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- Principal's Report
- Assistant Principal's Report
- Religious Education Coordinator's Report
- Positive Behaviour for Learning
- Celebration of Learning
- Awards
- Swimming Carnival 2024
- Shrove Tuesday
- 2024 Staff Development Dates and Term 1 Important Dates
- Premier's Reading Challenge 2024
- School Photos 2024
- Canteen News
- Parents and Friends News
- Parish News
- Community News
Gospel Reflection
Last Sunday in Parishes throughout the Diocese of Wollongong we celebrated the First Sunday of Lent Cycle Year B.
On the first Sunday of Lent, the Gospel reading in each Lectionary cycle is about Jesus’ temptation in the desert. The reflection by Loyola Press outlines, in Mark’s Gospel, the desert marks the beginning of Jesus’ battle with Satan; the ultimate test will be in Jesus’ final hours on the cross.
The announcement that Jesus makes as he begins his preaching in Sunday’s Gospel is recalled on Ash Wednesday at the signing with ashes: “Repent and believe in the gospel.” This is our challenge for Lent; indeed, it is the challenge of our entire life. During Lent, we are invited to strengthen and to renew the promises that we made at our Baptism, to reject Satan and sin so as to live as children of God. Through the grace of God that we received at Baptism, we follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit and know that with Jesus’ help, we will be victorious over sin.
As you gather as a family, talk about the importance of Baptism. At our Baptism, our sins were forgiven, and we promised to live as children of God. As part of the Rite of Baptism, we rejected sin and Satan. During Lent, we renew the promises of our Baptism, turning again from sin and promising to follow God. Light a candle, perhaps a candle used at one of your family member’s Baptisms, and pray together with the Act of Contrition.
O my God, I am sorry that I have sinned against you, because you are so good, and by the help of Your grace, I will not sin again.
Amen
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to the Week 4 school newsletter and the fourth week of learning at St Paul’s. On Tuesday 13 February 2023, Australia commemorated the 16th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. In 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd presented this apology in the Australian Parliament which was a momentous occasion of recognition and reconciliation in our nation's history.
At St Paul’s we are committed to walking together with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters and brothers in a spirit of true reconciliation. One way of expressing this commitment is to acknowledge this apology in our school community. Thank you to Miss Alana Stroligo, Acting Religious Education Coordinator and Miss Julianne Tonini ATSI Coordinator who acknowledged this with our staff and students through prayer and classroom activities.
Last week we celebrated Ash Wednesday as a school community. The students were reverent as they listened to the Word of God and reflected on the meaning of the season of Lent.
As a school community we also participated in the St Paul’s annual swimming carnival. Unfortunately, due to the wet weather we were only able to take our competitors. I would like to thank Mrs Patricia Staff for her preparation and organisation of the event. A special thank you to our school staff who attended and our parent helpers: Jane, Tracy, Katarina, Kristy, Tobias, Tracey, Michelina, Danielle, Michelle, Jasmine, Sania, Anthea and Juliet.
We will organise a fun day at the pool at the end of the year for our students to compete in novelty events.
This week we hosted our Year 6, Year 2, Year 5 and Year 3 parents for our Meet & Greets. During the meetings the teachers shared our school values: Integrity, Perseverance, Compassion, inclusion and explained to parents how these are present in all aspects of school life at St Paul’s. Next week, Year 1, Year 2, Kindergarten and Year 4 will meet with their parents.
There are many ways we communicate with parents at St Paul’s. Our main form of sharing information is through Compass. It is important that all parents have access to Compass. We also have fortnightly newsletters. This is where we share important dates for upcoming events, learning across the school and other information which we feel parents need to know.
Seesaw is another form of communication which is used by class teachers to share learning and specific information for their class or grade. This is a one way form of communication. If parents need to speak to their child’s class teacher or share information please send an email via the school office.
We are also using our Facebook and Instagram sites to provide reminders of events and share our students experiences throughout the year.
Angela Pecnik
Principal
Acknowledgement to Country
St Paul's Albion Park acknowledges and pays respect to the Dharawal people past and present, the traditional custodians of the land on which our school is built.
NAPLAN- Year 3 & 5
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills. Each year students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
From 2023, NAPLAN is moving to Term 1 and will take place from Wednesday 13 March to Monday 25 March. The reason for this change is so that results can be returned to schools earlier in the year which will support teachers to understand the learning needs of their students and plan accordingly.
NAPLAN tests are just one part of our school learning assessment program and questions are primarily based on knowledge, understanding and skills gained from the prior year of schooling.
In preparation for NAPLAN 2024, our school will undertake activities to help students to become familiar with the format and functionality of the online tests. These activities are not an assessment of student ability and will not be marked.
Students and parents can access the public demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) to familiarise themselves with NAPLAN and the types of questions and tools available. Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not required nor recommended.
Students will be required to bring their own headphones to complete the tests. Bluetooth headphones do not operate when using the NAPLAN browser. Plug-in headphones are required for all students in Years 3 and 5 sitting the NAPLAN tests. Students will newer iPads that do not have the headphone jack can use headphones with a USB-C connection at the end. Should you require more information please contact the school.
