In Parishes throughout the Diocese of Wollongong we celebrated the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. The reflection by Loyola Press explains that in last Sunday’s Gospel Peter asks Jesus how many times one ought to extend forgiveness to another. Peter proposes a reasonable number of times, perhaps seven. Jesus replies by extending Peter's proposal by an enormous amount; not just seven times should one forgive, but 77 times. The parable of the unforgiving servant is Jesus' elaboration of his initial reply to Peter. Through the parable we come to understand the depths of God's mercy toward us and the results of our acceptance of God's forgiveness. There is a temptation to quantify forgiveness as Peter tried to do, but Jesus' point is that forgiveness is not about quantity—the number of times we extend forgiveness to another. In the parable the king's forgiveness is like God's forgiveness, and it transforms us, helping us to be as forgiving as God. The lesson is clear- if we hoard God's mercy while showing no mercy to others, we risk forfeiting the effects of God's mercy in our lives.

Dear Parents and Carers,

On Saturday 9 and Sunday September we celebrated with our Year 3 students and families as a number of our Year 3 students received the Sacrament of the Eucharist. An occasion such as this requires a great deal of preparation and organisation. Our students were extremely well prepared for the sacrament and I would like to express my deep gratitude to Fr. Leo Duck and the St Paul’s Parish Sacramental Team, Mrs Jodi Marsh, Miss Julianne Tonini and Miss Samantha Ryan for their support in preparing our students to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist. If you had the pleasure of being at the mass on Saturday or Sunday you would have enjoyed the wonderful sacred music that brought a very special element to the mass. We very much appreciated the talent of the musicians and singers who gave so generously of their time and talent

I look with great satisfaction as many of our families continue to pass on their Christian tradition, faith and spirituality to their children.  This is not only something that happens within a Catholic school but must come from home, as well as from connection with the Parish. In the words of Pope Francis on the Sacrament of the Eucharist, “... from this Sacrament of love, in fact, flows every authentic journey of faith, of communion, and of witness.”  As Catholics we believe that Jesus left us the gift of himself in the Eucharist, and our students have been granted this great gift of love to strengthen and support them in their daily lives as Christian people. Jesus is obviously central to everything we do at St Paul’s and thank you to those families who celebrated with the St Paul’s Community and ask that you continue to keep our Year 3 students and parents and carers in your prayers.

World Mission Month Launch

On Wednesday 13 September Mrs Christine Calleja and I had the privilege to accompany our school captains Poppy and Dante to Holy Spirit College Bellambi for the Diocesan launch of World Mission Month. Schools from the Diocese of Wollongong joined together with Bishop Brian Mascord to celebrate a Liturgy of the Word and the launch of Catholic Mission's Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move. 

Speakers from Catholic Mission spoke about the importance of education and the availability of education and shared experiences of how Catholic Mission has helped many children and families in need. Catholic Mission has many outreach programs that cover food security and life-saving nutrition.  Catholic Mission's Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move was launched on 12 September and focuses on the people in Timor-Leste  and how they could be living life to the fullest. Catholic Mission, in the month of October, will focus on raising awareness of the people in Timor-Leste.

Afternoon Tea with the Principal

Thank you to the many students at St Paul’s who have worked very hard in their classrooms and on the playground.  The following chart outlines the Student School Award System used at St Paul’s to recognise students who are trying very hard with their learning and on the playground.

I was able to celebrate an afternoon tea with our students to recognise their wonderful achievements. We were entertained with students telling jokes, dance performances and sharing riddles. It was a great way to spend an afternoon!!! Congratulations to those students who received a Principal or Mary MacKillop Award in Term 3.

St Paul’s Catholic School Values and Merit Awards

As you are aware one of the school’s Annual Improvement Goals for the 2023 school year is  Students will have opportunities to demonstrate understanding of the school Catholic values through explicit teaching in Religious Education.

The four school nominated Catholic Values are:

Compassion: We care deeply for the well-being of others, showing love, kindness and respect for all.

