In Parishes throughout the Diocese of Wollongong we will celebrated the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. In last Sunday's Gospel Jesus shares a parable about the wedding feast and through this parable we are reminded that while many are invited to the kingdom of heaven, not all are able to meet its requirements. God invites us to his feast, giving us his salvation. Yet he asks us to repent for our sins. The parable also teaches about humility. Those who assume that they are the invited guests may find that they have refused the invitation, and so others are invited in their place. To accept the invitation is also to accept its obligations. God wants our full conversion in complete acceptance of his mercy.

Dear Parents and Carers,

A warm welcome back to Term 4 and I hope you all had a chance to spend quality time with your family and friends.  Having spoken with quite a few parents and carers, grandparents and students over the past few days, it sounds like it was a balanced opportunity for rest, a bit of catchup for some, time with family and friends. Our students have settled well into a term of quality learning and we look forward to a very productive school term. This term we look forward to teaching our students as they  continue to improve in all aspects of their learning and continue to grow in their faith and well-being. The school community acknowledges that every day of attendance at school is important so that our students are learning new learning, consolidating  their understanding and practising what they learn. 

Thank you to our parents and carers for the positive feedback regarding the Grade Curriculum Overviews that were shared with the school community last Friday 13th October. Many parents and carers have commented that the overviews are an opportunity for parents and carers to support their child's learning. Your collaboration and partnership with teachers is highly valued so please feel free to contact your child’s teachers throughout the term via the school office.

It was fabulous to see so many students at our school discos on Friday evening. A huge thank you to Michelle Hooper who was the resident D.J at both discos and to the St Paul’s Parents and Friends Association for organising the disco and those staff members who supported the Parents and Friends Association with supervision. The disco's were a great success and our students and staff had a great time.

Parents and Carers Workshop for Mathematics

At St Paul's we acknowledge that collaboration between parents and carers is essential for the well-being and development of our students. Parent and carer workshops are a valuable platform to facilitate this collaboration, allowing parents and carers to share insights, learn from our students, staff and each other, and gain valuable knowledge and understanding about curriculum and student learning. The workshop this afternoon will focus on Mathematics and is an opportunity to support our parents and carers further understand how to support their child's mathematical learning. I would like to acknowledge the great work of our teachers who have prepared the workshops and to the students who will be teaching our parents and carers this afternoon and demonstrating their meta cognition. Thank you to Mrs Belinda Evans and Mrs Alexandra Hingston for their leadership with the workshops.  I look forward to seeing parents and carers this afternoon at our Mathematics Workshop for Parents and Carers.

2024 Class Placements

As we begin to move towards the end of the year, planning for 2024 is under way and as a teaching staff we continue to focus on our students and their learning. The process for student class placement will commence this Term. At St Paul’s we take into account the spiritual, academic and emotional well-being of each child, as well as considering their social interactions, so that we work towards our main goal of having balanced classes in all grades. I also recognise that as your child’s primary carer, parents and carers may have specific information that you wish to share with me, as the Principal of the school, that may assist in the organisation of class placements for next year.  If there are any special considerations or concerns that parents and carers feel the school should take into consideration, please contact your child's class teacher the requests in writing no later than Friday 10 November 2023 to discuss your request. 

In light of the above, the following factors be taken into consideration when making a request for class placements in 2023: 

• All requests must be discussed with your child's classroom teacher no later than Friday 10 November 2023
• As there will be changes with teaching staff for 2024 please do not request a particular teacher as there is a possibility that the current classroom teachers on a grade for 2023 will not be the same in 2024.
• Please note that no changes to class placements will be made after classes are announced at our Meet the Teacher Transition morning on Wednesday 13th December.

Catholic Education Office Christmas Story Art Exhibition Competition

I would like to congratulate Levi (Year 6) on his artwork being successfully selected in the 2023 Diocese of Wollongong Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition. I had the pleasure to join Levi and his parents at the official opening night and prize presentation at the Wollongong City Art Gallery last Wednesday, 11 October 2023. This was an opportunity to celebrate the many artistic talents of students across our Diocese. Guests and students were provided with time to view the 44 artworks from students in our Diocesan Primary schools. I would like to commend Levi for all his hard work and commitment to create a unique and beautiful artwork. Congratulations Levi we are all very proud of your great achievement.

