Catholic Identity
Christmas Concert!
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Raffle
Thank you to all families that contributed a gourmet hamper item at our Christmas Mufti Day last Tuesday.
All tickets are to be returned to the school office on Tuesday 9 December. The raffle of over 10 christmas hampers will be drawn at the SJB Christmas Concert on Wednesday 10 December.
Christmas Story Art Exhibition
This week, we feature two students in Stage 3 who were selected as finalists in the Christmas Story Art Exhibition. We are exceptionally blessed to have such experienced teachers working alongside our students in the Creative Arts.
The King’s Gambit
Curtis Tokley
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, BULLI
YEAR SIX
The Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,“Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” (Matthew 2:13-15)
The word “Gambit”, means taking a risky decision in a game or real life, just like what Mary and Joseph had to do on their journey to Egypt. My artwork shows the contrast between King Herod and Jesus on a playing card. Jesus being the King of Hearts, and Herod being the King of Spades. As I journey in my faith and into High School, I too will be faced with many decisions to choose between right and wrong.
The mediums I used are alcohol-based markers, textas, fineliners and pencils. Using these materials keeps a similar modality to a real card in a deck of cards. A typical playing card is usually a mirrored image, but I chose to make it asymmetrical because it represents the opposing sides. A king who is supposed to be a leader, but deep down he was tainted by jealousy.
So, which side of the card will you pick? Choose wisely…
The Colours of Joseph’s Faith
Curtis Van Gemert
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, BULLI
YEAR SIX
My artwork is inspired by the scripture passage ‘The birth of Christ’ (Matthew 1:18-25). I also drew inspiration from something my Mum once told me, “Even in hard times, always choose the colourful option”.
Joseph was in a time of stress, confusion and struggle, stuck on the shame of raising a child that isn’t his own. I have included 2 versions of Joseph either side of Mary. One coloured and one black and white, representing my consciousness. The coloured Joseph represents his faith in God and his trust in Mary. He chose to help Mary through the difficulties of raising the one destined to be King. The black and white Joseph shows his insecurities of wanting to dismiss Mary quietly. Even though Joseph didn't know the right decision, he stayed strong in order to become the Joseph we look up to today.
I used watercolour paint, lead pencil and soft pastels. Using black and white for Joseph represents the hidden emotions that Joseph carried. On the other hand, the coloured Joseph is filled with life and hope because even though Jesus wasn’t his real son, he still lived by God’s word and brought colour to his life.
Advent Week 1
This week, our school community gathered to celebrate the beginning of the Liturgical Year and the season of Advent. As we prepare our hearts and minds for the birth of Jesus, we reflect on the meaning of Advent—a time of expectation and waiting. To help us create a prayer space for reflection in our classrooms, each grade received a special package for their prayer space: a purple candle, an Advent Wreath, and a Frame. As we lit the first purple candle, the Candle of Hope, we were reminded that Jesus is the light of the world who brings newness and life into our lives. During this Jubilee Year of Hope, we pray that our community continues to reflect God's grace to others.
You’re invited!
All families are invited to attend our end of Year Mass on Monday December 8 at 9:30am to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary.
On this day, we honour how God preserved Mary from original sin, right from the moment of her conception in St. Anne's womb. This feast isn’t about Jesus' birth but Mary's unique purity. With Mary as the perfect example, the angel hails her as "favored one," and her "yes"— "Here am I, the servant of the Lord"—brings the Savior into the world, showing nothing is impossible with God
She's a model of hope, urging us to live pure, joyful lives as the first fruits of redemption, preparing our hearts for Jesus' coming.
Year 4 Spotlight!
Students in Year 4 have been learning about the importance of Prophets in the time before Jesus. The prophets of Israel brought the people messages from God and as the people’s representatives to God, they had a duty to intercede for them. Students listened to the story ‘Isaiah the Prophet’ and wondered about the phrases used, such as
I wonder what Isaiah meant when he said: “… come let us walk in the light of the Lord!” or
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light”
I wonder what ‘the light’ might have been.
I wonder which title for the child you like the best: ‘Wonderful Counsellor’, ‘Mighty God’, ‘Everlasting Father’ or ‘Prince of Peace’.
Students then co-constructed their own meaning for the word prophet and created designs to represent their new shared understanding.
St Joseph's End of Year Gathering
Fr Patrick together with the Parish Leadership Committee would like to invite you to the end of year gathering on Sunday, 14th Dec, 6:30pm-8:30pm (after 5:30pm Mass). Drinks & Light refreshments will be provided in the Parish Courtyard. You are welcome to bring a plate to share.
Pope Leo XIV Releases Apostolic Letter on Education: 'Drawing New Maps of Hope'
On the 60th anniversary of the Conciliar Declaration Gravissimum educationis, Pope Leo XIV has released a new Apostolic Letter titled 'Drawing New Maps of Hope'.
In this letter, the Holy Father reaffirms the continuing relevance of the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration on Catholic education, noting that the document “has lost none of its potency.” He highlights the enduring mission of Catholic Education as a vital expression of the Church’s maternal and teaching role in the world today.
Pope Leo XIV reflects on the Church’s vocation as one of service rather than supremacy, reminding educators that “the Church is ‘mother and teacher’ not by supremacy, but through service: she accompanies the growth of freedom, taking on the mission of the Divine Master so that everyone ‘may have life, and have it abundantly’ (Jn 10:10).”
The Letter celebrates the diverse educational traditions that have flourished through the centuries, each shaped by the vision of the human person as the image of God, called to truth and goodness. Educational charisms, the Pope writes, are never rigid formulas but “original responses to the needs of each era,” ensuring that Catholic education remains a living, creative force in the pursuit of wisdom, faith, and human flourishing.
To view Pope Leo's Apostolic Letter 'Drawing New Maps of Hope', click here.
Upcoming dates in Term 4
Sunday 7 December - Second week of Advent (PEACE)
Monday 8 December at 9:30am- Whole school final Mass with Parish: Immaculate Conception of Mary
Wednesday 10 December from 6:00pm- Christmas Concert- Free Sausage Sizzle provided by the P&F- All are invited to attend
Sunday 14 December - St Joseph's End of Year Gathering - Mass at 5.30pm followed by light refreshments 6.30pm - 8.30pm.
Tuesday 16 December at 9:30am- Year 6 Final Liturgy in the Church- Year 6 Families are invited.
Suggestions and ideas!
In planning for next year, I am always seeking support and ideas on how we as a community can continue to grow the Catholic Life and Culture of the school. If you have had an opportunity to reflect on the year or have suggestions for other ideas, I would love to hear from you!
Mr Alexander Walker
Religious Education Coordinator