School Disco Success!

We are thrilled to share the resounding success of our recent school disco! The event was filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable dance moves. A huge thank you goes to our Parents and Friends (P&F) committee for their incredible efforts in decorating the venue and creating a magical atmosphere.

A special shout-out to Michelle Hooper for providing her exceptional DJ services, which kept everyone on the dance floor all night long.

We would also like to express our gratitude to our dedicated staff for their supervision and support throughout the event. Your efforts ensured that the night ran smoothly and that all students had a fantastic and safe experience.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the school disco a night to remember!

For more photos of our Disco, scroll down to the P&F section!

National Simultaneous Storytime!

On Monday and Tuesday, I read the picture book Bowerbird Blues, by Aura Parker to our students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2. The students were engaged and captivated by the descriptive language and colourful illustrations throughout the book. After reading the story the students went on a treasure hunt around the library to find objects found in the story. Thank you to our library SSOs Mrs Schulz and Mrs Wilson for the creative flair in designing our wonderful book display.

Staffing Update

Welcome to Megan Beecher, our new staff member. Megan will be teaching 5 Blue while Mrs. Miller is on leave. We are excited to have her join our community and look forward to a great remainder of the term.

Thank you to Mrs. Maguire, who has taught 5 Blue for the past few weeks. Mrs. Maguire will now return to her work as a casual teacher, supporting various classes across the school.

Reminder: No Animals on our School Site

We would like to remind our parents and visitors to the site that for the safety and comfort of all students, no animals are allowed on the school premises. Please ensure that pets are left at home during drop-off, pick-up times and all school events.

Your support in maintaining a safe and focused learning environment is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your cooperation.

Reminder Pupil Free Day on Friday 24 May 

Just a reminder that there is a Staff Development Day on Friday. The teachers will be working with Shane Chapman from NESA on developing consistent teacher judgement. This professional learning will build the capacity of our teachers when marking and grading student assessments using the new NSW Syllabus.

As we are aware many of our students are immersed in the digital world. Last we we featured safety features of the app Roblox. 

This week the Premier called a state summit to assess the affects of social media on children and teens. Chris Minns says that he's concerned about the harm apps like Instagram and TikTok are causing. The summit is in response to calls to ban children under sixteen from accessing social media.

The Carly Ryan Foundation also helps unpack other apps- this week's feature app for our newsletter is TIK TOK. The recommended age for TikTok is 13+

As you may be aware, the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) have undertaken a comprehensive review of the NSW Curriculum, leading to curriculum reform and subsequent implementation of a reformed curriculum which commenced in 2023. In response to the curriculum changes, Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong has made significant modifications to student semester reports for Primary schools to better reflect your child's academic progress at key points throughout the year and provide parents and carers with a clear picture of their child’s strengths and areas for improvement in specific subject areas.

The following changes will be evident in your child’s semester report from Semester 1 2024: 

• A ‘new look’ report format released via Compass reflecting the outcomes of the new K-10 English and Mathematics syllabuses providing a descriptor for each of the focus areas found in the respective syllabuses
• All Kindergarten students will now receive a written report in Semester 1 and Semester 2 with a three-point grade scale used to report student achievement using the following performance descriptors:
• Thorough
• Sound 
• Basic
• Students in Year 1 - Year 6 will continue to receive semester reports twice a year with a five-point grade scale used to report student achievement using the following performance descriptors: 
• Extensive
• Thorough
• Sound
• Basic
• Elementary 

Report formats are also available for students who are working towards outcomes by which a graded report will not accurately represent their learning progress. As an alternative to a graded report, a comment is provided for each Key Learning Area in line with the student’s goals identified in their Personalised Plan. These reports are only used following consultation between school and parents/carers. 

We look forward to this positive shift in our reporting system and appreciate your continued support in your child's educational journey.

Click on the link to watch a video about important changes to reports.

Confirmation

On Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd May a number of our Year 6 students joined the St Paul's Parish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. I would like to thank Fr. Leo, the St Paul's Parish Sacramental Team, Miss Katie Colquhoun, Mrs Elizabeth Rippon, parents and carers for preparing and supporting our students to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. With the strengthening of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit our students will have an opportunity to accept new responsibilities for witnessing Jesus to the world.

Vinnies Winter Appeal for Homelessness

As a community of faith we wanted to take action in supporting those who are homeless. Our aim is to raise money for the homeless in our community and to build awareness of the hardships faced by those living in poverty.