World Teacher’s Day Friday 27 October 2023

On Friday 27th October is World Teachers’ Day, a day whereby we recognise and celebrate the many achievements of teachers. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the amazing teachers at St Paul’s who work tirelessly and make a difference to our students. Thank you to our parents and carers for your ongoing support and words of affirmation for the care and support our staff provide our students daily.  

Term 4 also brings many school events that we look forward to celebrating such as:

• Kinder 2024 Playgroups
• Kinder 2024 Parent Orientation Morning
• World Teachers Day
• Catholic Mission Crazy Sock Day
• School and Class Liturgies and Masses
• 2024 Meet and Greet Morning
• Year 6 Graduation
• School Christmas Concert and Awards
• Various class excursions

Next Monday 23 October we welcome our 2024 kindergarten students as they begin their transition to school through playgroup sessions. Starting school is an important milestone in any child and family’s life. Research suggests that children who have a positive start to school are more likely to engage well in their learning and school life. At St Paul’s, we nurture this positive start by offering a transition to school program that  includes informal playgroup sessions as well as formal orientation opportunities.   We are looking forward to establishing a great partnership with our new students and parents and carers

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

Yours in faith and learning,

Michelle Rodwell

Principal

INTEGRITY

In Week 3-4 we will look at the value of integrity.

At school we will use the Parable of the Good Samaritan as an example of integrity. When you have integrity, your actions match your words, even when you don’t feel like it. The Samaritan man stepped outside of the norm. He took a risk and spent money and time to care for a stranger, who was most likely Jewish – a people at odds with his people. Nevertheless, his heart and character held enough love to cover over any rivalry or pride and to do what was right. We need courage, like the Samaritan man, to do what is unpopular and unexpected, when it is the right thing to do. 

Mission Month

This year, World Mission Sunday falls on 22nd October 2023. On World Mission Sunday parish communities around the world gather to pray for and raise funds to support the work of thousands of crucial church-run programs. 

SPAP students will be learning about the work that Catholic Mission are doing in Timor-Leste. To support this work we will be holding a Crazy sock theme day on Thursday 26th October. Students are asked to bring in a gold coin. 

Prior to the day students are encouraged to bring in some old clean socks and recycled materials to support their class in making a sockball similar to those used in countries by children who cannot afford a real ball. Your child can hand these items to their classroom teacher in a plastic bag to be used throughout Week 3. This year St Paul’s will be raising money for Catholic Mission.

At St Paul’s we encourage all to have courage to choose to do what is right and stand up to others, showing honesty and integrity.

October - Month of the Holy Rosary

October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary and the liturgical feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary is held annually on October 8. This term students have been learning about and praying the Rosary throughout  the month of October. 

Anniversary of the Canonisation of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

October 17 is the anniversary of the Canonisation of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed Mary’s sainthood.

This term the following grades will be attending Mass on Friday from 9:30am. Parents are welcome to join students at Mass, following Mass parents are invited to join their child for an open classroom and a morning tea in the School Library.

This term students will be engaging in prayer and learning experiences focused on:

Miss Alana Stroligo 

Acting Religious Education Coordinator and Middle Leader

In Term 4 Week 1-2 students have had 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.

In Term 4 Week 3-4 students will have the opportunity to look at a new school value INTEGRITY. Students will always feel better if they choose to do what is right and kind in all situations. When your children show integrity, tell them what you admire about their behaviour. When children feel good about doing what’s right, they learn to measure the quality of their lives beyond grades and extra-curricular achievements. As a role model to your children, you can help them understand how integrity is part of a successful and rewarding life.

Here are some ideas to get you thinking about how your child can show integrity at home:

• Taking responsibility for one’s actions
• Treating siblings, parents and others with respect
• Admitting mistakes
• Being honest in all situations
• Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching
• Offering a helping hand

PIVOT Survey

This term Years 3-6 students will commence the last cycle of the Pivot Survey for 2024. 

When analysing students' responses it is evident that some students identified that they do not always feel safe online. While the internet can certainly enhance a student’s academic and social life, increased connectivity brings increased risk of students experiencing:

• Online issues
• Abuse
• Exploitation
• Privacy breaches

With children increasingly accessing and using apps, games and online content, it is important that they are supported in navigating and feeling safe in the complexities of the online world. Knowing how to navigate the online world is important for children in empowering them to remain safe and experience the benefits of immediate global connectivity. When children are safe online they are less likely to experience negative influences including inappropriate social behaviour, harmful content or privacy breaches which affect their wellbeing.

