Welcome to Term 4!

I’m excited to share our first newsletter of the term and reflect on the incredible activities and achievements from just the first week back.

On Monday 14 October, we welcomed our students back to school, along with Mrs. Miller, who has returned and is working with us on Mondays and Tuesdays. It’s great to have her back with us!

Our Year 6 students have already jumped into action by successfully organising and leading our Handball Competition on Thursday 17 October. Congratulations to all the winners, including Mrs. Marsh, who won the teacher competition!

Last Friday, we were honoured to have Mr. Peter Hill, our Director, visit the school. He met with our leadership team to discuss the progress of our Annual Improvement Plan, which continues to guide our efforts in creating an exceptional learning environment. Our teachers are hard at work, collaboratively planning and attending professional learning meetings to deepen their expertise in designing quality assessments in Mathematics. This data-driven approach ensures our programs meet the diverse needs of our students.

Mr. Hill also joined us for a lovely morning tea with Fr. Leo and our staff, after which our Mini Vinnies team proudly shared the many social outreach initiatives they've been involved in this year. Following that, our Coding Club students amazed him with their demonstrations of spheros, vex robots, and bee bots, showcasing how we’re using technology to enhance learning. Mr. Hill was thoroughly impressed with both our students' dedication to the mission of Jesus by reaching out to those in need and their enthusiasm for integrating technology into education.

On Saturday, our brand-new shade cloth was installed, just in time for summer! We’re thrilled with this addition to our school grounds, providing more comfort and shade for our students as they enjoy the outdoor spaces.

Kindergarten 2025 Playgroup: A Joyful Start

On Monday, 21st October, we had the pleasure of welcoming our Kindergarten 2025 playgroup to St Paul's. It was wonderful to see the children fully engaged in fun activities and excitedly meeting their future kindergarten teachers. The playgroup also offered a special opportunity for parents to participate alongside their children, fostering connections not only with our staff but also with other families.

For some of our parents, this marks the beginning of their journey at St Paul's, while others have older children already attending our school. It was heartwarming to see both new and familiar faces, and we are thrilled to build a strong community with you all. We look forward to many more shared experiences as we continue preparing for the start of the 2025 school year.

Angela Pecnik

Principal

Supporting healthy technology use as your child transitions into high school. 

This webinar explores the social pressures, peer influences, and technological challenges young people face as they transition into high school. It also offers practical strategies for navigating online friendships and connections to help minimise negative experiences.

It's suitable for parents and carers of children in upper primary school (ages 11 to 12) and Year 7.

• Tuesday 29 October, 12.30 pm AEDT 
• Thursday 28 November, 12.30 pm AEDT 

Register here.

eSafety 101: How eSafety can help 

• Thursday 24 October, 12.30 pm AEDT 
• Wednesday 4 December, 12.30 pm AEDT 

Register here.

Join UOW for this exciting webinar opportunity to learn from parent & education experts about enhancing and supporting your child's transition to high school ahead. Whether you're a parent or carer of a child in Year 6, or generally just interested in children's transition to high school and UOW opportunities on the horizon, this is not to be missed!

• How? Online via Zoom
• When? Monday, 11 November, 2024, 7pm -8 pm
• Register: UOW Year 6 Parent & Carer Webinar Registration Link

Topics explored will include;

• Adapting to change and new routines & environments
• Making new friends and maintaining old friendships
• Coping with peer pressure, risk taking
• Managing time and demands of new study and increase in expectations of high school
• Taking ‘good risks’ in learning
• UOW high school programs on the horizon
• Understanding university opportunities into the future

Register via the link provided here: 

UOW Year 6 Parent & Carer Webinar Registration Link 

PB4L Focus Week 1 - Appropriate Games on Each Playground

Each stage met on each playground to allow teachers to explicitly teach playground expectations and game rules. Before using the playgrounds, stages visited their designated areas to instruct students on appropriate behaviour and game rules. 

PB4L Focus Week 2 - Dismissal Procedures Updated

This term our buses are arriving earlier. Please see dismissal times as follows:

3.10pm -3.15pm - students pack up ready for moving out of class for parent pick up at the back gate or front playground.

3.15pm - students move to bus lines and waiters. Walkers and bikes/scooters leave the school.

Waiters are seated under the shade cloth near the hall. They are ready for collection from 3.15pm

As our buses are arriving earlier now we ask parents to wait on the grass area or closer to the brick wall. This will enable our bus students to be seated at 3.15pm on the front playground.

Parents please do not stand on the concrete under the shade where the yellow dots are located. This is where our bus students are seated at 3.15pm.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

This term we'll be looking at the value of Inclusion.