Integrity: We are honest and truthful, strong enough to choose to do what is right.

Inclusion: We welcome all so that everyone feels a sense of belonging and knows that their unique qualities are valued.

Perseverance: We strive to be the best we can be each day by never giving up, accepting setbacks as stepping stones to growth.

From Term 4 classroom teachers will be dedicating one of the merit awards each week to a student who is demonstrating the school nominated Catholic Values. I look forward to reading the Merit Awards in Term 4 and celebrating the many great attributes that our St Paul's students display daily.

Staffing Update

As you are all aware Mrs Rebecca Nunes will be taking leave for all of Term 4 and will return in a part time capacity in the 2024 school year. On behalf of Fr. Leo, staff, students and parents and carers I wish Mrs Nunes all the very best for her upcoming surgery. I would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude for Mrs Nunes’ incredible work that she consistently brings to our school community and how it enriches the St Paul’s school community. Mrs Nunes’ dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence have had a profound impact on our school. Mrs Nunes we will keep you in our prayers and thoughts and pray for a speedy recovery. We look forward to seeing you back at school in 2024.

I would like to advise that Mrs Jodi Marsh will be taking extended leave for health reasons and has relinquished her Acting Assistant Principal Role for Term 4 and the 2024 school year and has also relinquished her Religious Education Coordinator Role for Term 4 and the 2024 school year. I ask that you please keep Mrs Marsh in your prayers and thoughts.

After a recruitment process and on behalf of Fr. Leo I would like to congratulate Miss Alana Stroligo who was the successful applicant for the Acting Religious Education Coordinator for Term 4 and the 2024 school year. Miss Stroligo brings much experience and leadership to the role of Acting Religious Education Coordinator and I wish Miss Stroligo all the very best in her role. 

The Catholic Education Office Diocese of Wollongong are facilitating a recruitment process for an Acting Assistant Principal for Term 4 and the 2024 school year.

On behalf of the whole school, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to all the St Paul’s staff, for the way in which they have supported our students in their academic, faith and well-being growth this term. It has been a very busy term, and the generosity of spirit is quite remarkable. I  am very proud of the work of my colleagues and most grateful to them for all that we do in partnering with parents and carers to support and care for our students. 

I would like to thank the students for their hard work and commitment to their learning this term. It has been a very busy term and our students certainly deserve a holiday. I would like to thank all parents and carers for your ongoing partnership as together we create a vibrant Catholic school community. I wish you all a very relaxing pupil vacation period and hope you have an opportunity to spend time with your family and friends and look forward to seeing you all in Term 4. Please see below our School Captains Poppy and Dante sharing an end of Term 3 message.

Thank you to all parents and carers for your continued support.

Yours in faith and learning,

Michelle Rodwell

Principal

Students and staff at St. Paul's learn about how to stay safe online. We follow the Catholic Education Office's Social Media Policy.

See the eSafety Commission's advice on are your children old enough for Social Media?

This year one of the Annual Improvement goals focuses on Students having an understanding of interpersonal skills so they respectfully interact with others. 

Through classroom teaching, small group instruction, and one-to-one teaching the students are taught the following ways to be respectful to others. These teaching points were prepared by staff to support various relationship skills.

October is World Mission Month and at St Paul’s Albion Park we use this time to bring awareness to our students about some of the poorest communities in our world. Last week our School Captains were invited to the diocesan launch of World Mission Month at Holy Spirit, Bellambi.

This year to celebrate missionaries and their work, Pope Francis has published a message for the 2023 World Mission Sunday. His message encourages people around the world to renew their commitment to spreading the Good News and to support missionary work. We are called to spread the good news of Jesus through responding to the call to love God and to love each other. In 2023, students and their families across Australia will team up to support families in Timor-Leste facing health and wellness challenges. 

Next term we will share with you further information regarding how the Mini Vinnies team will be raising funds throughout the month of October. 