Sensory Tools

In Week 3-4 each class will be provided with a Sensory Tool box containing a variety of sensory tools. These tools are specifically designed to stimulate one or more of the senses and help the child remain calm and provide the sensory experience they want. Sensory tools are intended to promote regulation, improve focus, and increase participation, therefore enabling your child to be available for learning! 

When you notice your child feeling overstimulated, or sensory overload you can grab a sensory tool that will help calm or stimulate your child. Some ideas could be a squeezy ball, a weighted soft toy, or a liquid motion timer.

Miss Alana Stroligo

Acting Religious Education Coordinator and Middle Leader

Year 6 have worked so hard during Term 3! Enjoy a preview of their learning:

Mrs Katie Culquhoun and Miss Alana Stroligo

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

When: Wednesday 18th October, Week 2, Term 4

Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Join us on Wednesday, October 18th, for a parent Mathematics workshop. We extend a warm invitation for you to attend and gain insights into the exciting learning experiences taking place across grades K-6. During the workshop, our dedicated teachers from each grade will showcase the valuable content students have been exploring in place value, aligned to our school goal. Additionally, we will provide valuable information on how you can support your child's learning at home.

To RSVP, please click the following link and fill out the Google From:

We hope to see you there.

Mrs Belinda Evans and Alexandra Hingston 

Middle Leader and Curriculum Advisor

Mrs Belinda Evans

Middle Leader and Instructional Coach

The NSW education system is reforming the curriculum which will be taught in all classrooms from Kindergarten to Year 12. The new curriculum, as a result of the NSW Curriculum Reform, will give students more time to focus on key learning areas so that they can acquire a deeper understanding of central concepts. It will ensure students develop strong foundations for learning, life and work in a complex and fast-changing world (NESA 2021).

This reform has been informed by extensive consultation with teachers, parents and education experts, and is underpinned by extensive research. St Paul's has worked closely with NESA to trial elements of the new English and Mathematics Syllabus over the past two years. 

During Term 3, Teachers worked collaboratively to develop units of work that were then taught across all classrooms from Years 3 to Year 6. 

The Year 3 team developed an integrated unit of work which focused on the Big Idea of 'Genre' and linked English and Geography outcomes with carefully selected informative and imaginative texts. The book; Ancient Wonders was used as a mentor text which allowed us to travel around Australia, in our own classroom. Our goal was to develop student understanding of text forms and features and explicitly key vocabulary so that students can plan, draft and publish an information report based on a selected place in Australia. The students were so engaged and loved learning about the places in Australia and were able to choose and use explicitly taught vocabulary to improve their writing. We are really proud of their work and we can't wait to implement the new curriculum in 2024. 

Mrs Alexandra Hingston

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

Last Friday the 13th of October, St Paul's held the Term 4 School Disco! Enjoy some photos from both the infants and primary disco's.

Next Monday 23 October we welcome our 2024 kindergarten students as they begin their transition to school through playgroup sessions. Starting school is an important milestone in any child and family’s life. Research suggests that children who have a positive start to school are more likely to engage well in their learning and school life. At St Paul’s, we nurture this positive start by offering a transition to school program that  includes informal playgroup sessions as well as formal orientation opportunities.

Playgroup will take place from 9:30 - 10:30 am in the School Hall on the following dates.

Families are encouraged to have their child attend as many playgroup dates as possible to help them prepare for school. While the children play, parents and carers will have opportunities to gather information, ask questions and meet staff.

Information has been sent to all families with  details of the above dates and also the Transition to School Orientation morning.  We are looking forward to establishing a great partnership with our new students and parents and carers.

We couldn't be prouder of our Year 5 and 6 boys who participated in the Cricket Gala Day at Thomas Dalton Park Fairy Meadow on Thursday, October 12th. It was a day marked not only by the display of cricketing skills but also by the exceptional sportsmanship and behaviour exhibited by our students. The boys' conduct throughout the day was truly commendable, aligning perfectly with the values we embrace at our school. They not only showcased their dedication to the game but also their ability to quickly adapt and learn new skills. 