Disability adjustments are available for NAPLAN to enable students with disability to participate on the same basis as other students. The adjustments provided for NAPLAN should reflect the type of support and assistance your child is already receiving for classroom assessments. Some adjustments, however, are not available for NAPLAN tests which may interfere with the skills being tested. For example, a support person cannot read questions or stimulus material to your child in the reading or conventions of language tests.
If you have a child with a disability, the first step is to talk to your child’s teacher about disability adjustment options. You will need to provide consent for any adjustments.
Consent is also needed for any child whose parent decides to withdraw them from the testing.
If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact your child’s teacher, Mrs Evans or Mrs Nunes
Online Safety
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) are urging families to be proactive this school year and update the privacy settings on children’s devices to help prevent predators from contacting them online.
The AFP-led ThinkUKnow program – Australia’s first and only nationally delivered, law enforcement-led online safety program – has produced guides for parents and carers.
For more information, visit https://thinkuknow.org.au
As Lent begins, we are reminded of the importance of reflection and renewal in our spiritual journey. During this season of repentance and fasting, let us embrace opportunities for growth and transformation. As we embark on this forty-day journey, let us commit to deepening our relationship with God and with one another. Through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity, may we draw closer to the divine and embody the values of love, compassion, and forgiveness. May this Lenten season be a time of introspection and renewal, leading us to a deeper understanding of our faith and a more profound connection to the sacred. Together, let us walk the path of Lent with open hearts and minds, seeking grace and redemption along the way.
Last week, our students came together to participate in a meaningful Ash Wednesday liturgy led by Fr Leo, marking the beginning of the Lenten season with reflection and prayer. Prior to this solemn occasion, we also celebrated Shrove Tuesday with a heartfelt fundraiser for Caritas, embodying the spirit of generosity and compassion. Through these collective efforts, we not only honour our faith traditions but also extend our hands in support of those in need. As we continue our journey through Lent, let us carry the spirit of service and solidarity with us, striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
During Lent, our Mini Vinnies and the Year 6 Pastoral Care Leadership Team will take on the responsibility of counting the funds raised through Project Compassion boxes. This initiative reflects our commitment to serving those in need and making a tangible difference in their lives. Additionally, to keep our community informed and engaged, the Project Compassion tree will be updated weekly, showcasing the progress and total funds collected. Through this ongoing effort, we aim to cultivate a culture of compassion and generosity within our school community, fostering empathy and solidarity with those less fortunate.
Project Compassion CARITAS
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.
In Bearers of Christ’s Love, Bishop Brian highlights the importance that Catholic Schools are committed to “being places of encounter with Jesus Christ and the Good News that he preached, by living the life of Jesus Christ., being places where Jesus is made known…fostering a partnership between diocese, parishes, parents, and staff in the education of children to bring the Kingdom to fulfilment. Taking time to stop and honour significant events assists us with our faith formation.
Please see the table below for Liturgies that will be led throughout the year by each grade:
|
Celebration |
Actual Date |
Date of Celebration at St Paul’s |
Grade leading celebration |
|
Holy Week Liturgy |
Monday 25th March – Friday 30th March |
Thursday 28th March at 2:30pm |
Grade: Year 6 |
|
Anzac Day Liturgy |
Thursday 25th April |
Week 1 Monday 29th April at 9:15am (TBC) |
Grade: Four |
|
Easter / Resurrection |
31st March-19th May |
Week 3 Friday 17th May at 2:30pm |
Grade: Year 2 |
|
Mother’s Day Liturgy |
Sunday 12th May |
Week 2 Friday 10th May at TBC |
Grade: Kindergarten |
|
Father’s Day Liturgy |
Sunday 1st September |
Term 3 Week 6 Friday 30th August |
Grade: Year 5 |
|
Remembrance Day Liturgy |
Monday 11th November |
Term 4 Week 5 Monday 11th November at 10:30am |
Grade: Year 3 |
|
Advent Liturgy |
1st December to 24th December |
Term 4 Week 8 Assembly |
Grade: Year 1 |
Assemblies and Prayer 2024
Please see the images below for Assembly and Prayer that will be led throughout the year by each grade on a Friday
Regards,
Miss Alana Stroligo
Acting Religious Education Coordinator
Positive Behaviour for Learning
Year 6 Spotlight on Learning
Awards
Ace Award:
Kye 4 red
Sienna 5 blue
Principal's Award:
Ameriah 6 red
Sophie 6 blue
Siena 5 blue
Mary MacKillop Award:
Bijan 4 blue
St Paul's Swimming Carnival 2024
Shrove Tuesday Fundraiser
Shrove Tuesday really creped up!!
On Shrove Tuesday, our Year 6 Hospitality and Pastoral Care Leadership Team organised a fundraiser for Caritas by selling pikelets to all students in the morning for $1 each. We arrived at school promptly at 8:20 to set up the tables for the event. As soon as we were ready, the gates were opened and the students began arriving, placing their bags waiting patiently for their grade to be called over.
