Catholic Identity
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Bulli 
All Saints’ Day (1 November), reminds us that holiness is not about being perfect or having all the answers. It is about showing up, daily choosing kindness, standing for what matters and making life better for others. Saints were real people who faced struggles, made difficult choices and dared to live differently. Their lives challenge every family to recognise that extraordinary goodness begins with ordinary moments. Holiness is not something we simply admire in others. It is something we are called to live, right here, right now. Today!
In his Angelus message on the Solemnity of All Saints, Pope Leo XIV recalled the countless saints who have dedicated their life to Christ and emphasised how we are all called to be holy and make choices of love that transcend evil.
All Souls’ Day (2 November 2026)
All Souls’ Day is about remembering the lives that mattered and love that never disappears. Behind every loss is a story, a connection and someone whose world has changed. Today challenges us to make space for grief, reach out to those carrying loss and remember that nobody should grieve alone. At its heart is our Christian hope that death never has the final word.
Today, year 6 students were invited to attend Mass to pray for a loved one. We were very proud of those students who stepped forward and wanted to spend this time in prayer.
In Conversation with Paul Field AM:
A social evening for the men of our parish and school communities.
Thursday 5 November, from 6:30pm at St Joseph's School Hall.
Our school dads and men of the parish are warmly invited to an evening with renowned Australian musician, producer, author and former managing director of The Wiggles, Paul Field. Paul will reflect on his faith, career and achievements and how the tragic loss of his infant daughter 38 years ago deeply influenced his life and outlook.
We will also have a selection of pizzas and drinks to enjoy together. Feel free to BYO beer or wine.
Book now: https://stjosephsbulli.eventbrite.com.au/
Contact Jonathon James for further details or to RSVP : 0419 906 328, jonathonjames@live.com.au
Catholic Mission- Socktober
Our school community has once again demonstrated extraordinary generosity and global solidarity through this year’s Socktober initiative. Together, through student participation, sockball activities, lolly guessing competitions and donations, we have officially raised over $800 in support of Catholic Mission.
All proceeds from this year’s appeal are directed toward vital education and health programs for children and families in Malawi. These funds will directly support local primary schools, nutritional initiatives, and essential resources, ensuring vulnerable young people have access to safe learning environments without facing long, hazardous daily journeys.
By learning about global development challenges and actively raising funds, our students have put our core values into practice, demonstrating what it truly means to extend hope and support to others across the world and to “Never see a need without doing something about it.”
We extend our sincere gratitude to all students, staff, and families and especially our school leaders who contributed to making this campaign such a meaningful success.
Year 2 Spotlight!
At the end of last term and early this term, students in Year 2 were learning about the story of the Good Samaritan and making connections with being a good steward of God’s creation, including human beings. Students wrote and illustrated a personal prayer thanking God for Creation, reflecting on Jesus' teachings of love and compassion (The Good Samaritan), incorporating Catholic signs/symbols/rituals, and making a pledge to care for the Earth and others. We were blown away by the high quality of these prayers.
Well done Year 2!
In the Name of the father and the Son and the Holy Spirit Amen. Heavenly Father, thank you for the animals that make me smile. Also thank you for the flowers that I see bloom every day and the birds that sing to me without a complaint. When we light our candles and pray the Rosary and go to church I feel Your continued love. Each day when I see puppies play I see your fingerprints. Thank you for the Good Samaritan, The poor person that courageously got hurt by selfish sinners which were robbers. I promise to be a good steward by helping my parents when they are struggling. Help me to be as compassionate as you and follow in Jesus' footsteps and could you please pray for the sick. Amen. In the name of the Father and the Son and the holy spirit Amen. By Alyssa.
Dear God, Thank you for creating your amazing, wonderful world with friends, family, and animals in it. When we light our school candle, I feel your deep love within us. I always see your fingerprints in every part of the world, but I always wonder how they got there? I love that you gave us Jesus to tell us stories that keep on spreading. A really good story is the Good Samaritan. He was bashed up by robbers and became half dead! That told me to be a good neighbour to everyone, even if they are different to me. I most certainly promise to be an amazing steward of your creation so everybody will feel loved and cared for! Please help me spread your compassion every day! Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen! By Chloe.
Thank you for creation and the beautiful plants. I think you've done everything to make me glance at the sky, the land. I think you've done a great job just as you planned. The beautiful stories we listen and see. We love the Good Samaritan; it teaches us to be a good person just like God. I promise to be a good person picking up rubbish, helping others by loving me. Amen. By Lumi
Dear almighty God, Thank you for the food and animals. You've done so much for your creation. I feel you when we do the singing bowl. You've made not just my life but the wildlife too. I see your fingerprints in kindness and love. Like the Good Samaritan, he helped someone, so I promise that I will compliment 2 people every day this year. By Amelia
How can I help to prepare my child for the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
Very soon, the students in Year 2, who have enrolled in the Sacrament will be celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. For some, this can feel daunting and uncomfortable. Rest assured, that the students will be very well prepared beforehand. At home, you can gently prepare your child by discussing any choices that they have done, which they are sorry for. Assure your child that no one else will be able to hear what they are saying to the priest, but they will be visible to their teachers. Here are some general sins to help with the discussions.
Forgetting to share my toys, games, or electronic devices with my brother or sister
Not listening to my parents or teachers the first time they ask me to do something
Talking back or using an unkind, whiny tone when I'm frustrated
Telling small white lies to avoid getting in trouble or doing chores
Taking things without asking, like an extra snack, a toy, or someone else's crayons/prizes
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns and all enrolment forms are to be sent to the Parish Office. For more information on how you can prepare your child, please follow this link.
Reflection on being a Grandparent
During our Grandparents and great people day, we were gifted by the words of wisdom from a grandparent of our school, Julie Henessey. We thank her for her time in preparing a short reflection and would like to share it with our community!
Good morning Students, Teachers, Parents and Fellow Grandparents. My name is Julie Hennessy. To my six beautiful grandchildren including Hazel H in Year 1, I’m a very proud Nanna, or sometimes Nanny. My own children started school here at St Joseph’s thirty years ago and it’s almost 10 years since my youngest child left. It’s lovely to have been invited back to speak to you about one of the greatest joys in life, being a Grandparent.
Being a grandparent is a little bit like being a parent, but with a few extra smiles, a few more cuddles, and sometimes, just a few more treats! One of the best things about being a grandparent is spending time with grandchildren. It might mean reading a favourite story together, playing a board game, kicking a footy in the backyard, going to the park or baking biscuits that mysteriously disappear before they even reach the tin!
Grandparents love hearing about what you are learning at school, what makes you laugh and what you dream of becoming when you grow up. Even the little things you tell us can brighten our whole day.
And do you know what else is wonderful? Grandparents get to share their stories. We can tell you what life was like when we were young, what games we played, what music we listened to and how different the world was before mobile phones and the internet!
But the greatest joy of being a grandparent isn't about presents, holidays or delicious treats. It's about love. It's the warm hug when you arrive, the smile when you walk through the door, the pride we feel when you try something difficult, and the happiness we feel when we see you being kind, brave and thoughtful.
You don't have to be the best at everything. You don't have to win every race or get every answer right. Grandparents love you simply because you are you.
So, children, if you have a grandparent in your life, give them a big hug, ask them a question about when they were young, or simply tell them you love them. And remember, grandparents may be older and perhaps a little slower on the playground, but our hearts are full of love for you!
Mr Alexander Walker
Religious Education Coordinator