We want to extend our sincerest gratitude to two wonderful parents helpers, Steve Jenkin and Tracey Glover, who managed the teams with incredible dedication and ensured the event's success. Additionally, we are immensely thankful to all the other parents who offered their unwavering support, contributing to a memorable and enjoyable experience for our young cricketers.

Mrs Belinda Evans

On behalf of St Paul’s and the Heart Foundation, we can't thank our school community enough for your incredible support to get our kids skipping and raising funds. The funds we have raised will help support innovative heart research and programs that are transforming Australian lives.

On the last day of term 3, all students participated in a range of fun sports games and activities. Grades 3-6 enjoyed some soccer and league tag games and K-2 took part in a range of activities including parachute, sack races and more. 

Thank you to those parents that have entered their child into the nomination process for representative sport. 

This is a repeat of the information sent to parents last term. 

Throughout 2024, your child will be provided with multiple sporting opportunities within the school environment. These include school sport carnivals such as swimming, athletics, cross country; participation in gala days including netball, soccer, basketball and cricket. These events are opportunities for all students to participate and be involved in, to develop their skills, enjoyment, be part of a team, improve wellbeing and contribute to a positive school culture. 

Through the Diocese of Wollongong Sports Council, some students are provided with the opportunity to trial for Wollongong representative teams, which give students the opportunity to access higher levels of sporting pathways, representation and opportunities to progress into state representation. 

We write to you today to inform you that the nomination form for these 2024 representative pathway selection trials are open and available for you to nominate your child through the given link by 20.10.23  Some of these trials for 2024 teams commence in Term 4 2023, therefore it is important that nominations are completed now. 

Criteria for representative sport pathway nominations: 

Please see the below for more information regarding the trials and specific nomination criteria for each sport. In general the representative sport pathway trials are for students who are;

• Skilled and talented players and will be in Year 5 & 6 in 2024 (recommended)
• Experienced in the given sport and may have some high level representative experience or playing at a high grade
• competing at a high level, regular experience  and a background in this high level of competition, with a strong skill based and understanding of the game

Nomination Process and Information for Parents: 

If you acknowledge that your child meets the criteria for a  given sport, you are asked to complete a nomination form using the following link: https://forms.gle/mmj4bJrPGSHt6XSZ7 or SCAN the provided QR code. 

Please note this process is NOMINATION ONLY, once nominations are received and close on 20.10.23 , all individual sports trial nominations will be: 

1. Reviewed and approved by the School Principal and/or delegate 
2. Reviewed by the sports convenor and selection committee based on criteria (students must meet the criteria of the given sport to be eligible)
3. Required in some cases to host a school based trial to determine most suitable athletes to attend the Wollongong representative trials. 
4. After this review, school sport coordinators will be notified of successful nominations, and these students will be provided with a trial information letter by the school and be permitted to attend the 2024 trial date. 

If you have any questions regarding this process please do not hesitate to contact Miss Eliza Treble.

Miss Eliza Treble

Middle Leader

This term, St Joseph’s students will be visiting Year 5 and Year 6 students. Throughout Term 3, St Joseph’s PASS elective students learnt to coach and will be using their coaching skills when delivering lessons to Year 5 and Year 6 students throughout the term. 

Year 5 and Year 6 students are required to wear their sport uniform in addition to their regular sport days on the following days:

Year 5 and Year 6 are looking forward to engaging in the lessons that Year 9 and Year 10 PASS students have planned. 

Miss Alana Stroligo

Acting Religious Education Coordinator and Middle Leader

SPAP X Factor is back again!

Students are invited to share their talents with their classmates on Monday 11 December in Week 10. This is an opportunity for students to perform to their friends in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. Students can perform alone, with a partner or in a small group. Please encourage your child to think about whether they would like to share any singing, dancing, comedy, acting or musical skills. Students are only allowed to enter 1 act, and the act must be no longer than 1 minute long. 

Mrs Belinda Evans, Miss Samantha Ryan and Miss Julianne Tonini

News Corp is on the hunt for the next generation of news breakers. The Junior Journalist competition is now open now closes on Friday, October 27. 

For further details, please see the following link:

The search is on for the next generation of news breakers with the Kids News Junior Journalist competition.

