School News

 Happy Birthday

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

21 November - James B Year 6

22 November - Mia D Year 6 and Nina B Year 3

23 November - Cooper O Year 6 and Mila K Kinder

24 November - Charlotte S Year 1 and Pria M Year 6

26 November - Cooper H Year 3, Addison M Year 1 and Harper R Year 5

27 November - Jack B Kinder

28 November - Keon W Year 6, Charles L Year 1 and Jack R Year 1

29 November - Edwin S Year 3

30 November - Matilda G Year 4

3 December - Evie S Year 5 and Isaac L Year 4

4 December - Alby B Year 4 and Sophie I Year 1

2025 Yearbook- CLOSED

Thank you for those you have ordered 2025 SJB School Year Book. Orders have now closed.  The delivery of the Yearbooks will be in Week 10.

SJB School Fees

2025 School Fees

Thank you to all that have now finalised your 2025 School Fees.  For those that still have amounts outstanding, please finalise these by the end of the week as all fees were due on 1 December.

2026 School Fees & Instalment Payments

School Fee Accounts are invoiced annually and are generally payable in full within 30 days unless you are paying via instalments (See below)

• Schools also offer the option of paying fees by regular instalment.

• Families who wish to pay by instalment should complete a Request to Pay by Instalment Form via this link.  Instalments can be made either Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly or Quarterly however the instalment request must be completed. 

   

• Once this has been completed, you will receive your 2026 School Fee Statement in February 2026 which will outline the dates and amounts of your payments.  All payments must be set up via your own internet banking.

• Please note that families who have previously completed a Request to Pay by Instalment and have been making regular payments will not need to submit a new request.

• If you have children in more than one school in our Diocese the frequency of your instalment eg fortnightly, weekly, etc. will apply across all schools. We are unable to provide multiple frequencies.

• Any changes to your instalment schedule are requested using the Request to Pay by Instalment link above.

   

Webinar video: Dr Michael Carr-Gregg on preparing families and schools for social media ban

The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) asked Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, a leading psychologist, author, and broadcaster, to give a presentation to help families and schools prepare for the under-16 ban on social media, which will take effect on 10 December 2025.

In his 30-minute presentation, Dr Carr-Greg explains the questions of what the social media ban legislation is, why it is happening, what the penalties are, and what parents and schools should do now to respond.

Parents and educators are encouraged to take time to familiarise themselves with the information surrounding this social media 'delay' to understand how this will impact them and their wider community.

To watch Dr Greg-Carr's Webinar video, click here.

For more information, visit the Social Media Age restrictions hub on the eSafety Commissioner website by clicking here.

Parents and Carers Survey – Consent and Respectful Relationships Education

Calling all parents and carers with children in NSW Catholic schools. Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) invites you to participate in a research project for the Consent and Respectful Relationships Education (CRRE) Project.

Developed in collaboration with the Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT, CSNSW has commissioned the Australian Catholic University to conduct the research on our behalf. The purpose of this survey is to gather parents' feedback on their child’s CRRE education and to gain insights into the challenges they face. We also ask what support parents need to continue this important education at home.

For more information about Respectful Relationships Education in Catholic schools, click here.

Parents and carers can participate in the survey by simply clicking on this link. 

Thank you for your involvement in this important piece of work. CSNSW is committed to supporting parents in their sacred role as first educators by walking with them to foster respectful relationships grounded in Catholic values.

Empowering Parents Information session: Respectful Relationships

Last Thursday 27 November, CEDoW hosted a parent event Empowering Parents and we are delighted to share that the recording of the night will be available on request. 

Special guest, Daniel Principe led a vital discussion on current issues impacting young people and shared tools to support parents in this space. His session provided practical, evidence-based strategies for parents to engage in conversations about key issues affecting this age group, including:

• Social media and online safety

• Respectful relationships

• Challenging harmful cultural messages about gender stereotypes and norms

Please note, this resource is specifically targeted at parents of students in Years 5 & 6. The content is designed to address the challenges and sensitive topics relevant to children entering adolescence and navigating the complex digital world. 

Important Note: Access Expires Soon - Please be aware that this valuable recording will only be available to view up until the end of December. Click the link on the Flyer to have the recording sent to you.

Growing Good Men – Father and Son Weekend 2025

Fri 5 – Sun 7 December 2025 | The Tops Conference Centre

A powerful weekend for fathers and their teenage sons (ages 12–17), supported by Bishop Brian Mascord. Strengthen your bonds, explore the journey into manhood, and share in reflection, adventure, and a memorable Rite of Passage.

Special offer: Only $400 per father and son pair (includes accommodation, meals, activities & resources).

For more information on how to register, please click here. 

SJB’s Got Talent 2025

Students are invited to showcase their talents in our annual SJB’s Got Talent! If your child would like to participate, please complete the Google form below.

Performances can be up to 3 minutes and may include extracurricular skills such as dance, drama, or playing an instrument.

Please note:

• Rehearsals and group formations must occur outside of class time.

• Music should be provided via email or USB.

• All songs must be clean and appropriate for the SJB school audience.

Performances will be presented in two groups:

• Infants (Kinder - Year 2): Thursday 11 December @ 9:15am

• Primary (Years 3-6) : Friday 12 December @ 9:15am

   

If you have any questions, please see Mrs Rollestone or Ms Boyd-Skinner. 

Book Club Issue 8 - CLOSES TOMORROW!

Issue 8 orders will remain open until TOMORROW, Friday 5 December for delivery prior to the end of term. 

Thanks to all SJB families for supporting our Book Club during the year.

School Student Travel - 2026

Applications are now open for 2026 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. 

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2026.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply for a new card or update their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Opal card is expiring need to re-submit their details. 

If a student has lost their School Opal card, they will need to apply for a replacement card. Note: a new card will not be issued if an existing School Opal card is updated online – you must submit a replacement application if a School Opal card is lost.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

Library News

Another year is ending and the library is about to start stocktake, if you have any library books still at home could they please be returned to the library by the end of Week 9 (Friday 12 December). If for any reason you are unable to find a missing book or a book is damaged please email the school office.

Sport

2026 Diocesan Tennis Team

Congratulations to Zoe Ch who last week was selected in the Diocesan Tennis Team. We wish Zoe the best of luck as she competes in the NSW MACKILLOP TENNIS TRIALS  in FEBRUARY next year at the Wests Tennis Centre in Leumeah. 

Kylie Grose / Christine Smith 

Sport Co-ordinators 

Sports Days - Term 4

Canteen

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

2025 Bus Timetable (Premier Charters)

PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning)

Ask your child about the weekly focus for students.

This week's focus:

Managing impulsivity!

This is when I think before I do: Have I followed an instruction?

Should I be talking? Should I be out of my seat?

Am I using technology responsibly? Am I using my words when challenged or upset?