At school we will look at two scripture stories that promote inclusion, the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 10:29-37) and Jesus and the Children (Mark 10:13-16). Zacchaeus is a tax collector and unpopular with many. Yet Jesus chooses to eat with him, showing that God always loves and is willing to forgive others. In Jesus and the Children, Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me”. The Scripture story has themes of being welcomed and loved by Jesus. It is important that students are given the opportunity to engage with and reflect on this Scripture story of Jesus and the Children so they can develop their understanding of Jesus as a friend who welcomes and affirms them in a special way.

At St Paul’s we strive to be a community that welcomes all. We are aware of the differences of others and each person's unique qualities. Students will be encouraged to accept the unique qualities of all and welcome them into their games and conversations at school.

This year, World Mission Sunday fell on 20th October 2024. 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 supports in Africa, Asia, Oceania, SOuth America and remote Australian dioceses. To support this work we will be holding a Crazy sock theme day on Thursday 31 October. Students are asked to bring in a gold coin. The day will not only be an opportunity to raise much needed funds but also to engage our students in living out their faith by supporting those in need around the world.

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.

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.

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

Shontel represented St. Paul's at the Diocese of Wollongong Art Gallery, where her Christmas artwork was selected to be displayed. This is a significant achievement, showcasing her artistic talent and creativity, especially during such a special season. Her work being featured highlights the school's engagement in promoting student accomplishments within the wider community. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Shontel Ristevski on this remarkable achievement.

All Saints Day is a holy day of the Catholic Church celebrated annually on November 1. The day is dedicated to the saints of the Church, that is, all those who have attained heaven. 

All Souls' Day, is observed on November 2, and is dedicated to those who have died and not yet reached heaven.

Students will participate in a liturgy in their classroom to acknowledge both important days in the church’s calendar. It is important to have a conversation with your child about these significant days in the Catholic Church.

The SPAP 2024 Christmas Concert and End of Year Awards will be held on Thursday 12th of December in the School Hall. Keep an eye out for more information soon!

Regards,

Alana Stroligo

Acting Religious Education Coordinator

ACE Awards: 
Liara 3B
Cody 3R
Kai F 4B
Ryder 4R
Lex 4R
Madison 5R
Charlotte 5B
Diontae 5B
Jordan 5B
Sienna 5B
Shontel 5B
Ruby 5B
Mick 5B

Principal's Awards:
Kai F 4B
Lex 4B
Ryder 4B
Ruby 5B
Shontel 5B
Jordan 5B
Sienna 5B
Diontae 5B

Mary MacKillop Awards:
Kai F 4B
Ryder 4R
Ruby 5B
Shontel 5B
Jordan 5B
Sienna 5B
Diontae 5B

Celebration of Learning

Professional Learning Day – Friday, 27th September (Last Day of Term 3)

On the last day of Term 3, our dedicated staff participated in a professional learning day facilitated by Belinda Evans, our Instructional Coach, focusing on designing well-sequenced units of work using the Backward Design Model. This approach ensures that assessments and learning activities are intentionally planned to develop students' mathematical skills and deepen their understanding.

Teachers worked collaboratively to create units that build on prior knowledge, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving tasks and practical classroom activities. This professional development aligns with our Annual Improvement Goal, which focuses on fostering student growth and achievement in mathematics.

Mrs Belinda Evans - Instructional Coach

Cricket Gala Day Highlights

Congratulations Flynn G

During Term 3, the senior leaders organised and hosted a handball competition, offering a fun and competitive event for students to enjoy. The senior leaders dedicated their break times to referee each grade, gradually progressing to the top eight players. On Thursday, October 17th, the final round took place, where students faced off to determine the handball champion of their grade.

The students displayed great sportsmanship, encouraging and cheering for their peers. Four awards were presented: ‘Champion of the Grade,’ Encouragement, Good Sportsmanship, and Best Effort. Even those who didn’t win congratulated the champion, showing no hard feelings.

To wrap up the day, the teachers took their turn on the court, showcasing their skills and dedication. It was fun to watch, and the teachers impressed everyone with their sportsmanship and determination, proving their hard work had paid off.

From Transport NSW

The school disco will be held tomorrow, Thursday 24th October. Please make sure you have handed in your consent form and $5 and also scanned the QR code below on the note.

Final P & F Meeting of the Year

On Monday, 11 November, we will be holding our final Parents and Friends (P & F) Meeting for the year. All parents are warmly invited to join us via Zoom from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

This meeting is a wonderful opportunity to hear about the latest school initiatives, updates to our facilities, and share in the vision for the school community as we head into the new year.

Protocols for Joining:

• Please ensure your screen is turned on.
• Remain muted throughout the meeting and use the chat feature for any questions.
• This is an adults-only meeting.

We look forward to seeing you there and working together for the benefit of our students and school community!