Dear Parents and Carers,

At St Paul’s, we are committed to fostering a positive and respectful school environment where every student can thrive. Meaningful learning takes place when students engage positively with their peers in the classroom and on the playground. Equally, it is essential that all students demonstrate respect towards staff, including our casual teachers, who play an important role in their learning journey.

As the first and most influential educators of your children, you play a vital role in shaping their behaviour and attitudes. Children model the behaviours they observe, and these shape the way they interact with others at school. We encourage you to have ongoing conversations at home about kindness, respect, and inclusion, reinforcing the values of compassion, integrity, inclusion, and perseverance that we uphold at St Paul’s.

At school, we set high expectations for our students in their behaviour, attitude, and relationships. However, success in this area is a shared responsibility between home and school. Your continued support in guiding students to make respectful and responsible choices strengthens our community and ensures a safe and welcoming environment for all.

As a school community, we remain committed to ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and supported. We will continue to educate students about respectful relationships, the importance of standing up against bullying, and how their actions contribute to a positive school culture. If your child has any concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to their teacher so that we can work together towards a resolution.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in making St Paul’s a place where, in the richness of our Catholic faith and tradition, we achieve excellence, not only in learning but in the way we treat one another.

Welcome to our New Students and Families

We extend a warm welcome to all new students and families who have joined St Paul’s in 2025. We are grateful to have you as part of our school community and look forward to sharing in your child’s learning journey. May your time at St Paul’s be filled with faith, friendship, and success.

Update on Carter

Dear St Paul's Community,

I wanted to take a moment to update you on Carter, one of our brave students who was diagnosed with leukemia last year. Carter and his family have recently moved to Queensland, where he is continuing his treatment under the care of his oncologist.

As a school community, we remain united in our prayers for Carter’s recovery. His strength and resilience are truly inspiring, and we look forward to the day when he is well enough to return to school. In the meantime, we ask that you continue to keep Carter and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

At St Paul’s, we stand together in faith, hope, and compassion, supporting one another through life’s challenges. Thank you for your ongoing kindness and support.

Parent Information Evenings

Thank you to our dedicated teachers for their thorough preparation and commitment to ensuring our Parent Information Evenings were both informative and engaging. Your professionalism and dedication to fostering strong connections between home and school are truly valued.

To our parents, we appreciate your attendance and thoughtful feedback. A strong partnership between school and home is fundamental to supporting our students in their faith, learning, and wellbeing at St Paul’s.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in support of your child’s success.

Angela Pecnik

Principal

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. 

NAPLAN will take place from Wednesday 12 March to Monday 24 March. 

St Paul's Test Schedule for Year 3 & 5

The NAPLAN tests will be completed online with the exception of the Year 3 students who will complete the writing assessment on paper.

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 2025, 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 to familiarise themselves with NAPLAN and the types of questions and tools available. Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not required nor recommended. 

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. Those students identified as requiring adjustments will be provided a consent form to sign. 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 or Mrs Benoit.

We are delighted to welcome our new Kindergarten students and their families to St Paul’s. It has been wonderful to see our youngest learners settling so well into their classroom and playground routines.

I would like to extend my appreciation to Miss Ryan, Miss Tonini, and Mrs Fogliada for their dedication in fostering positive connections with the students, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and engaged in their learning.

I also want to acknowledge our parents and carers, your support of school routines has played a vital role in ensuring a smooth and successful transition for your children. At St Paul’s, we value the strong partnership between home and school, and we look forward to working together as your children embark on this exciting journey of faith, learning, and growth.

Thank you for being part of our community, where in the richness of our Catholic faith and tradition, we achieve excellence.

BEGINNING OF YEAR MASS AND COMMISSIONING OF SCHOOL STUDENT LEADERS

On Friday 7th February we had our 2025 Beginning of School Year Mass in the Church. The School Captains, Vice Captains, House / Sports Captains and all Year 6 student leaders received their badges and read their commitment to the role they are taking in 2025. Father Leo blessed class crucifixes which were distributed to each class following Mass. Photos of our school students leaders are in the Year 6 Celebration of Learning.

SHROVE TUESDAY

Shrove Tuesday or ‘Pancake Tuesday’ takes place the day before Ash Wednesday. It is the day that Christians are encouraged to go to confession in preparation for the penitential season that ends 40 days and 40 nights later with Easter Sunday.

Over the years Shrove Tuesday not only became a day for Confession but a time for Catholics to feast on eggs, sugar and dairy which are traditionally restricted during the Lenten fast. These foods became pancakes.