Over the centuries the Church has always honoured Mary, the Blessed Mother of God. Praying the Rosary is one of the many ways we do this. According to tradition Mary appeared to St Dominic in a rose garden, holding a garland of flowers. It is thought the Rosary originates from this. 

The month of October each year is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. This is primarily due to the fact that the liturgical feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated annually on October 7th. It was instituted to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary in gratitude for the protection that she gives the Church in answer to the praying of the Rosary by the faithful.

This year our students will be praying the Rosary. This is a special type of prayer called a meditation. In this prayer we use our hands, lips, minds and hearts to help us think about Jesus and Mary as we move our fingers along the Rosary beads.

Each grade will have the opportunity to present an assembly fortnightly on Friday afternoons in the hall at 2:30pm. ACE, Principal and Mary MacKillop Awards will be presented at these assemblies. Parents are welcome to attend. Please see below the dates for the remainder of the year. 

Term 4

Next term the following grades will be attending Mass on Friday from 9:30am. Following Mass parents are invited to join their child for an open classroom and a morning tea in the School Hall.

Miss Alana Stroligo

Religious Education Coordinator & Middle Leader 

In Term 4 Week 1-2 students will have the opportunity to look at our next school value INCLUSION.  When children learn to empathise with others and show compassion for their peers, being an “includer” becomes automatic. They learn to look for the lonely and consider how children on the outside of the group might feel, and this motivates them to be the positive change who invites others into the fold.

The children and staff have reported that the playground in the morning has been a concern so we staff will be taking the time to explicitly teach students the playground procedures before the school day.

Students will be encouraged to utilise playground equipment on the Basketball Court and grassed area. The area around the school bags will be used for students to sit and talk with their peers. 

Last week on Thursday 14th September we celebrated a national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that any day is the day to ask ‘Are you ok?’. Throughout the day students completed various wellbeing activities with their classmates. Teachers brought their students to our gratitude tree whereby students displayed their gratitude card on the tree. 

Just a reminder that over coming weeks we have been asking for Year 1 and Year 2 students to bring all their merit awards to school. We have been in the process of uploading all students from Year 1 and Year 2 merit awards to Compass 

If your child is in Year 3 and Year 4 please send all your child’s awards to school in a sealed ziplock bag from the commencement of Term 4. This includes all awards received from previous years at St Paul’s. These awards will be collated and returned to students throughout Term 4.

I would like to take the opportunity for all your support with the changes that were made to Afternoon Dismissal. We have received positive feedback from our parents and staff community!

Regards,

Miss Alana Stroligo

Religious Education Coordinator & Middle Leader

Year 5 have had a busy Term! Enjoy a sneak peak of the learning they have accomplished.

Throughout the year teachers have access to a variety of quality professional development opportunities. Casual teachers are employed to cover classes with the teacher ensuring the teaching program and routines are followed. 

“Those who dare to teach, never cease to learn” John Cotton-Dana

During Week 8 and 9, all students from Kindergarten to 6th grade participated in a place value post-assessment known as the PVAT. 

This assessment was designed to assist teachers in identifying the current needs of students in the area of place value and to determine their growth. We are using the data collected from this assessment to determine students' specific needs, enabling us to collaborate and plan explicit lessons for Term 4 that focus on key place value concepts aligned with our Mathematics outcomes.

The teachers have found it exciting to witness improvements in the data collected from the assessment, which reflects the effectiveness of our instructional approach tailored to meet the individual needs of our students through targeted teaching lessons. The teachers have invested considerable effort in enhancing their professional knowledge in this crucial area.

We are actively engaged in the ongoing evaluation of our school's Mathematics goals, which involves our teachers delving deeper into their knowledge and understanding of syllabus outcomes related to place value. Our teachers are taking time to reflect on student work samples, fostering collaboration, and developing engaging Mathematics lessons tailored to our students' needs.

