Principal's Page

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Our Colour Run on Friday was a day of fun, joy and laughter. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and participated with great spirit. Thank you to the staff and parent volunteers, and in particular Chantel Elliott and the P&F for organising the event.

The P&F organise such events for the purpose of building community spirit and as a fundraising venture for the school. Thank you to all of our families for your support of the event through sponsorship of your children or as event sponsors. Students have missed out on so much this year and the Colour Run has really left them with a wonderful memory from 2020.

St Joseph's Christmas Carols in support of St Vincent De Paul

I am really pleased to announce that in place of our usual end of year Christmas Carols evening we will be holding a number of Carols sessions with students throughout the day on Monday 14 December.

The aim of the Christmas Carols is to raise student awareness and provide financial support for the St Vincent de Paul Society in the Bulli Parish as they assist families in need this Christmas. Monday 14 December will be a mufti-day with a Christmas theme and students are asked to donate $5 in place of our usual raffle. (Of course families with many children can donate according to your means) 

The wonderful news is that we wish to invite one parent from each family in Years 1 to 6 to attend, and two parents of students in Kindergarten. The event will not be a single whole school event but rather, scheduled sessions for each grade so that we can cater to our COVID-19 requirements.  The schedule will run as follows:

9:15 am - Years 5 and 6 (Stage 3) + 1 parent from each family.

10:00 am - Years 1 and 2 (Stage 1) + 1 parent from each family.

11:20 am - Years 3 and 4 (Stage 2) + 1 parent from each family.

12:00 pm - Kindergarten (Early Stage 1)  + 2 parents from each family.

If a parent is unable to attend then a grandparent or adult family member may attend. 

Further details will be included in next week's newsletter.

Christmas Story Art

This week I invite you to spend some time really looking closely at the artwork of Kiara M. It is a powerful work that Kiara explains so beautifully in her reflection. 

God’s Direction 

Kiara M

Year Six

My artwork represents Mary's emotions on her way to Egypt where she was fleeing to save her child. A child which was entrusted by God.

We see Mary's mixed emotions above the silhouette. The face at the very top shows her fear and worry, then the face below, shows her in deep thought and still very fearful. Next is where she is still scared but wanting to stay strong and accept God's word. Finally the last face is where Mary has fully accepted God's word and had been dedicated to finish his mission. 

The compass just above where she is looking shows that she is following God's direction and allowing him to lead the way. I chose to combine scripture passages ‘The Annunciation’ and ‘Flight To Egypt’ because I wanted to express Mary's different feelings and the message of the scriptures. 

The  choice of media in my artwork was soft pastels. I chose to use a contrast of greys and blacks, to represent Mary’s fears and worries, while the white shows truth and light. ‘Truth and light’ is our school motto which I think, is the message of these scriptures and choose to follow, like Mary follows God.

Thank you Kiara.

For all things at St Joseph’s, give thanks!

Jen Charadia

Principal

2020 Annual Parent Survey

Please consider completing the St Joseph's annual parent survey. This is a wonderful opportunity to both affirm staff in their work and to also give insights into areas for improvement.

When completing the survey it is important to consider each area across the year and your general impression or experience.

The survey can be accessed via the link below until 5:00pm Monday 7 December.

CLICK HERE FOR SURVEY

Learning Leap into 2021

The classes for 2021 have now been finalised. Students will spend time in their new class on Tuesday 15 December and teachers are looking forward to meeting with their new students. This is an opportunity for students to take a Learning Leap into 2021.

Thank you to those parents who have made written requests, addressed to the Principal, regarding any information that may affect the placement of their child into a class for 2021. Wherever possible efforts have been made to accommodate concerns and requests. No further requests can now be considered.

Allocating students into classes for 2021 is a complex process and what may seem like a reasonable request for a parent, may have unintended consequences for your child or other students. The academic, social and emotional needs of all students are considered, and teachers have a very good knowledge of their students and how they operate in the learning environment.

Classes will be announced to students on Tuesday 15 December. I know that parents will understand that no requests for a change of class will be considered once announced. Changing classes will affect other students and create an imbalance across the grade.

School Handbook

Principal Awards and Merit Awards

The following students will receive their Principal Awards at our afternoon assembly on Friday 4 December 2020.  

Please note this will be our last Principal Awards for the year.

Acknowledgement to Country

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