In the coming weeks we will have:

• From Week 4 to Week 5, we're requesting students to bring in a designated boxed item of food. Then, on the Friday of Week 5, students will have the chance to bring their boxed items to a designated location within the school to construct a boxed brick wall. These items will then be donated to our local St Vincent de Paul Society. We are asking for the following items:
• Kindergarten - Macaroni and cheese packs
• Year 1 - Boxes of biscuits (e.g. oreos, vita-weat, cruskits)
• Year 2 - Boxes of biscuits (e.g. oreos, vita-weat, cruskits)
• Year 3 - Boxes of: Tea bags, coffee sachets
• Year 4 - Boxes of: Tea bags, coffee sachets
• Year 5 - Boxes of: Cereal (cornflakes, weet-bix)
• Year 6 - Boxes of: Cereal (cornflakes, weet-bix)

• On Friday, June 21st, students are encouraged to attend school dressed in pyjamas. On this day, they will also have the opportunity to enjoy cinnamon donuts and hot chocolate for $5. Further details regarding payment and orders will be communicated next week when notes are distributed.

• Additionally, on Friday, June 21st, both students and parents are invited to join the staff in the School Hall from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. During this event, students are encouraged to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and cardboard box to sit on. This gathering aims to provide students with an insight into the experience of a person living in homelessness. Staff and Parents can share photos of their family engaging in a sleepout at home which will be shared via the SPAP social media and newsletter. 
• Another way you may like to contribute to this fundraiser is through our Vinnies Winter Appeal for Homelessness fundraising page. Please scan the QR code to make a donation. 

Attendance at Parish Mass

Students from the older grades will be attending Mass on the Friday’s below. Parents and carers are invited to attend Mass, followed by an opportunity to visit the grade classroom and have morning tea in the hall. Mass begins at 9:30am in St Paul’s Catholic Church.

Save the Date - Liturgy 

Save the Date - Assembly/Prayer

Alana Stroligo

Acting Religious Education Coordinator

PB4L Focus Week 3 & 4: We need to be self-aware so that we can follow the school rules

During Term 2, the PB4L focus will be on developing self-awareness.  Classroom teachers will explicitly teach students a selection of the following skills:

• Labelling my emotions
• Knowing my strengths
• Positive awareness
• Knowing my triggers
• Knowing my body language

In Week 3 & 4, students have been learning how to identify and name their emotions.  Students have been working toward the following success criteria each day:

• I can identify what emotion I am feeling
• I can identify if my body and mind are ready to learn and can follow the school rules
• I can show my teacher that I am ready to learn because I am following the school rules. 

How parents can continue this learning at home:

• Throughout the day, prompt your child to check in with their body and name the emotion they are feeling.  Speak with your child about what that emotion feels like in their bodies.
• When watching TV, speak about what emotion you think the characters are feeling and list reasons why.  For example, I can see that Bluey is feeling sad because her shoulders are slumped and she is trying not to look Bingo in the eye.
• Discuss what feeling ‘good’ (children may refer to this as being in the Green Zone) looks like, feels like and sounds like.  Throughout the day, notice when they are in the Green Zone and bring this to your child’s attention.  For example, I can tell you are in the Green Zone after you play soccer because you are smiling and your body is relaxed. 
• Point out and celebrate your child’s strengths

ACE Awards:

Mackenzie 2R
Caleb 2R
Riley 2R
Ethan 2R
Charlie 2B
Hunter 2B
Sophie 2B
Oscar 2B
Laila 2B
Eva 3R
Ivy 3R
Alana 3R
Jaden 4R
Charlotte 4R
Abbey 4B
Jasmine 4B
Everly 4B
Jaycie 5R
Shontel 5B
Benjamin 5B
Elizabeth 5B
Laikyn 6R
Angelica 6R
Harrison 6R
Alexis 6R
Aiden C 6B
Madelynne 6B
Hunta 6B

Principal's Awards: 

Mackenzie 2R
Caleb 2R
Riley 2R
Ethan 2R
Charlie 2B
Hunter 2B
Sophie 2B
Spencer 2B
Oscar 2B
Laila 2B
Eva 3R
Alana 3R
Jaden 4R
Charlotte 4R
Jasmine 4B
Everly 4B
Olivia G 5R
Angelica 6R

Mary MacKillop Awards: 

Jaden 4R
Charlotte 4R
Jasmine 4B

St Paul's Athletics Carnival 2024

The St Paul’s 2023 Athletics Carnival will be held at John O’Dwyer Oval, Croome Road Sporting Complex, Albion Park on Thursday 13th  June. Students in Kindergarten to Year 6 are to attend the Athletics Carnival. Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend the carnival and we may require some volunteers for the day to assist with the events. 

