In Parishes throughout the Diocese of Wollongong we celebrated the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. In last Sunday’s Gospel Jesus talked about what it means to be prepared to receive the Kingdom of Heaven and the parable he used explained to the Christian community to remain vigilant and prepared to receive Jesus, the Son of Man who will return at the end of time. Last Sunday’s Gospel prompts us to think whether we are ready to receive Jesus? Will we be prepared to receive him? This is an important reflection as we enter into the season of Advent.

Dear Parents and Carers,

On the 11th November our country recognises Remembrance Day. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is a moment not only to pause and remember all those who have served and sacrificed in wars and conflicts across the world, but also to reflect on the historical events that led to this day of significance. Originally announced to mark the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I, Remembrance Day today gives us all the opportunity to acknowledge the service personnel who died while serving in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. As we remember those who have died in battle we are also reminded of the hope of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. Remembrance Day serves as a reminder that peace is possible, but it requires effort, vulnerability and compassion. We must work towards a world where conflicts can be resolved through authentic listening and understanding rather than violence. Let us remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and let us strive for a world where their sacrifice was not in vain. I had the privilege to join our School Captains Poppy and Dante who represented St Paul’s Catholic Parish Primary School at the Albion Park Memorial RSL Sub Branch Service. This was a very moving and solemn service with our Albion Park community.  I was very proud of Dante and Poppy who displayed the utmost respect throughout the service. Thank you to Miss Stroligo and Year 6 students who led a very reverent and prayerful Liturgy of the Word for our school community.

Central Playground Update

Playgrounds are essential spaces for students to develop physical, social and cognitive skills. Over the past 6 months the Central Playground has been undergoing an upgrade including a new sandpit, a new shelter shed and new play ground equipment. On behalf of the students and staff I would like to express my gratitude to the St Paul’s Parents and Friends Association and the Catholic Education Office Diocese of Wollongong for their generous financial support for the playground equipment. Our students are very excited to have playground spaces that stimulate their creativity and enhance physical skills.

Annual School Report Parent and Carer Survey

Each academic year every school in NSW is required to complete an Annual School Report. I am seeking the voice of parents and carers to complete the St Paul's 2023 Annual School Report. The St Paul’s Annual School Report Parent and Carer Survey is now available for completion.This survey is designed to capture a range of experiences and attitudes of the school community towards school practices and procedures. The survey aims to capture opinions about the culture of the school, including how welcoming and supportive the school is.  The data captured in the survey will be used to plan for continuous school improvement and to measure and monitor the effective practices and procedures of the school over a period of time. The Annual School Report Parent and Carer survey will be triangulated with the data from the student and staff surveys that will also be completed over the coming weeks.Please see the link below to access the survey and  I thank you very much for taking the time to complete the survey which will close on Friday 17 November.

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

Your child’s semester 2 report will be available to you via Compass on Friday 8th December. 

Teachers award students overall grades based on the common grade scale. Below is information taken directly from the NSW Education Standards Authority's website. 

If your child receives a ‘C’ grade, this means that they have achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills at their stage level. It is important to remember that if your child receives the same overall grade for two consecutive reports, they have made progress. Between the two reporting periods, your child will have learned new knowledge and skills of a more advanced nature. 

The Common Grade Scale

Mrs Angela Mourihno 

Acting Assistant Principal

Each year on the 11th November, Australians observe one minute’s silence at 11am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.

At 11am on 11 November 1918 the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of war. In November the Germans called for an armistice (a ceasefire) and they accepted the allied terms of unconditional surrender. The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month became universally associated with the remembrance of those who died.

Students at St Paul’s commemorated this important event on Friday 10th November in the hall with a Liturgy. We had Bob and Phil representatives from Albion Park Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL).

After the liturgy parents were invited to a morning tea in the Library. 

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.

On Monday in Mini Vinnies we had a special guest. His name was Tony and he is a volunteer at the St Vincent De Paul Society, he came to talk to us about the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Together we created a list of food and drinks that our school can help bring in so they can make hampers for the families in need. Tony told us that St Vincent de Paul’s goal for the Christmas Appeal is to make 40 hampers.

Christmas should be a special time for everyone. Many within our local community find the financial strain of Christmas too much to bear. Now is your chance to give back and help to change someone’s life for the better. This year we ask each grade to donate a specific non-perishable item.

Please donate and give the gift of hope this Christmas. Donations can be donated to the school and will be collected in the classrooms. Please be careful to ensure that food is not past the best by or used by date for Christmas.

From Eva and Zara

Last month each class took part in praying the Rosary. October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary and the liturgical feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. Check out this lovely photo of Year 1 students praying the rosary in our lovely outdoor prayer space. Year 1 have brought home rosary beads and are enjoying praying a decade of the rosary with their families and loved ones. 

