Filter Content
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal Report
- Religious Education Coordinator Report
- Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)
- Merit Award Update
- Ace Awards, Principal Awards, Mary Mackillop Awards
- Communicating with the School After a Hospital/ Emergency Department Visit or Significant Injury
- Celebration of Learning
- 2024 Staff Development Days and other Key Dates
- Sports Update
- Professional Learning Update
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education - Term Two
- Year 1 Excursion
- Year 4 Excursion
- Biggest Morning Tea Donations
- Canteen News
- CatholicCare News
- Parish News
Dear Parents and Carers,
On Monday 27 May, Miss Tonini, Miss McKnamara, Aunty Jo and I, along with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students attended the annual Shellharbour ‘Reconciliation Flag Walk’. The walk symbolises the shared journeys of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the non-Indigenous communities of the local area. It aims to foster a deeper understanding and respect for each other's histories and cultures, promoting unity and inclusiveness.
During the flag walk students walked alongside Aboriginal Elders, Civic Leaders and community members. The students were Welcomed to Country by an Aboriginal elder. This was followed by a Smoking Ceremony: An ancient Aboriginal ritual will be performed to cleanse and protect the participants, marking the start of our journey together. Next there was a Flag Exchange Ceremony: symbolising unity and mutual respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
The students enjoyed a sausage sizzle for lunch. In the afternoon they engaged in a range of cultural activities.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a sacred sacrament in the Catholic Church that marks a deepening of a person’s faith and commitment to Christian life. Through Confirmation, Catholics receive the Holy Spirit in a special way, empowering us to live a life of faith, service, and witness. It is considered the sacrament of maturity in faith, where we recognise the gift of the Holy Spirit first given to us in the waters of Baptism and confirm our commitment to be living witnesses of Jesus Christ.
On Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 May, I attended the Year 6 Confirmation liturgy. It was an evening filled with excitement for our students, their sponsors and families. I thank our staff who were also in attendance to support our students through this important ritual as young Catholics.
Bishop Brian shared his joy for our candidates and congratulated their preparation and knowledge.
Jennifer demonstrates the value of 'Compassion'
Hi my name is Jennifer and I am going to tell you why I cut my hair. I made a decision to donate my hair to make wigs for children with cancer. I decided to do this because I wanted children with cancer to enjoy having real hair rather than synthetic or horse hair wigs. I also wanted to make the kids going through cancer treatment feel a bit more normal and wanted them to know that someone was thinking about them.
Participation in the Biggest Morning Tea 2024
This year, our school proudly took part in the Biggest Morning Tea, an initiative by the Cancer Council to raise funds for cancer research, support services, and prevention programs. Our event was organised by Diane Allison SSO. The event was a huge success and brought our community together in a meaningful way.
Thank you to our students for their gold coin donations and our staff who donated generously to raise funds.
Angela Pecnik
Principal
Students Keeping Safe in the Digital Age
As we are aware many of our students are immersed in the digital world. Each newsletter we have been featuring apps such as Roblox and TikTok
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 SnapChat. The recommended age for SnapChat is 13+
Important Changes to Semester Reports
Reports are released on Compass 28 June
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.
Learning Conversations
Teachers will be available to discuss student progress at Learning Conversations for all students Kinder- Year Six. These conversations can be held as a phone or face-to-face meeting with your child's teacher.
| Learning conversations for all students K-6 | 1 July to 4 July |
Bookings for Year K-6 will open on 7 June and close on 28 June. |
Learning Conversations are booked through Compass. Instruction on how to book will be sent when the bookings are opened.
NSW Transport requirements for Bus
Students at St Paul's catch a variety of buses that also have students from surrounding schools. Premier Illawarra operates these buses under the guidelines of NSW Transport.
They ask that all students behave on buses under the specifics of the code of conduct:
Code of conduct for school students on buses
It is every student's responsibility to behave in a manner that ensures the safety and comfort of passengers and drivers. This includes:
Behaviour on buses
- Use appropriate language not offensive or racist language
- Fighting, spitting, feet on seats, throwing things in or from the bus is not permitted
- No eating or drinking (other than water) - unless for medical reasons or the bus operator gives written permission.
- Offer seats to adults including people with a disability, elderly or expectant mothers
- Do not push or shove other people
- Do not bully or harass other passengers or the driver
- Avoid attracting the attention of the driver except in the case of emergency
- Do not play music at such volume that it may distract the bus driver or other passengers.