A Compass event will be sent for you to give your child permission to attend the carnival.

Date: Thursday 13th June 2024

Venue: John O’Dwyer Oval, Croome Road Sporting Complex Albion Park

Time: 8:55am till 3.00pm. Students may arrive from 8:30am and will be greeted by St Paul’s staff at the oval. Students will need to see their class teacher when they arrive to have their name marked off.  The athletics carnival is anticipated to finish around  3:00pm and students will need to sign out with their class teacher before leaving the carnival. 

Transport: Parents and carers are to transport their child to and from the venue. 

Dress: Students are to wear their full sports uniform. Students may wear a coloured t-shirt to represent their house colour. Students are required to wear a hat at all times whilst not competing. Students will be encouraged to apply sunscreen on a regular basis throughout the day. 

Canteen Facilities: Canteen facilities will be available on the day and students will access the canteen facilities in grade cohorts according to the schedule. Students are asked to bring their drink bottles and recess and lunch if not purchasing from the canteen.

Event Age Groupings: There are a number of events that the students compete in age categories for Athletics, these are based on the Diocesan Athletics Programs, this includes the 800m race. The age categories are Junior (8,9,10 years), 11 years and Senior (12, 13 years). The only event at the South Coast Athletics carnival that is in age divisions is the 100m race, all other events students will be selected based on their results in Junior, 11 or Senior age categories. 

We look forward to a wonderful day at the St Paul’s Athletics Carnival. If you have any questions please contact the school office.

Mrs Patricia Staff

Sports Coordinator

Upcoming Gala Days

During the coming terms we have a number of Gala Days available for students in Years 3-6 to attend, if they wish. Expressions of interest have already gone home for NRL Gala Day and Netball Gala Day. We are in the process of forming teams for these days. Soccer and Basketball gala day expressions of interest will be sent later in the term. We will require parent helpers to manage teams for each of these events, please let the office know if you are available and willing to help.

Gala Days are fun Sporting events for students of all abilities, this includes students who may never have played the Sport before,  the focus is not on winning a competition but about Sportsmanship and enjoyment. Before each Gala Day we talk to students about the rules and expectations for the day. We would like parents to also reinforce the message about Sportsmanship, fair play and fun with their child before the day. This helps everyone to have the same message and all the students to have an enjoyable and positive experience. 

Annual Improvement Goal - Assessment and Numeracy 

GOAL: Students will demonstrate continuous improvement in Mathematics as a result of explicit instruction at their point of need, informed by ongoing quality assessment.

During weeks 1 and 2, our staff have actively engaged in collaborative planning sessions with the instructional coach and stage leaders to deepen their knowledge of the new Mathematics Syllabus. The teachers have participated in professional learning opportunities to enhance their understanding of quality assessment aligned with our school's AIP goal. They have carefully co-constructed quality assessments for the students to accurately measure students understanding and progress in key mathematical concepts. 

Can you solve some of these mathematics problems?

       

It was great to so many mothers, grandmothers and other important woman in the lives of our students attend our High Tea on Thursday 9 May. Our huge thank you to our St Joseph's hospitality students and their teacher Mr Ferderer for catering for this event. The food was so delicious.

I want to thank our school staff Mrs Bicknell SSSO and all of our SSOs for assisting in the set up and their help throughout the event.

To our student leadership for their lovely speech and to the students in the choir whose singing touched the hearts of our visitors.

After our morning tea it was lovely to see our students share their learning spaces with pride and excitement to their special visitor.

On Friday 10 May 2024 St Paul’s participated in National Walk Safely to School Day. Students, teachers, and parents gathered early in the morning at Albion Park Pool, brimming with excitement and a shared commitment to promoting pedestrian safety and physical activity. Luckily, the rain held off, but we did have to be careful with the puddles on the sidewalk. The walk filled students and staff with fresh air and good spirits ready to start the day of learning. Thank you to all the parents and staff that came out on Walk Safely to School Day.

This day is a great opportunity for families to walk to school together and have conversations about road safety, focussing on the key road safety messages. Its also a good opportunity to exercise and get the brain ready for learning.