Miss Alana Stroligo

Acting Religious Education Coordinator

Last week teachers began taking their class to the new playground equipment to explicitly teach students the rules and routines with the new playground space. We would like to thank our P&F Committee for contributing to this exciting new space for the students at St Paul’s. Over the last two weeks students have been patiently watching machinery and workers move throughout the Central Playground. They cannot wait to use this area with their friends during their playtime and as a green zone reward.

Around the playground equipment a poster has been displayed around the area for students to refer to when having fun on the playground equipment. 

Students from Years 3- 6 are still participating in weekly surveys during Term 4 about their well-being. These surveys provide valuable data to the school on ways to help and support individual students and drive teaching and focus for the classroom and the whole school. 

The following graph shows results from a recent survey that was completed last week by students. It is apparent that students require support with persevering when schoolwork or tasks become challenging. 

When students demonstrate perseverance, they continue with their efforts in a task even when faced with challenges or set-backs. Generally, perseverance is associated with working towards long-term projects or goals. It is important that students have the opportunity to persevere through challenges in order to become familiar with and understand the positive feelings that come with achievement and success. When students have the opportunity to learn and practise perseverance in each of their lessons, they will be better equipped for long term success in dealing with adversity as they progress through their lives.

Parents can:

• Encourage children to push through the ‘learning pit’ instead of stepping in and ‘rescuing’ them when they struggle
• Model positive language and a growth mindset - Support positive self-talk - Encourage children to use phrases which promote positive mindsets such as “I can do this!” or “It might be hard, but if I keep trying I can get there”.
• Build reflection into tasks and normalise perseverance at home
• Champion the efforts of children
• Actively celebrate when children experience success, no matter how small
• Encourage children to persevere on their own journey, no matter how their siblings may be doing
• Support positive self-talk - Encourage children to use phrases which promote positive mindsets such as “I can do this!” or “It might be hard, but if I keep trying I can get there”.

Miss Alana Stroligo

ACE AWARDS

Bryson R 1R

April V 2B

Evelyn O 2R

Hayden M 3B

Mihael K 3B

Chloe Z 4B

Liam A 4R

Phoebe B 4R

Taig O 4B

Kaleeah V 5R

Jacinta V 5B

Aiden C 5B

Jaxon M 6R

Gabrielle O 6B

PRINCIPAL AWARDS

Evelyn O 2R

Archer M 3R

Liam A 4R

Ruby 4B

Sophie K 6R

Matthew M 6R

Jaxon M 6R

Archie C 6B

MARY MACKILLOP AWARDS

Ruby 4B

Sohpie K 6R

Jaxon M 6R

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

Thursday 29th February 2024

As we inch closer to the end of 2023, teachers and students are beginning extended transition processes to support students preparing for their new 2024 class. 

At St Paul's, we have developed a process that enables students to transition to their new class with confidence. Students requiring an extended transition will begin to visit their 2024 grade learning spaces throughout Weeks 7, 8 and 9 of Term 4, and all students will have an opportunity to meet their 2024 class teacher on Wednesday the 13th of December (Week 10). 

All of the teachers are looking forward to meeting the students who will be in their 2024 class soon! 

On Tuesday 14th November, St Paul’s recognised World Diabetes Day. Staff and Students were encouraged to wear a blue accessory and to bring along a gold coin donation in support of Diabetes research. It was a spectacular day with staff and students coming together to acknowledge and to learn about how diabetes affects the lives of those who have or know of someone living with Diabetes. As a school we had the opportunity to watch videos of some of our students’ real life experience of living with Type 1 Diabetes, we shared social stories and participated in a range of activities that acknowledged the day.

We have had incredible student feedback about World Diabetes Day:

Andrew: “I get to wear blue and I like to teach my friends and my teachers about diabetes!”

Lexie: “I love that we get to raise money for World Diabetes Day!”

Miss Amyllia McGeehan

School Support Officer

A few weeks ago some year 9 and 10 students and teachers from St. Joseph’s High School came down to St Paul’s to teach us some skills in certain sports some of these were; Football (Rugby), Soccer, Netball, Basketball, Tennis, Oztag, relay races and Kickball ( it is a mix between Soccer and baseball).

The Year 5/6 students were also placed into groups with three Year 9/10 students all covering different sports, who graded each other. The high school students did amazing jobs at teaching us the skills needed to play the particular sport including how to use a tennis racket correctly or how to shoot a basketball which lots of people may not know how to do.