Safety on and near buses
- Obey reasonable directions from the driver (for example, where to sit or to remain in the bus)
- Remain in your seat - do not move around the bus unnecessarily
- If standing, remain behind the front passenger seat and always keep a secure hand hold
- Keep bags and other items clear of the aisle
- Do not allow any part of your body to protrude out of the bus at any time
- Wait for the bus in a quiet and orderly manner - including at bus interchanges
- Stand away from the roadside until the bus comes to a complete stop
- Allow other passengers to leave the bus before stepping onto the bus in a single line
- Wait until the bus stops before moving to get off the bus at your designated stop
- Cross the road where and when it's safe to do so, use crossings/traffic lights where available.
Legal considerations on buses
- Wear the seat belt properly adjusted and fastened, if one is available
- Obey the law that bans smoking on buses
- Ensure that buses are not vandalised - report any damage, graffiti and window etching, to the driver
- Do not interfere with bus property, equipment and signage
- Do not leave rubbish on the bus, or at bus stops or interchanges.
Using bus passes:
- Show travel passes or tickets to the driver on boarding and to Authorised Revenue Protection Officers, NSW Police Officers or bus company representatives when requested
- Use the travel pass only for its intended purpose - do not lend your pass to other students or borrow a pass from them
- Swipe or 'dip' passes in ticket readers if available when boarding
- If issued with a School Opal card, always tap on when boarding and tap off when leaving the bus.
Disobeying these rules may lead to the withdrawal of bus travel passes, banning students from travelling on buses and/or police prosecution and court action.
Confirmation
Congratulations to the students from Year 6 who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation over the last two weeks. May the Holy Spirit guide them in their faith journey.
Mini Vinnies
Mini-Vinnies continues to be well attended by students from Years 3 to 6. On Thursday 23rd May we presented to the school community our Mini Vinnies Team. We were fortunate to have Tony for St Vincent de Paul present students with their badges and certificates.
I would like to thank all students for giving up their playtime to be part of this team. Students put together a presentation and visited each classroom to speak to students about the purpose of our Vinnies Winter Appeal for Homelessness.
On Friday 31 May, students were encouraged to bring in an assigned box so that we as a school community could create a big box wall. These donations will be presented to Tony on Monday 3 May whereby he will transport them to people in need. Thank you for all your generous donations during this time. Check
Our box wall is simply box-quisite!On Thursday 30 May, all students across the school received a note outlining our second fundraiser. On Friday 21 June students are invited to wear their pyjamas to school. If students would like to enjoy a warm chocolate and cinnamon donut on Friday 21 June they must complete the note that was sent home (Thursday 30 May) and return the note by Friday 14 June. Students from the Mini Vinnies Team will be making warm chocolate with Mrs Marsh, Mrs Calleja and Mrs Bicknell and classes will come during an assigned time to collect their warm chocolate and cinnamon donut.
On Friday 21 June from 5:30-7pm, students and families are invited to join as a school community for a cup of hot soup and a yarn. During this time students can bring a sleeping bag, pillow and cardboard box to sit on. After this event, parents may wish to take part in a sleep out with their children at home. If you do, we encourage you to share a photo with the school community to be added to our SPAP social media. Please keep an eye out for more information regarding this event next week as I will be asking for RSVP that way I can ensure we cater for the correct amount of people.
A few years ago, during COVID, I participated in the Vinnies Sleep Out. It was such an incredible experience that opened my eyes to the realities faced by those experiencing homelessness. The event not only raised awareness but also provided much-needed funds to support vital services for people in need. Inspired by the profound impact it had on me, I thought I would take part in this meaningful event again this year.
Regards,
Miss Alana Stroligo
Acting Religious Education Coordinator
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 - Assembly/Prayer
PB4L Focus Week 5 & 6 - We need to have positive self awareness so that we can follow the school rules.
Students have been learning to identify their strengths and list what they like about themselves and others. This is important in building positive self-esteem, identifying character strengths and providing a platform to develop areas for growth.
Ideas for supporting this skill at home:
- Point out the strengths that your child has!
- Develop a list of character strengths. Character Strengths are the positive parts of your personality that impact how you think, feel and behave
- Notice and celebrate when your child uses their strength to achieve something they find challenging.
