Principal's Page

Dear Parents and Friends,

As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of St Joseph on Thursday, we take time as a school community to reflect on the example of the man who inspires our Josephite tradition. St Joseph is remembered as a quiet, humble and faithful servant of God. While the Scriptures tell us very little about his words, his actions speak powerfully of courage, trust and deep love for his family.

Joseph accepted God’s call with openness and faith, even when the path ahead was uncertain. He protected and cared for Mary and Jesus with patience, strength and gentleness. In doing so, he reminds us that leadership is not always loud or visible - often it is shown through steady commitment, kindness and a willingness to place the needs of others before our own.

For us as a Josephite school, the example of St Joseph calls us to nurture these same qualities in our community. We encourage our students to act with compassion, to support one another, and to use their gifts in service of others. Just as Joseph faithfully cared for his family, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to care for each member of our school community.

The Feast of St Joseph also invites us to reflect on the importance of perseverance and the value of doing ordinary things with great love. In classrooms, playgrounds and homes, we strive to follow Joseph’s example by working diligently, showing respect for others and trusting in God’s guidance.

May the example of St Joseph continue to inspire our students, staff and families to live with faith, humility and courage each day.

Recent School Tours

It is always an honour to escort prospective new families around our school and this year's Open Day Tours were no exception. I wanted to give a shout out to our students who proudly and articulately offer their insights and perceptions on their schooling at SJB with the visitors. I was once again the proudest Principal in Australia! 

2026 Annual Improvement Plan 

Goal: Students will be challenged to maximise their learning growth in Writing and clearly articulate their learning goals, know their next steps, and monitor their progress.

Progress Update:

Collaborative Planning Days 

We are currently undertaking our second Collaborative Planning session in our cycle of inquiry. During this process, some grade teams met last week to reflect on the impact of their teaching on student learning growth and achievement in writing.

We were delighted to observe significant growth in students’ writing when comparing initial writing samples with those produced following explicit writing instruction. Teachers analysed these samples closely and identified next steps for learning, which will be incorporated into the upcoming unit of work.

Learning Walks

Last Monday members of the Leadership Team conducted a Learning Walk (K-6) during writing lessons to collect evidence of the impact of recent professional learning and collaborative planning sessions. 

All classes utilised Bump It Up Walls and worked examples, and students were able to clearly articulate how these explicit teaching strategies supported them to improve their writing. The quality of the worked examples, along with the level of challenge reflected in the Bump It Up Walls, demonstrates the high expectations teachers hold for student learning.

Installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Surveillance System

The safety and security of our students, staff, visitors and school property remain our highest priority. Following a comprehensive review of security across the school site, and after consultation and collaboration with Father Patrick Vaughan and school staff, we wish to inform you that we will be installing a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system across key external areas of the school grounds. The installation process is scheduled to take place over the Student Vacation Period in April. 

CCTV cameras, which record video only, will be installed in the following locations:

• overlooking each of the entrances/exits to the school/Parish on Park Road (hall and basketball court gates), Hutton Ave, and Rowan Street;

• concrete area, grass area and adventure playground areas: and

• entry to the front office.  

Appropriate signage will be placed prominently around the school to notify all community members and visitors that CCTV surveillance is in operation. 

I thank everyone for their continued support in helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone. Please contact me through the office if you have any queries.

Recent Staff Professional Learning

Research tells us that the quality of the teacher is the greatest in-school influence on student achievement. Therefore high quality professional learning for teachers must be a priority to ensure improved teacher practice that leads to improved student learning growth. Upcoming Professional learning which will be undertaken by our staff over the fortnight includes:

17 March 20206

Collaborative Planning

Mrs Rogers & Mr Matthews

18 March 20206

Collaborative Planning

Mrs Rollestone, Mrs Clarkson & Mr Walker

Catholicity Stuff - Professional Development Day

Mrs Hoile & Miss Muse

23 March 20206

Governance & Management Meeting

Mrs Duffin

24 March 20206

Early Career Teacher & Mentor Day

Miss Boyd-Skinner & Miss Muse

Instructional Coach PD

Mrs Clarkson

25 March 20206

Collaborative Planning

Mrs Smith, Miss Tighe, Miss Muse, Mrs Hoile, Mrs Page

Wollongong Environment Network Day

Mr Matthews

SJB Parents & Friends Association (P&F)

It was fantastic to see so many parents attend our P&F Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week. I am pleased to announce the Executive P&F positions for 2026:

I would like to thank these parents for accepting these positions. I am grateful for the time and commitment they will give in supporting our students and working in partnership with the school on behalf of our families.

School Assemblies

Our next whole school assembly will be held this Thursday 19 March at 2pm.  Please note, this assembly has moved to Thursday due to the school Cross Country Carnival on Friday. All are welcome!

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We welcome new students Oliver (K), Harry (Yr 5), Hugo (Yr 2) and Hazel (Yr 1) and their families to St Joseph’s - you are most welcome.

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I will be taking Long Service Leave on Wednesday 18 March - Friday 20 March. We welcome Mr Danny Sykes as Acting Principal on 18 & 19 March.

Kaylene Duffin

Principal

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

Principal Awards

Our Principal's awards are presented to students fortnightly on the even week.  

The following students will receive their Principal's Awards at our whole school assembly  on Thursday 19 March (Week 8).

How does my child receive a Principal's Award?

Class teachers nominate students for Blue Merit Awards which are presented at the weekly assembly.  When five Blue Merit Awards have been received, students send them to the school office to be recorded and are then eligible for a Principal’s Award. When students attain their 4th Principal Award, they are awarded a Principal’s Medallion at an assembly. End of Term awards can be included as part of the 5 awards.  Please see the "School Handbook" for a full list of eligible awards.

End of Term Awards

The following student will be presented their End of Term 1 Achievement Awards to students on Friday 27 March 2026 (Term 1 Week 9). Parents of students receiving End of Term Awards are welcome to join the assembly.

Academic Achievement Awards

Habits of Mind Awards

Saint Mary MacKillop Award

Acknowledgement to Country

St Joseph's Bulli acknowledges and pays respect to the Dharawal people past, present and emerging the traditional custodians of the land on which our school is built