School News

Happy Birthday

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

7 November - Jagger G Year 5

8 November - Mya C Year 4 and Kirby G Year 6

9 November - Edward M Year 1 and Tom A Year 2

10 November - Billie P Year 2

11 November - Noah P Year 5 and Cruz F Year 4

12 November - Josie W Year 3

13 November - Sienna P Year 1

14 November - Harrison M Year 2 and Charlotte R Kinder

15 November - Levi C Year 4

16 November - Hugo S Year 6

17 November - Theo D Year 4 and James A Year 4

19 November - Abigail C Year 6

Poem Forest

Poem Forest is a free nature writing program and prize that breathes life back into the natural world that sustains us. Created by Red Room Poetry, in partnership with Wollongong City Council, Poem Forest invites students and teachers to use their words to make positive climate action. For every nature poem received, a tree is planted to help heal habitats and create a Poem Forest for future generations. Since 2021, over 22,800 poem trees have been planted!

We are excited to announce that Daisy W (3M) has had her poem, ‘Spring’ shortlisted in the 2025 Poem Forest – Understory Prize. The poem is now published on the Red Room Poetry website: https://redroompoetry.org/student-poems/spring-76/

Selected from over 4,000 entries from students and teachers across Australia, this poem has also helped to plant a native seedling in the Poem Forest on Dharawal and Wodi Wodi Country (Wollongong LGA).

Daisy’s poem is now with the 2025 judges, with Daisy in the running for up to $500 in prizes!

Congratulations Daisy!

Thank you to all students who participated in this year’s Poem Forest Competition! Your poem ensured a tree is planted in our local area to help sustain our natural environment.

2025 Grade Spelling Bee Competition

The School Junior and Senior Spelling Bee Competition took place last Friday 7 November 2025. The students bravely competed across the grades and showcased their spelling talents. A big thank you to all competitors for their sportsmanship on the day.

Congratulations to our Junior Spelling Bee Champions:

1st Place - Elliot S

2nd Place - Isobel B

3rd Place - Fred L

Congratulations to our Senior Spelling Bee Champions:

1st Place - Daisy L

2nd Place - Carter L

3rd Place - Gabriel A

K J

Class Finalists

Yr 1J

Class Finalists

Yr 1M

Class Finalists

Yr 2J

Class Finalists

Yr 2M

Class Finalists

Yr 3J

Class Finalists

Yr 3M

Class Finalists

Yr 4J

Class Finalists

Yr 4M

Class Finalists

Yr 5J

Class Finalists

Yr 5M

Class Finalists

Yr 6J

Class Finalists

Yr 6M

Class Finalists

Benjamin L

Hazel H

Fred L

Sophie I

Eloise R

Elliot S

Alexandra N

Chelsea L

Georgia H

Xavier C

Toby M

Carter L

Abigail C

Cooper O

Brodie A

Heidi G

Oscar M

Alistair B

Spencer V

Owen H

Emily I

Aspen G

Scarlett C

Emmanuella N

Edwin Z

Oliver P

Gabriel A

Astin K

Myles M

Ewan H

Jacob M

Harrison C

Hannah L

Isobel B

Max C

Abigail C

Daisy L

Morris M

Cristiano H

Louie B

Noah D

Keon W

2025 Yearbook- ORDERS ARE NOW OPEN!

Its time to order your 2025 St Joseph's School Yearbook.

The Year Book is a fabulous keepsake of the school year that was..

To secure your copy of the 2025 Year Book you must order in advance.

Order via Flexischools

Cost - $20 per book.

Orders will close Sunday 30 November 2025.

To secure your copy of the 2025 Year Book, please use the link below.

Click here to purchase your copy of the SJB 2025 Yearbook

**The Year Book is a P&F initiative. It is put together by volunteer parents and is made possible through the fantastic contributions of staff, parents and students. The price you pay simply covers the print cost.

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

Final Day for Google Nomination - Friday 28 November 2025

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

Click here to complete the google form for SJB's Got Talent

Book Club Issue 8

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

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

Book Club - Issue 8.pdf

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.