PB4L Focus Week 7 & 8 - We need to be self aware so that we can identify and manage our triggers.
Students will learn that triggers can be actions of other people or situations that can make them feel and then react in a certain way. Students will practice noticing their triggers, describe how they feel when reacting to their triggers in their body and list strategies for appropriately managing these triggers.
Ideas for supporting this skill at home:
- Co-regulate with your child when they are triggered.
- After your child has regulated from a trigger, take time to speak about what triggered them and practice how they could react differently next time
- Help your child to take notice of how their bodies feel when they are triggered
Teachers will be looking for those students who are demonstrating self awareness in the classroom and the playground to receive raffle tickets and classroom-based rewards.
Dear Parents and Carers,
At the end of last year we asked for students in Years 1-5 to bring in their awards for staff to enter into Compass. A large number of students handed in their awards which allowed us to update our system on Compass and we were hoping in 2024 to move to using a feature on our OnlinePlatform Compass to track and monitor awards whereby students would no longer need to hand in their awards for their classroom teacher to sign. Unfortunately this has not been a smooth process and we would like to apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused for both your child and yourself.
Please see the diagram below outlining St Paul’s Merit Award system:
It was hoped that in 2024 parents would begin to receive an email informing them that their child will be receiving an ACE Award, Principal’s Award or St Mary MacKillop Award at an upcoming assembly. We have not actioned this due to the issues we have had however we have every intention of eventually moving to this in time. In the meantime, we will still continue to notify parents that their child will be receiving an ACE Award, Principal’s Award or St Mary MacKillop Award via the school newsletter that will have the date of the assembly that their child will be receiving this award.
We ask that you be patient during this time. If you have any further questions please speak to your child’s classroom teacher.
ACE Awards:
Eva 2B
May 2R
Ava L 3B
Addison 5R
Mila 5R
Savannah A 6R
Lily H 6R
Mia Rob 6R
Principal's Awards:
Eva 2B
May 2R
Alex 3B
Addison 5R
Mila 5R
Jaycie 5R
Ben 5B
Savannah A 6R
Mary MacKillop Awards:
Mila 5R
Addison 5R
Communicating with the School After a Hospital/ Emergency Department Visit or Significant Injury
If your child visits an Illawarra – Shoalhaven Emergency Department you may receive an “Emergency Department Post Card”. This card encourages parents / carers to contact the school. This is part of Health and Education’s ongoing commitment to the well-being and safety of students. Even if you haven’t received a Post Card you must let a school know about the visit. It is also important to communicate with the school after any significant injury to ensure your child is safe at school.
Contacting the school enables you and the student to be involved in developing any plan needed. If you can, before leaving the hospital ask for a written note or medical certificate outlining any necessary information for your child's teacher/s and school staff.
Necessary information the school requires
- Brief Description: What happened and when?
- Current Health Status: How the student is feeling, and any immediate health concerns.
- Medical Advice/ Necessary Information: Any specific recommendations or restrictions. Examples could include:
- Does the child need support carrying items?
- Can they participate in sport?
- Do they need alternate supervision to the playground?
- Can the child write?
- If medications are required to be given at school, please provide a letter outlining the details (e.g. medicine type, dosage, times etc) which is signed by your treating doctor. You will need to complete an authority to dispense medication form.
- Length of time for any adjustments or support: the school will need a rough indication of how long the injury will
- Follow-up: Any referrals made by the hospital or recommendations for follow-up appointments e.g. GP or psychologist.
- Return to School: A timeline of your child's expected return to school. In most cases your child will be able to return to school the following day, however parents should consult with the school first, to ensure that the school is aware of the current health concerns and can ensure the safety of your child.
The school, in consultation with families, can put in place adjustments to support children and young people's wellbeing, physical health and academic learning. Working with the schools on this will help maintain a safe and supportive environment for all students.
St Paul’s is a large site with many areas inaccessible for those requiring mobility support. As a result, additional personnel may be required to support the safe movement of students on the site. The school may require some time to organise personnel in this case.
Please contact the school as early as you can to help us organise any communication among staff regarding the temporary needs of your child after an injury.
Communicating with the school
- Phone or visit the school's main office and ask to speak to the Principal or a Leadership team member about returning to school after a student is discharged from the hospital or after a significant injury
- The school may discuss your child's needs with you over the phone or if necessary, invite you to a meeting at the school.