By Mason and Austin

The ASPECT Peer Education Program empowers students to lead and educate their peers on important topics around neurodiversity. On Wednesday the 22nd of November, the ASPECT team will present a peer education program in which all students from Kindergarten through to Year 6 will participate in, to develop an understanding of Autism. This program will explain what Autism is, the role of ASPECT schools, and students will share their experiences of Autism. 

With the K-2 English and mathematics syllabuses fully implemented in 2023, the NSW government continues to move ahead with plans to reform the curriculum for K-12 so every student is equipped with the deep understandings and general skills and attributes that provide a broad preparation for further learning and life.

Throughout the year, teachers at St Paul’s have engaged in extensive professional learning and curriculum trials to build a deep understanding of the outcomes and content contained within the Year 3-6 English and Mathematics Syllabus, and to provide feedback to NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to shape curriculum reform and implementation across New South Wales. 

The reformed 3-6 English and Mathematics syllabus will begin implemented from Term 1 2024. Further information can be found on the NESA website. 

As part of the initiatives in Stage Three, to develop the Leadership Qualities of our Year Five and Six students, our Year 5 students have begun their preparation for nominations for the role of School Captain 2024, Senior Leadership Team 2024 or one of the Leadership Teams.

Each of the students who nominate themselves for School Captain will present their speech to the current Year 5 cohort.  The students’ speeches will be videoed and shared with the current Year 3 and Year 4 students as well as all the Staff. The students who have been nominated to be a School Captain will then be placed on a ballot sheet. 

All teachers, as well as students in the grades previously mentioned will then vote preferentially for a girl School Captain and a boy School Captain. The students will be taught how preferential voting works, and how to organise their vote to represent their wishes. The Parish Priest will be consulted and his recommendations will be taken on board. The results of this process will determine who is installed as the 2024 School Captains.

As well as the Senior Leaders, St Paul’s also offers an opportunity to be in a Leadership Team. This allows for a more distributive model of leadership where more students are able to further develop their own leadership skills. The teams include ICT (Information, Communication and Technology), Sport, Hospitality, and Pastoral Care. Along with the support of teachers, each Leadership Team will work with successful students on specific responsibilities across the school.  During Year 6, students will have the opportunity to be involved in two leadership teams - one in Semester 1 and another in Semester 2. 

The following timeline of events is due to occur throughout Term 4:

• Thursday 23rd November 2023 or Friday 24th November 2023 (TBC) - Student School Captain and Senior Leader Speeches to be presented to Year 5 students.  Year 5 students vote on this date.  Speeches are videoed and shared with current Year 3 and Year 4 students and all staff.
• Monday 27th November - Friday 1st December 2023 - Students in Year 3 and Year 4 and all staff view the videos of the School Captain speeches. Year 3 and Year 4 students and all staff vote during the week. Votes are due to the Year 5 teachers and Leadership staff by Friday 1st December. 
• Monday 4th December 2023 - Thursday 7th December 2023 - Year 5 staff count votes in consultation with the School Leadership Team and Fr Leo.  Michelle Rodwell (Principal) to contact the parents of the 2024 School Captains once voting is finalised. 
• Friday 8th December 2023 - 2024 School Captains announced to the St Paul's school community at the Farewell Assembly in the hall. Details will be communicated closer to the date.
• February 2024 - all students in Year 6 will be presented with their leadership badges during the St Paul’s Albion Park Welcome Liturgy.

We look forward to our Year 5 students demonstrating their excellent leadership skills as they engage in the Students Leadership Process over the coming weeks.

At the end of last term, students who participated in the SPLICED project submitted their completed works to the Catholic Education Office. I am pleased to announce that Sienna Caruana (Yr 6), Zara McCloy (Yr 5) and Scarlett Richardson's (Yr 6, 2022) works have been selected for publication and will be included in the annual print publication and made available for viewing on the website in the coming weeks. 

We are immensely proud of the motivation, dedication, commitment and perseverance demonstrated by all students who were part of the SPLICED program this year and wish to congratulate you all on your efforts. 

Zara’s complete works include an artwork, artist statement and research in the area of astronomy. Congratulations Zara! 

Along with black holes, stars and planets, the universe needs to be explored from afar. Zara presents researched information about the universe, painting her interpretation of how she would view a black hole, portraying her “View from Afar”. 

All student work from across the Diocese of Wollongong, selected for publication will be shared on the 2023 SPLICED website. This site will be live from Tuesday December 5 at 7:00pm. Don’t miss your chance to view this wonderful work!

The maths Olympiad is a mathematics competition which comprises four separate contests over Terms 2, 3 and 4. This competition is available for teams to participate in across all school sectors in both Australia and New Zealand. This year's maths team was made up of 16 students from Stage 2 and Stage 3. These students worked to develop problem solving strategies, developed the ability to think critically and apply their mathematical knowledge to solve challenging maths tasks. The competition has now finished and St Paul's are so proud of the individual and collective achievements of these students throughout the year. Please join us in recognising the efforts of all Maths Olympiad students at the Week 7 Assembly. 