Did you know:

• Children need a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise every day?
• One step uses 200 muscles? You only use 17 muscles to smile.
• It's easy to get that amount of exercise if you and your child walk to and from school, smiling.

St Paul’s will be participating in the ICAS Assessments again this year. The official sitting window is between the 5th August and 30th August 2024. Specific dates for each assessment can be seen in the table below.

ICAS is designed to target students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee and Digital Technologies.

Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who takes part will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals and are invited to attend special award ceremonies to have their academic excellence publicly recognised.

These assessments are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment that has been running for 40 years. Your child will be presented with high-quality, expert-developed questions, allowing them to apply their learning without the need for prior study or revision.

ICAS Assessments are now online, a move that reflects a sector-wide transition to online assessments. This allows greater accessibility for students and faster delivery of results.

Learn more about ICAS here: https://www.icasassessments.com/products-icas

2024 Participation and Payment

St Paul’s has signed up for the ICAS Assessments parent payment system (PPS) for all Assessments. Through this system, parents can pay for ICAS directly online while tests will still be held at our school.

The assessments are for years 2-6 students, except digital technology and writing which is only for 3-6 students.  A permission note with details of parent sign-up codes will be provided in the coming weeks. 

Bree-Anna Fogliada

Middle Leader 2 

Laudato Si’ Week is the annual celebration that marks the publication of the encyclical Laudato Si’. 2024 marks nine years of Laudato Si’ and will be celebrated from 19th - 26th May. This year’s theme is "Seeds of Hope", inspired by Laudate Deum which exhorts: "There are no lasting changes without cultural changes [...] and there are no cultural changes without personal changes" (LD 70). 

This Laudato Si’ Week invites the global church to contemplate and nurture seeds of hope for our “suffering planet” (LD 2). The theme is inspired by the symbol for the Season of Creation 2024, “first fruits.” Let us be seeds of hope in our lives and our world, rooted in faith and love.

St Paul’s are acknowledging this special week through morning prayer led by our waste-free warriors. Students have also participated in activities in the classroom centred around reflecting on how we can care for our Common Home. 

On the 13 of May, Year 5 and 6 students embarked on a day of leadership exploration with Cameron Brown from Explore, Discover, Act. The day was packed with engaging exercises aimed at fostering leadership skills and cultivating a culture of teamwork. As the day unfolded, several key lessons emerged, leaving a lasting impact on the young minds present. Some of these key takeaways include:

• Leadership is a choice. 
• Leadership is not solely about holding a position of authority but rather about taking initiative and making a positive impact, regardless of one's title or role.
• True leadership involves lifting others up and working collaboratively to achieve common goals.
• Communication is a crucial aspect of effective leadership. Rather than focusing on blame or criticism, the students learned to approach communication from a perspective of improvement and understanding, recognising that everyone has room to grow.
• Leadership is not about exerting power over others but rather about sharing power and responsibility. The students embraced the idea that leadership is inclusive and empowers everyone to contribute their unique strengths to the team.

Students enjoyed a pizza lunch to celebrate. As the day drew to a close, the students left with a newfound appreciation for the qualities of effective leadership and a commitment to apply these lessons in their school community and beyond. With Cameron Brown's guidance and the support of their peers, they were equipped to embrace leadership not as a title but as a mindset—a choice to make a difference and lift others along the way.

On Thursday 16th May the P&F held the Term 2 Disco with a rainbow theme! We would like to thank Michelle Hooper for her outstanding DJ skills and our teaching staff for volunteering your time to assist. We hope all the students enjoyed the rainbow decorations and had a great time dancing.

The SCS role Regional NSW - Various Opportunities is now live. Please click below to view the advert and share with your networks.

Please see attached posters. Please also see links/information about roles below:

The SCS role for Shellharbour Public School is now live. Please click here to view the advert and share with your network.

Internal Link – https://performancemanager10.successfactors.com/sf/jobreq?jobId=93859&company=TfNSW

External Link – https://jobs.transport.nsw.gov.au/job-invite/93859/

The SCS role for Balarang Public School - Oak Flats is now live. Please click here to view the advert and share with your network.

Internal Link – https://performancemanager10.successfactors.com/sf/jobreq?jobId=93862&company=TfNSW

External Link – https://jobs.transport.nsw.gov.au/job-invite/93862/