- Provide the school with documents provided by the hospital or fracture clinics such as written notes, a discharge summary or a medical certificate outlining the necessary information for your child
Please be assured that all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity.
Kindergarten Celebration of Learning
Miss Samantha Ryan, Miss Julianne Tonini & Mrs Patricia Staff
Kindergarten Teachers
Staff Development Days and other Key Dates for Term 2
| Friday 7 June | Year 4 Mass, Open Classroom and Morning Tea |
| Friday 7 June | Year 5 Assembly |
| Monday 10 June | Public Holiday |
| Thursday 13 June | Athletics Carnival |
| Friday 14 June | Catholic Legends Gala Day |
| Friday 14 June | Year 3 Mass, Open Classroom and Morning Tea |
| Friday 21 June | Year 2 Assembly |
| Friday 21 June | Vinnies Winter Appeal for Homelessness |
| Friday 28 June | St Paul Feast Day Celebrations |
| Wednesday 3 July | NAIDOC week Assembly |
| 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 |
Diocesan Cross Country
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 has been sent asking you to give permission for your child 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.
Note: The 800m is optional for students aged 8-12. This event will run between 8.30- 8.50am, your child will need to be at the track by 8.15am if competing in the 800m.
This event is raced in Junior (8, 9 & 10 years), 11 years or Senior (12 & 13 years) boys and girls.
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
Staff Development Day with Shane Chapman from NESA
Last Friday, May 24th, our staff participated in a "Consistent Teacher Judgment" professional learning session led by Shane Chapman from NESA. The session focused on understanding assessment and reporting standards using the common grade scale (A-E). Teachers discussed principles of consistent teacher judgment and explored strategies to ensure fair and accurate assessments. Staff moderated student writing samples to ensure a consistent understanding of outcomes and provide feedback based on a set of criteria, related to educational outcomes.
This professional development day emphasised our commitment to educational excellence, aiming to enhance our ability to provide fair and consistent assessments to benefit our students' learning experiences.
Mrs Belinda Evans
Reconciliation Flag Walk - Reconciliation Week
On Monday 27 May all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, Miss Pecnik, Aunty Jo, Miss McNamara and Miss Tonini attended the Shellharbour Reconciliation Flag Walk at Warilla. We travelled there with St Joseph’s students on the bus. We have lots of families join us too.
The students who attended were very excited and loved joining in the walk, participating in the Smoking Ceremony, Welcome to Country and Flag exchange.
Afterwards we enjoyed a sausage sizzle, drumming, Kahoops (like Kahoot trivia but without a device), Sea of Hands scratch cards and building yarn sticks.
We had a beautiful day on Country, celebrating together with Elders, students and community members from all over Shellharbour.
Reconciliation Week at St Paul's
We recognised Reconciliation Week with a whole school liturgy and classroom activities.
Here is a photo of the wall display created by Year 4 students exploring the poster for 2024 and the theme, Now More Than Ever. Next we will start to learn about NAIDOC Week and we are already exploring the poster.
Year One Excursion
Mrs Gemma Bolton and Mrs Bree-Anna Fogliada
Year One Teachers
Year Four Excursion
Mrs Michelle Griffiths, Mrs Tracy Whalan, and Mrs Annalise Hastings
Year Four Teachers
A very big thank you to all the staff, students and families who donated to our Staff Biggest Morning Tea. Together we raised $532.65 in total for this wonderful cause!
Canteen Menu and Opening Hours
Our school canteen is run by Kylie from Take A Break Tuckshop! Our canteen is open from Tuesday to Friday from 8:30am to 11:30am. The canteen is open for the first lunch break.
There will be snacks, hot food, drinks and ice blocks available to purchase over the counter. Cash orders are still accepted and should be handed into the canteen before 9am.
Take A Break Tuckshop offers a wide range of delicious and healthy food options and is open for breakfast.
Orders can be placed online using My School Connect, please visit www.myschoolconnect.com.au to setup an account. You may also download the My School Connect App on your mobile device.
Online orders need to be submitted by 8:30am each day. Take A Break Tuckshop will advertise weekly specials and meal deals on their facebook page www.facebook.com/takeabreaktuckshop
To contact the canteen please call the school and ask for Kylie in the canteen.