 Term 3, 8 September 2025.

Parents may use their discretion in the 2 weeks (Weeks 8 & 9) following the change over should the weather be too cold or too hot.

Girl's School Uniform

Summer

Blue school pattern tunic, white above ankle length school socks,  black polishable leather shoes.

Alternate Option: This option includes a navy coloured culotte (now in stock at Lowes) and a custom school blouse with a school logo (see diagram). Lowes has advised that they are confident stock of the blouse will be in store from Monday 28 September.

Sports

Navy shorts, school sports polo shirt with crest, school tracksuit (jacket and pants), white above ankle-length socks and predominantly white joggers with white laces.

Note: The sports jacket is only to be worn on sports days with the sports uniform. On very cold days it may also be worn with the summer or winter uniform but over the school sloppy-joe. The school sloppy-joe should be the first choice for warmth.

Boys School Uniform

Summer

Grey shorts (not cargo type), blue short-sleeved shirt with school logo, grey socks, black-polishable leather shoes.

Sports

Navy shorts, school sports polo shirt with crest, school tracksuit  (jacket and pants), white above ankle-length socks, joggers

Book Club - Issue 5 - NOW CLOSED

Book Club Issue 5 is now closed.  Delivery for Issue 5 will be in the week commencing Monday 18 August. 

Every order over $19.50 receives a $5 voucher to spend on the next issue.

Thank you to SJB families for supporting the Book Club in 2025. So far this year we have raised $622 in rewards to be utilised towards library resources.

2025 Premier Reading Challenge 

Premier's Reading Challenge 2025 has been extended Friday 19 September 2025. If your child would still like to participate in the challenge this year, there are two options available for how you can log your children's reading.

Blank Reading Logs are available for pick up from the library any morning before school starts. You can fill these in at home as books are read and then drop back off at the library and Mrs Pirie or Mrs Parker will enter these books into your child's online reading log.

Alternatively, you can email the school to request your child's digital login details and enter their reading at your own convenience.

For any further questions please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Pirie.

Sport

2025 South Coast Regional Athletics Carnival 

Congratulations to all the students who represented SJB at the 2025 South Coast Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 12 August at Beaton Park Athletics Track. All students showed great skill, determination and sportspersonship. Thank you to Miss O’Donoghue, Mrs Van Germert, Mrs Mitchell and all the parents who supported the students in the lead up to the event and on the day.

Special congratulations goes to Indigo P and Chloe M who were awarded Age Champions.

SJB students who finished in the top 4 of their event(s) or have been nominated in the 1500m event are now invited to compete at the Wollongong Diocese Primary Athletics Selection Trials next Tuesday 19 August at Beaton Park against students from the West within our Diocese. We wish these athletes the best of luck for this upcoming event and we know they will do their best.  

Athletics Selection Trial Squad

Mini Athletics Carnival (Kindergarten and Year 1)-Thursday 11 September

Mini Athletics Carnival for Kindergarten and Year 1 will take place on Thursday 11 September from 11.30-1.00pm.

HSC - Physical Activity & Sport Studies Teaching Visits (PASS)

For many years, we have been fortunate to have students from Holy Spirit College (HSC) completing the Year 10 Physical Activity & Sport Studies (PASS) coaching program with our school. These visits provide our students with micro-teaching PDHPE skills based lessons.  

This year, these micro teaching lessons will once again take place in Term 3 during week 5, 7 and 9. Primary Years 3-6 will participate in the sessions alongside class teachers, HSC PE teachers and students, on days that coincide with their current Term 3 Sport uniform days. See the schedule outlined below. 

CPS Golf Tournament - Registration

Kylie Grose / Christine Smith 

Sport Co-ordinators 

Sports Days - Term 3 

Library News

Author Visit - Deborah Abela - Thursday 21 August

We are so lucky to have the highly talented author Deborah Abela visiting our school for book week. Deborah will be doing author talks for all the children, she has also offered to sign books for students if they would like. Please find an order form for QBE books, you are welcome to use the attached QR code for ordering for our school author visit. 

You can also purchase your books from other locations or bring in some of Deborah’s books you already own at home.

We are all very excited for Deborah’s upcoming visit!

Recycled Bookstore

The Recycled Bookstore is open again this year. As a fundraising initiative for St Vincent De Paul, some of our Year 3 students will be running a secondhand bookstore in the library for the duration of Term 3. It is $1 for a book and there are lots of exciting titles. The Bookstore will be open every Monday and Wednesday at lunch time. So far this term, we have raised $40!

We have had a huge number of donations and have recently purchased some new titles for our library. We would love some volunteers to help with covering the books so we can get them on the shelves!

If you are able to help with this there will be small bags available for collection from the office over the coming weeks.

Don't forget Book Week is 5 weeks away, keep working on those Dioramas and the Book Week colouring in competition will be sent home over the next two weeks.

Many thanks for all your help with this,

Mrs Holly Pirie and Mrs Nicole Parker

Canteen

Open Monday to Friday for recess and lunch.

Cash purchases for snacks and drinks can be made at recess and lunchtime. Snacks and drinks can also be ordered via the new platform FlexiSchools.

Lunch orders

Orders for lunch can only be made through Flexischools.  Please note that orders close at 9.15am daily.  Orders cannot be placed after this time.

Flexischool Parent Support Line - 1300 361 769 (Hours: 7.00am-12.00 noon)

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Handbook

2024 Bus Timetable (Premier Charters)

PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning)

Ask your child about the weekly focus for students.

This week's focus:

Let’s be stewards of creation

and keep our school beautiful! 

Place rubbish in the bin; Return equipment at the end of play or sport; Collect your belongings at the end of play or sport; Keep bathrooms clean for the next person; Respect classroom resources and spaces.