I wish to acknowledge the achievements of Mason Hili who achieved outstanding results in the Maths Olympiad this year. Mason achieved an overall score that fell in the top 25% of all participants. He also recorded the highest individual score. Congratulations Mason! 

On Friday, November 24th, some of our students from Year 3 to 6 will participate in the VEX IQ Robotics Challenge at St Pius X Catholic Primary School in Unanderra.This event will showcase our students' robotics skills, obstacle navigation, point scoring, and teamwork and collaboration strategies. From engineering custom robots to navigating challenging terrains, our young innovators are geared up for an exciting competition.

Last Thursday over 100 students attended the Dragon Tag Gala day at Reed Park, Dapto. The day was a huge success with all of our teams having a sensational day! Our students showed great sportspersonship towards other schools and each other. It was evident that our students have been working hard learning our school values, as they shone through brightly on the day!

A massive thank you to our parent helpers that mangered our teams. The  day would not have been able to go ahead without you. Each manager gave a shining report of their team and ended the day with a massive smile on their faces. 

Congratulations to all involved! 

Last Friday night the 2023 Annual CDF Sports Awards presented by Catholic Education diocese of Wollongong was held at St Mary Star of the Sea, Wollongong. This evening brought together approximately 350 people to celebrate the achievements of our gifted and talented sports students at the diocesan, state, and national levels within our Wollongong Diocesan school system for the year 2023.

This year we would like to congratulate our very own Sienna Astill for being presented with a Diocesan Medallion.  Sienna has represented our school and the diocesan at the Mackillop level for Athletics (1500m) and the Cross Country. Sienna is a talented young runner who shows determination and commitment to her chosen sport. Congratulations Sienna, we are all very proud of your achievements! 

Miss Eliza Treble

Middle Leader

Congratulations to 1 Blue for winning the Laudato Si’ Weekly class award for Week 5 and 4 Red for Week 6. During our random audit, they were the classes who had their lights, fans, air conditioning, TV and the powerpoints all switched off. Well done! Thank you for doing your bit to help our environment. 

Next week (Week 7) will be the last week for student borrowing. Students can return books in Week 8 on their grades library day or to the library returns desks on any day. Could all overdue library books please be returned as soon as possible. If your child has misplaced their borrowed books please contact Mrs Frendo via email at spaplibrary@dow.catholic.edu.au

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. Students can sign up with their classroom teacher.

Belinda Evans, Samantha Ryan and Julianne Tonini

Starting from Tuesday 21st November the Canteen will not operate for Recess. The Canteen will still be available for lunch service. Please see the facebook page for up to date specials and news!

Order at:www.myschoolconnect.com.au
Please follow us on facebook for all weekly specials and canteen updates www.facebook.com/takeabreaktuckshop

Kylie Thomas

Take a Break Tuckshop

Dr Justin Coulson is a dad to 6 daughters and grandfather to 1 granddaughter. He is the parenting expert and co-host of Channel 9’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. See below the article on the importance of play for children.

NEW FAMILIES TO OUR SCHOOL

School Fees are invoiced as an annual account. However, many families elect to pay their school fees by regular instalments and as a new family to our school, we would like to offer you this option. If wish to take up this offer, please complete a Request to Pay by Instalment Form which is available on the school’s website or from the school’s administration office. On completion of the request, either email it to instalments@dow.catholic.edu.au or submit at the school office. Following receipt of the request, instalments will be generated on your school fee account during the process of invoicing 2024 school fees. Your school fee statements are emailed to you and they will provide a list of scheduled payments and their due date.

IMPORTANT: Please note that if you currently have a child or children at another school in the Diocese and you are paying by instalments at this location, you will not need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment. The instalment request carries over from school to school with the same frequency of payment eg Weekly, fortnightly, etc.

Athlete's Foot Shellharbour thanks St Paul's for being involved in the School Rewards Program and wish every student a successful year and future. 

Staff, students, parents and thr wider community can mention the school upon purchasing ANY item of footwear in the store so that thr school may receive the $5 per pair (in vouchers and donations) as a school reward. 

Weekend Mass times at St Paul’s Albion Park are: 

• Saturday 6pm
• Sunday 9am

Weekday Mass times at St Paul’s Albion Park are:

• Monday 8am
• Tuesday 6pm
• Wednesday 6pm
• Thursday 8am
• Friday 9:30am

Please see the below link for the latest Parish Life Newsletter.