GOAL: 

Teachers will have a deep understanding of the aspects of place value and implement evidence-based strategies for teaching Representing Number so that all students demonstrate growth in place value 

Here is an example of a question we are working on with students based on the place value aspect of renaming and compare and order:

Could all parents and carers please contact the school office if there is any change to your child's school dismissal/pick up arrangements. Students will not be able to leave with any other parents or carers if the school office has not been notifiied prior to 3:15pm. We thank all our parents and carers for supporting our school with transparent communication about our students dismissal/ school pick up arrangements.

Please ensure when your contact details change to email the info account, so we have a record of the new details. info@spapdow.catholic.edu.au

If there has been any change of information in relation to your child, please contact the office as soon as possible.  This could include change in emergency contacts, change of address, email or phone number, or updated medical information. 

Today, Year 6 took part in a Day of the Notables. This involved the students engaging in a deep and broad study of one eminent and notable person. They had to use as many sources and resources to write a biography and construct a timeline of their esteemed person’s life. Students delved deep into the lives of their chosen individuals where they uncovered what influences made him or her famous, what difficulties she or he endured and what drove that person to become notable. Students explored concepts of identifying growth within their individual.

Students came to school dressed as their notable and constructed an engaging display to demonstrate their understanding. All the grades were invited throughout the day to come to the hall and meet Australians who were human rights activists, artists or sports people. In the afternoon, Year 6 parents and carers were invited to view the displays and ask questions of the notable persons. 

The day was enjoyed by everyone. Mrs Colquhoun and Miss Stroligo are very proud of the work of these students. Check out some of the notable people below: 

Miss Julianne Tonini and Miss Samantha Ryan

Preliminary shortlisting took place in the Marian Centre on Monday 11 September and we would like to congratulate Levi Pengelly from 6 Blue who was successful in having his artwork progress to the next level. Levi will have his work displayed from Friday 6th October until Sunday 29 October at the Wollongong Art Gallery. Artworks can be viewed at the public gallery during this period. The Art Gallery is open to the public Tuesday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm and weekends 12:00-4:00pm.

On Monday 11th September, Dominic in Year 5 and Anabelle in Year 6 represented St Paul’s at the CDF Public Speaking Competition.  Dominic and Anabelle, along with their families and Mrs Fogliada, traveled to Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School, Fairy Meadow for the diocesan level of the CDF Competition.  Dominic and Annabelle competed against Year 5 and Year 6 representatives from 15 other Catholic Primary Schools from the Wollongong Diocese.  Both Dominic and Anabelle did a wonderful job presenting engaging speeches in front of lots of people.  Well done Dominic and Anabelle!  

Mrs Alexandra Hingston

Diverse Learning Needs Coordinator, K-2 Curriculum Advisor & Middle Leader

The School Library has provided a list of some great holiday reads recommended for students. We hope you all have some time to read a book with your child from our list!

Mrs Alexandra Hingston 

Over the last 4 weeks, Year 5 and Year 6 have been taking part in a Sporting Schools Taekwondo program with Mrs Lyons and Master Kevin from South Coast Martial Arts Centre. Students have been learning about basic self defence techniques and a range of training patterns and drills that have helped their fitness, focus and determination. Students’ enthusiasm, perseverance and willingness to learn has been outstanding and a privilege to see. 

In taekwondo this term we have learnt about different kicks, patterns and defences against bad people. We have learnt the round house kick, front kick, the block, the punch, how to escape someone holding your wrist and we stretch before each session. Master Kevin has taught us so much these last couple of weeks. I now know how to do taekwondo like a master. It’s a very fun and educational topic and I hope to do it again in high school.

By Isabel and Ava

6 Blue

Year 4 have had an amazing opportunity for sport this term on a Friday by participating in Baseball Five! We have learnt hitting and serving skills, fielding strategies and fine tuned our throwing and catching.