The free competition is open to children in Years 3-9, with four categories for both primary and secondary students:

• News story – print
• News story – video
• Sports story – print
• Sports story – video

The grand prize winner will score a guest appearance on Channel 10’s Studio 10 program, hosted by Narelda Jacobs.

As well as the Studio 10 grand prize, there are four $750 gift cards for primary students and four $1000 gift cards for secondary students up for grabs.

Kids can submit written and video entries to the Junior Journalist competition from February 6 to October 27.

This term the Waste-Free Warriors will be shifting their focus to making our school energy mindful. We will be auditing the classrooms each week during break time to see if classes have turned off the lights, fans, televisions, powerpoints and air conditioning. The class that is the most energy conscious and has all of these turned off during our random audit will win the prestigious Laudato Si’ Award and a Zooper Dooper. This will be announced at Wednesday morning assembly from Week 3.

At St Paul’s we believe we can reduce our impact on the environment by doing simple things like turning off the lights when we don’t need them. This will reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere every day. How can you help at home?

This term we will continue to be rewarding students with raffle tickets who come to school with little to no plastic wrapping each Wednesday. See the flyer below, endorsed by the NSW Government with tips, tricks and ideas for packing a healthy, nutritious waste free lunch.

Mrs Katie Culquhoun

Welcome back to the St Paul’s Choir!

This term we are busy working on our PITCH. We are doing this by warming our voices and singing some fun exercises. We will explore traditional Christmas carols and modern Australian Christmas carols.  We will be working hard on one secret song each week which will be performed at the end of year Christmas concert. 

We practise every Tuesday at recess and love leading the national anthem every Monday morning at assembly.

Miss Julianne Tonini

This term we will be making decorations and Christmas inspired artworks. Here are some spiders that were created in last week's session.

Children’s Week is happening across Australia from 21 to 29 October 2023. It’s an opportunity to recognise that all children have the right to relax, play, and participate in activities they enjoy. 

Celebrate Children’s Week by saying YES to safe online play. When you join in children’s online play, it supports family wellbeing and results in better outcomes for children now and in the future.  

Want some resources to help bring play to online safety conversations? Here’s where you can start: 

• Read – Online safety picture book and song.  
• Do – Story puzzles with Swoosh and Glide.
• Play – Activities to introduce basic online safety concepts.

Encourage your child to share their online experiences with you.  

Explore parent resources

Join our Free Webinar: Wellbeing and Digital Technologies

eSafety research shows that a third of children have sought emotional support online from friends or mental health support services. 

Learn more about how games, apps and social media can influence young people’s wellbeing with eSafety’s Wellbeing and Digital technologies webinar.  

The webinar is designed for parents and carers of secondary school students and covers a range of topics including: 

• the latest research on young people and time online 
• steps to take if your child is exposed to distressing or harmful content  
• the strategies young people can use to support friends online.

Register now

Grandparents in the Digital World 

Grandparents across Australia provide hours of care to young people every week. During this time, they often watch, share and play with them on devices.

Engaging in the digital world allows grandparents and children to learn from each other, building children's confidence and self-efficacy as they teach their grandparents about their online activities. 

While it's educational, it's also important to be safe. Our Online safety guide for grandparents provides advice about online safety issues affecting young people. It includes a range of practical tips to help them talk about issues and manage them. 

Learn more

The Parents and Friends Association would like to thank Michelle Hooper for volunteering her time to be the DJ at the recent school disco. 

Many thanks to all of the St Paul's staff who also volunteered their time to help supervise the disco. 

The Students had a great time and we are looking forward to more discos in 2024!

Amy De Santis

P&F President

Birthday buckets can be ordered for your child or as a gift for a friend. All orders needs to be placed online at www.myschoolconnect.com.au

There will be a limit of one bucket per class per day. You will have the option online to add a birthday card and a canteen voucher.

Birthday buckets are priced per ice block at $1.00ea. Birthday buckets will be delivered to the classroom just before recess break.

Trifle Dessert Cup $2.50

Order for lunch or recess at www.myschoolconnect.com.au

Please see our facebook page for all weekly specials http://www.facebook.com/takeabreaktuckshop

 

The Diocese of Wollongong is hosting an event for young adults at the Campbelltown Catholic Club on Saturday 28 October 2023. The event is open to young adults from 17 to 35 years of age.

Please see attached the latest Parish Life bulletin.