The process was smooth: students placed their money into the Caritas donation box and received a pikelet in return. From Year 6 down to kindergarten, everyone enthusiastically participated in the event, enjoying the delicious treat and contributing to a good cause.
Throughout the day, we conducted two rounds of selling: the first from 8:30 to 9:00 in the morning, and the second during Break 1. Different tables were set up in various playgrounds to ensure that every year group had the opportunity to purchase pancakes. To conclude our fundraising efforts, parents were given the opportunity to purchase pikelets on the Front Playground during afternoon dismissal.
Overall, it was a successful fundraiser, and we raised a total of $288.70. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Woolworths Albion Park for their generous donation of providing St. Paul’s with 60 packets of pikelets. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Ms. Fuller and Mr. De Santis for their invaluable assistance as parent volunteers. Their dedication and support were instrumental in making our fundraiser a success.
By Mia R and Annabelle D
(On behalf of the Year 6 Pastoral Care and Hospitality Leadership Team)
2024 Staff Development Days and other Key Dates for Term 1
| Date and Time | Event |
| Friday 23 February | Welcome Mass Year 1-6 |
| Thursday 29 February | School Photos |
| Friday 29 March | Good Friday |
| Monday 1 April | Easter Monday |
| Friday 12 April | Last Day of Term 1 |
| Monday 29 April | Term 2 Begins |
| Tuesday 2 April | Staff Development Day Term 1 |
| Monday 27 May | Staff Development Day Term 2 |
| Friday 5 July | Staff Development Day Term 2 |
| Monday 29 July | Staff Development Day Term 3 |
| Friday 27 September | Staff Development Day Term 3 |
| Thursday 19 December | Staff Development Day Term 4 |
| Friday 20 December | Staff Development Day Term 4 |
Premier's Reading Challenge 2024: Each year, the NSW Premier holds the Premier's Reading Challenge. The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and to enable students to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read more and to read more widely.
The Challenge will commence on Monday February 26. All students in the Infant Grades K-2 will participate in the Reading Challenge in their classrooms however students in the Primary Grades 3-6 are invited to participate individually if they wish.
The students in the Primary Grades are required to read twenty books from the book lists found on the Premier's Reading Challenge website. Many of the books from the lists are on SORA or in our school library and have been specially marked. Students in Years 3-6 need to complete their online reading records located on the website. A user name and password are required to log into their individual record. These remain the same as previous years. If students have forgotten their details or are new to the Challenge please email the school PRC Co-ordinators Mrs Louise Frendo frendol01@dow.catholic.
In an approved series on the PRC booklist, students can read any five books as PRC books. Students can read up to ten other books from the same series as Personal Choice books. You can find all the rules listed on the PRC Website. https://online.det.
The Challenge closes for student entries on Friday 23 August.
Happy Reading!
Mrs Louise Frendo & Mrs Carol Harb
St Paul's School Photos - Thursday 29 February 2024
The School Photographer will be at St Paul's on Thursday 29 February 2024 to take the students photos. Students will be required to wear their Full Summer Uniform on the day - no sports uniform please.
Photo envelopes were sent home this week, if you require a sibling photo envelope please collect from the school office.
Kind regards,
Kristie Bicknell
Senior School Support Officer
News from our P&F
Please join us for the Parents and Friends Annual General Meeting and Term 1 Meeting on Monday 11 March at 6.30 pm via zoom. A zoom link will be sent via Compass. At this meeting all positions will be declared vacant and an election will take place. This will be followed by the Term 1 meeting.
Parish Life News
Parish Youth Choir
St Paul’s Parish would like to involve the youth of our parish (students from Yr 3 to Yr 12) to sing once a month at a weekend Mass. The only requirement is that students attend one rehearsal of the songs the Friday before the weekend they sing. This rehearsal time would be straight after school so parents/carers would only need to pick their child up at the church at 4.30pm.
If your child is interested in joining the choir, please register with the parish office (Ph 42562038) and give your child’s name, year at school, and a contact phone number. If the parish phone is unattended leave a message on the answering machine.
I am looking forward to working with the students and have them participate in the life of our parish.
Julie Ferguson
Corpus Christi Catholic High School Open Night
St Joseph's Catholic High School Enrolling Now
Enrolling Now - Year 7 2025/2026 Open Afternoon and Information Evening.
Enrolments are now open for Year 7 2025 and Year 7 2026. We are also accepting enrolment applications for other year groups.
On Wednesday 28 February, prospective students and families are warmly invited to see first-hand what St Joseph's has to offer.
- School tours will depart hourly at 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
- Tour bookings are essential and can be made using the TryBooking website
- An Information Session will be held in the Hall at 7:00 pm to allow families the opportunity to participate in both a School Tour and the Information Session
Applications have moved to a digital platform this year. Please head to the Enrolments section on our website or scan the QR code attached for the Open Afternoon Try Booking Link and Enrolment Form.