A note from Adison S (4R):

I really enjoy baseball 5 because it is a great running game that is similar to baseball, that involves teamwork and communication. Baseball 5 could go on forever and I like games that never stop!! Baseball 5 is also an easy and fun game that you can play at home. Baseball 5 is amazing and I love it! I also learned many different drills and skills from this awesome game. 

Last Thursday and Friday we had our Stage 2 and Stage 3 Basketball Gala day! Both days were filled with sensational basketball skills, outstanding sports personship and amazing behaviour. I was so proud of how the St Paul’s students showed compassion to others both from our school and others. 

A huge thank you to our parent managers! Our Gala Days would not happen without your support and we are truly appreciative of your help and time. 

During Term 4, there will be a Dragon Tag Gala Day. Keep your eye on upcoming newsletters in Term 4 for information regarding this day. 

Miss Eliza Treble

Middle Leader

On Friday 22nd September all students are invited to come dressed in mufti by wearing football colours or jerseys. This could be from your favourite NRL, AFL, soccer or a local sports club. The Canteen has also organised a meal deal for the students to pre-order and will be available on My School Connect from Monday 18th September. During some of the middle session of the day, students will be taking part in a range of fun games and activities, as well as our school’s Jump Rope for Heart Jump Off. 

Mrs Amy Lyons

Physical Education Teacher

On the last day of school, we will be holding our school’s Jump Off. This will be a chance for students to showcase the skipping skills and tricks they have learnt throughout the term. Parents and carers and friends are welcome to come along to watch their children perform. 

Date: Friday 22nd September

Time: 2:30 - 3:00pm on the Front Playground

We hope to see you there watching our students Jump Off!

Mrs Amy Lyons

Physical Education Teacher

Waste-Free Wednesday is happening each Wednesday. The Year 5 Waste-Free Warriors and Year 6 Pastoral Care Leadership Team will be monitoring this and rewarding students who bring a waste-free lunch with prizes and raffle tickets. 

So many students are doing this every day, which is amazing to see!

What is a waste free lunch? A waste-free lunch is when we are conscious and mindful of the amount of plastic we bring to school. We can reduce the plastic by bringing more whole-foods to school or emptying packaged foods and disposing of the plastic thoughtfully at home. 

Have a look at some of the awesome waste-free lunches from last week:

Mrs Katie Culquhoun

Please see information for our Term 4 school disco to be held on Friday 13th October 2023. A copy of the note has been sent home with students last week.

Dr Justin Coulson is a dad to 6 daughters. He is the parenting expert and co-host of Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance, and he and his wife host Australia’s #1 podcast for parents and family: The Happy Families Podcast. He has written 9 books about families and parenting. In the article below Dr Justin Coulson outlines the importance of involvement in the life of your child.

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal is currently being held in our diocese. This year, gifts made in response to the Appeal will support two important ministries and some very special people - our retired and future priests.

“Offering dignified support to our priests who are unwell, care for our retired clergy, and a sound and holistic formation for our young seminarians are my responsibilities as your Bishop."

“I seek your prayers and practical support to help me ensure that I can do this. Your donation to this appeal is very much appreciated.”

Most Rev Brian G Mascord DD
Bishop of Wollongong

Please see below the Canteen Menu.

“Birthday Buckets” – these are a decorated buckets filled with quelch fruit ice blocks. These are ordered online by parents and include a birthday card and a balloon.

Please see below regarding our meal deal for the footy fever day on Friday 22nd September.

Orders can be placed online at: www.myschoolconnect.com.au

Kylie Thomas

Canteen Operator

Please see the below flyer for school holiday care with OSHC.

Held at Guntawang Catholic Youth Centre - Woolgemai Campground near Picton, this weekend is growing in popularity and bringing Catholic families from around the Diocese together for food, fun and fellowship with camping and bunk room accommodation options. For more information and bookings follow this link: https://www.dow.org.au/events/catholic-family-camping-weekend-19-21-may-2023/

Please see the below flyer for NAIDOC celebrations.

Aunty Jo

Aboriginal Education Assistant