ICAS - Ditigal Technology, Science, English, Writing, Mathematics and Spelling Bee

Congratulations to all students who participated in the ICAS Digital Technology, Science, English, Writing, Mathematics and Spelling Bee. The following students will be presented with their certificates at morning assemblies from Week 7 as follows:

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY - Monday 24 November 2025

Distinction
Toby M	Year 5

Credit
Zachary S	Year 4
Kirby G	Year 6
Keon W	Year 6

Merit
Louie B	Year 5
Harry M	Year 6

ENGLISH - Monday - 24 November 2025

Distinction
Zara P	Year 3
Abigail C	Year 3
Scarlett C	Year 4
Lucy M	Year 4
Daisy L	Year 4
Toby M	Year 5

Credit
Emmanuella N	Year 4
Savannah F	Year 4
Zachary S	Year 4
Abigail C	Year 6
Harry M	Year 6

Merit
Charlotte R	Year 4
Noah P	Year 5

MATHEMATICS - Tuesday 25 November 2025

Distinction
Zachary S	Year 4
Keon W	Year 6
Harry M	Year 6

Credit
Abigail C	Year 3
Lucy M	Year 4
Scarlett C	Year 4
Louie B	Year 5
Noah P	Year 5
Toby M	Year 5

Merit
Zara P	Year 3
Austin P	Year 4
Olive V	Year 4
Poppy S	Year 6

SCIENCE - Wednesday 26 November 2025

Distinction
Emmanuella N	Year 4
Louie B	Year 5

Credit
Lucy M	Year 4
Scarlett C	Year 4
Zachary S	Year 4
Toby M	Year 5
Harry M	Year 6
Keon W	Year 6

Merit
Austin P	Year 4
Savannah F	Year 4

SPELLING BEE - Thursday 27 November 2025

Distinction
Daisy L	Year 4
Louie B	Year 5

Credit
Zachary S	Year 4

WRITING - Thursday 27 November 2025

Distinction
Daisy L	Year 4
Abigail C	Year 6

Credit
Emmanuella N	Year 4
Lucy M	Year 4
Scarlett C	Year 4
Zachary S	Year 4
Louie B	Year 5
Toby M	Year 5
Harry M	Year 6

Merit
Charlotte R	Year 4
Savannah F	Year 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

Best You Can Be - STAGE 3

Stage 3 will participate in their final practical session for the St George Illawarra Dragon’s ‘Best You Can Be Program.’ The session will continue to focus on health and well-being by engaging students in physical activities.

All Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6) students will be required to wear their PE uniform tomorrow.

CDF Sports Awards

Four of our St Joseph’s Bulli athletes were recognised at the 28th Annual Catholic Diocese Sports Awards for their individual sporting achievements in 2025. Our Junior Girls' relay team was also acknowledged for their success in swimming this year. Special mention to Indigo P for her fantastic achievement of a Primary Red Medallion. Congratulations to:

1. Zane N is a naturally talented and determined athlete. He is committed to improving his skills and is a passionate competitor across various sporting disciplines. Zane is a highly competitive athlete whose versatility has seen him represent the school in multiple sporting endeavours throughout the year. He was successful in gaining selection in the Diocesan AFL and touch football teams.

2. Stella K is a disciplined and gracious athlete who is an outstanding sportsperson and competitor. She represented the school in multiple endeavours and the Diocese in Netball and Swimming, where she was awarded a silver medal in the Senior Girls Age Championships. Stella participates enthusiastically and is committed to not only her sporting endeavours but all aspects of school life. Stella is a humble competitor who seeks feedback to improve her sporting disciplines.

3. Saul O is a tenacious and versatile athlete who has represented the school across multiple sporting disciplines. His precision and court awareness enabled him to be selected for the Diocesan Basketball and Athletics teams. Saul is a motivated competitor and leads by example as School House Captain. Saul seeks to achieve set goals and learn from his sporting opportunities and endeavours.

4. Indigo P is a talented and gracious athlete who exemplifies school spirit and sportspersonship. She shows commitment to improving her skills and is a passionate competitor across a wide range of sporting disciplines. Indigo has represented the Diocese and MacKillop in Athletics and Cross Country. An athlete to watch out for in the future!

Congratulations to the junior girls relay team who were acknowledged for their achievements in 2025:

5. Swimming – 2025 MacKillop Junior Girls 4x50m Freestyle Relay Champions (Allegra B, Madeline B, Arlo B and Isla J)

Catholic Dragon Tag Gala Day 2025

The sun was hot, but the SJB spirit was hotter at the Catholic Dragon Tag Gala Day on Thursday, November 13th! Our incredible students from Years 3–6 brought unbelievable energy and amazing skills to the field.

Each team played four action-packed games, showing true SJB spirit with:

Epic Sportsmanship: Respect and fairness were on full display, even when the heat was on!
Team Triumphs: Wonderful camaraderie and cheering among all the teams.
Pure Fun: The students truly embraced the Gala Day philosophy—enjoying the sport, exercising, and having a blast without the pressure of needing to win.

We couldn't have asked for better representatives! A huge shout-out and massive thank you must also go to our wonderful staff and the incredible parent volunteers who managed and supported our teams throughout the day. You are all absolute champions!

Mrs Brooks