School News

 Happy Birthday

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

24 October - Finley K Kinder

25 October - Ashton B Year 5

26 October - Liam L Year 2

28 October - Woodrow C Year 4, Gabriel A Year 6 and Max W Year 3

30 October - Liam C Year 2 and Ella D Kinder

31 October - Audrey T Year 3

1 November - Mason G Year 5 and Aleira G Year 5

3 November - Benjamin G Year 2 and Liam P Year 6

6 November - Indigo P Year 4 and Ashby S Year 5

Gradual Introduction of a New School Hat

2026 Kindergarten students will wear a new school hat. This bucket hat is reversible with the colour of students’ House Group on the alternate side. Teachers have been very keen to have this school hat for many years and we are excited for its introduction. A number of Primary schools within our Diocese have these hats and they have proven to be a popular choice among students and families. This bucket hat provides optimal sun protection and easily fits in school bags.

These hats will be gradually introduced to all other year levels as the stock for our current hats are sold out. Our current school hats are currently on sale from the school office for $5.00. If you need a hat, or would like a back up, please come to the office for a bargain!

WHS Evacuation Drill

As part of our school Emergency Management Plan, staff and students participated in an Evacuation Drill during lunch time this week. In preparation for this drill, teachers shared a digital Social Story with students. The drill was a success with a few items to add to our procedures.

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.

2025 Grade Spelling Bee Competition

The School Junior/Senior Spelling Bee Competition will be held tomorrow, Friday 7 November. 

The Junior School Spelling Bee will take place at 9:30am. The Senior School Spelling Bee will take place at 11:30am. 

An unseen word list will be used for the Junior/Senior School Spelling Bee Competition. 

Say it, spell it, say it! 

In the School Spelling Bee competition the Master of Ceremonies will pronounce the word, use it in a sentence, then repeat the word. The competitor must say the word first. This is done to let the MC know that the competitor has heard the word correctly. This also begins the 15 or 20 seconds of timing depending on age group. The competitor will then spell the word. A scribe will write the letters on a whiteboard as the competitor says them. During this time the competitor can self correct. When the competitor says the word a second time when spelling is completed, this tells the MC that they are happy with their spelling choice and no further changes can be made. The competitor has 15 seconds (Junior) and 20 seconds (Senior) to spell their word. 

The process is as follows:

MC: “snowflake… The snowflake fell to the ground….. snowflake.” 

Participant: “snowflake… S-N-O-W-F-L-A-K-E….. snowflake.” 

Rules  

• A participant is eliminated from the grade oral spelling bee competition as soon as they incorrectly spell a word.

• Once the word is said at the end of a participant’s attempt, they cannot go back and self-correct. 

• Upper case letters are required  as in Wollongong – Capital W-o-l-l (double –l-)

• If a competitor spells a word incorrectly but “self-corrects” within 15 seconds (junior) or 20 seconds (senior) or self corrects before saying the word the second time that participant remains in the game. 

• The timing begins once the participant has said the first letter of the word he/she is attempting. If a word is not spelled out within the 15 seconds (Juniors) and 20 seconds (Seniors), that competitor no longer remains in the competition.

• It is required that a competitor says the word at the end to show they are finished spelling. For example: “fuel   f-u-e-l   fuel”

• If a competitor spells a word correctly, he or she remains in the competition, waiting for his or her next turn. If the competitor spells a word incorrectly, he or she is eliminated from the competition and the next participant is given a new word from the list.

• Final round rule: When only two contestants remain, the elimination rule changes. If one contestant misspells a word, the other contestant gets a chance to spell that word correctly. If that person spells it correctly, then they win. However, if that person also spells the word incorrectly both players remain in the game and they are given a new word.

• The teacher’s decision is final.

   

      2025 Finalists for School Spelling Bee Competition  - Friday 7 November (Week 4)

School Fees Due by 1 December 2025

Thank you to those families who have finalised their 2025 school fees.  The November statement has been sent.

If you are paying via instalments, please ensure these are up to date.  For anyone with an outstanding amount on their instalments, you will be contacted by the end of this week via email.

All fees must have  ZERO balance by 1 December 2025.

Should you be experiencing any difficulties in finalising your  school fees, please contact the school office to arrange a meeting with the Principal.

Sport

Further Representation

An exhibition MacKillop team will be selected from the Year 5 and 6 students able to compete in the tackle component of the Pathway Development Day. The selected team will be involved in a day development camp where they will play against the selected Polding representative team. 

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

2024 Bus Timetable (Premier Charters)

PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning)

Ask your child about the weekly focus for students.

This week's focus:

Respect personal space!

Choose games that do not use ‘hands on’.  Use your words to ask someone to stop doing something that you don’t like.  Give your friends space (in lines & in games).  Be aware of your surroundings to avoid accidental collisions.  Disagree respectfully