Principal's Page

Dear Parents and Friends,

Last Friday marked World Teachers' Day and provided a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and thank our teachers for their dedication and commitment to our students. Their focus on improving learning outcomes, while caring for and supporting every student, every day, helps create an environment where all children can flourish.

Teaching in a Catholic school is a calling as much as it is a profession. It reflects the mission of Catholic education: to help each young person recognise their dignity, discover their gifts and know that they are made in the image of God. The difference our teachers make can be seen in our classrooms, on our playgrounds and across our school community each day.

I am very grateful to our Parents & Friends Association for acknowledging our teachers and staff with a delicious breakfast on Friday morning. It was a thoughtful gesture and a lovely way to recognise the important contribution our teachers make to the lives of the young people entrusted to our care.

Formation of Classes for 2027

In the coming weeks, our teachers will begin the careful process of forming classes for 2027 in accordance with our Formation of Classes Policy. A great deal of thought and care goes into this process, with teachers considering the learning, social and wellbeing needs of every child as they work to create balanced classes.

We understand that there may occasionally be significant or extenuating circumstances that you feel are important for us to consider when placing your child. If this applies to your family, please share this information with me in writing by 23 November 2026. We kindly ask that requests are not made for particular teachers or specific friends. Students will have the opportunity to nominate four friends, and teachers will ensure that each child is placed with at least one of these friends.

Please be assured that any information you share will be carefully considered. We cannot guarantee individual requests, our teachers know your children well and will give considerable thought to forming classes that best support the learning, wellbeing and positive relationships of all.

2027 classes will be announced on Monday 14 December with students having the opportunity to gather with their 2027 teacher and classmates.

Once classes have been finalised, changes to placements will not be possible.

Kindergarten Transition to School Program

Our 2027 Kindergarten Transition to School Program begins tomorrow with our Transition to School Playgroups, which will run over the next few weeks.

We are excited to welcome our newest students to St Joseph’s and provide them with opportunities to become familiar with our school, our staff and one another. These playgroups are an important part of helping our children feel comfortable and confident as they prepare to begin Kindergarten next year.

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:

All teachers will participate in two Collaborative Planning days aligned to our AIP this term. The focus of these sessions will include Instructional Coaches, Mrs Clarkson and Miss Boyd-Skinner, giving individual feedback to teachers based on Co-Teaching Cycles

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. 

Please find a snapshot of the professional learning our staff will attend over the coming fortnight:

2 November 2026

Curriculum Planning Day - Maths

Mrs Walls

2 November 2026

Diverse Learning Support Network Meeting - half day

Mr Aguilera & Mrs Van Gemert

3 November 2026

Collaborative Planning

Miss Wragge, Mrs Turner, Mrs Liplyn, Mrs Clarkson

Mr Matthews, Mrs Fursey, Miss Boyd-Skinner

4 November 2026

Collaborative Planning

Mr Walker, Mrs Rollestone, Mrs Clarkson, Mrs Kors

5 November 2026

Collaborative Planning

Mrs Smith, Miss Muse, Mrs Osmond, Miss Boyd-Skinner, Mrs Page, Mrs Hoile, Mrs Walls

10 November 2026

Religious Education Coordinator Network Day

Mr Walker

11 November 2026

Instructional Coach Network Meeting

Mrs Clarkson & Miss Boyd-Skinner

12 November 2026

Collaborative Planning

Mrs Parker, Mrs Lantry, Mr Barr, Miss Boyd-Skinner

Term 4 Assembly Schedule

Assemblies will be held in the hall from 2pm. All are welcome!

6 November 2026 - Years 3-6 - Year 4 Sharing Learning

13 November 2026 -  Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2. Kinder Sharing Learning

Kaylene Duffin

Principal

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

Principal Awards

Our Principal's awards are presented to students.

The following students from 3-6 will will receive their Principal Awards at our school assembly, Friday 6 November 2026 (Week 4).

The following students from K-2 will will receive their Principal Awards at our school assembly, Friday 13 November 2026 (Week 5).

How does my child receive a Principal's Award?

When students have received five awards from any combination of the following categories: Blue Merit, End of Term, Spelling Bee (1st , 2nd 3rd), Stage 3 Public Speaking (1st , 2nd 3rd), Stage 3 Diocesan Christmas Art Story (top three in Yr 5 & Yr 6) and St Francis of Assisi, they submit them to the school office to be recorded and become eligible to receive a Principal’s Award at the school assembly. Upon receiving their fourth Principal’s Award, students are presented with a Principal’s Medallion at a school assembly.

Please see the "School Handbook" for a full list of eligible awards.

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