On Tuesday 4th March, pikelets (a smaller version of the pancake) will be available to purchase on the front playground. The money will go towards "Project Compassion". Project Compassion donations support Caritas Australia's community development and emergency relief programs in partnership with marginalised communities around the world.

DIOCESAN LAUNCH OF PROJECT COMPASSION

On Tuesday 4th March, our school captains along with Mrs Marsh will be attending the Diocesan Launch of Project Compassion in Warrawong. Project Compassion boxes will be sent home with students on Ash Wednesday.

ASH WEDNESDAY

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent. At the Ash Wednesday Liturgy we receive a cross on our forehead of ash. This year we will celebrate wit

h a liturgy on Wednesday 5th March in the Church for Years 1-6 at 9:30am. Parents are welcome to attend. Kindergarten will receive ashes in their classroom during a prayer celebration.

GRADE MASSES FOR TERM ONE

Students from Years 3 to 6 will attend the Parish Mass this term on Friday’s at 9:30am. Below are the dates for the Masses. Parents and Carers are invited to attend Mass with the students.

ASSEMBLIES 2025

Each grade will have the opportunity to present an assembly fortnightly on Wednesday afternoons in the hall at 2:30pm. ACE, Principal and Mary MacKillop Awards will be presented at these assemblies. Parents are welcome to attend. Please see below the dates for Semester One.

Term 1

Week 4	Wednesday 19th February	Year 5
Week 6	Wednesday 5th March	Year 2
Week 8	Wednesday 19th March	Year 4
Week 10	Wednesday 2nd April	Year 1

Term 2

Week 4	Wednesday 21st May	Year 6
Week 6	Wednesday 4th June	Year 3
Week 8	Wednesday 18th June	Kindergarten

MINI - VINNIES

What is Mini Vinnies?

Mini Vinnies empowers primary school students to become advocates within their school and local community by putting their values into action. Students meet regularly to learn about social justice issues, develop leadership skills and engage with the wider St Vincent de Paul Society.

This year our Mini-Vinnies group will be meeting on Monday at Recess in 6 Red. Mini-Vinnies is open to all students from Year 3 to Year 6. 

Mrs Jodi Marsh

Religious Education Coordinator

Students gathered as a school community on Monday to revise our Arrival Procedures.  This includes:

• Walking only
• Ensuring all students are wearing a St Paul's hat as they enter the school grounds
• Ball games are not permitted
• Packing up and sitting in class lines promptly once the first bell rings
• Noise level 0 before the second bell rings

Classroom Behaviour Matrix

During the Parent Information Nights, tecahers are sharing their PB4L Classroom Behaviour Matrix.  These behavioural expectations stimulate how students can demonstrate respectful, responsible and safe behaviours when engaging in various classroom activities.  These Matrixes were developed alongside students and are designed to support students with describing positive behaviour.  For further details, please contact your child's classroom teacher via the school office. 

Bus Safety Week runs from Monday 17 - Sunday 23 February 2025. This year's theme is Be Bus Aware.

Key messages for students regarding bus safety are:

• Use the hand-rail to help get on and off the bus.
• Take a seat quickly and place large bags or bulky items under the seat. Avoid placing any items in the aisle that might cause a hazard
• Buckle up if the bus has seatbelts.
• If you are standing, hold on at all times.
• Stay alert and avoid being distracted by mobile devices and headphones.
• Press the stop button well before your stop to give the driver plenty of time to stop.
• Stay in your seat until the bus has come to a complete stop.

Key messages for parents and carers regarding bus safety are:

• You are responsible for getting your child to and from the bus stop safely.
• When travelling by bus, your child is most at risk in the minutes after they get off the bus.
• Always supervise your child and hold their hand when walking to and from the bus stop and when crossing the road, until they are at least 10 years old
• Meet your child at the designated stop time on the same side of the road as the bus stop – never call your child across the road.
• Remind your children to always ‘wait until the bus has gone before choosing a safe place to cross the road.’
• Talk to your children about Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time they cross the road:
  • Stop one step back from the kerb
  • Look continuously both ways
  • Listen for the sounds of approaching traffic
  • Think whether it is safe to cross and keep checking until safely across.
• Encourage your child to take a seat quickly when they get on the bus and to buckle up if the bus has seat belts.
• If you have recently moved, or your child is starting or changing schools, make sure you plan your trip in advance.

These fact sheets provide additional information for parenst and carers in supporting their children to Be Bus Aware

Helping your child around buses

Bus safety for school students

ST PAUL’S CCSI GOALS FOR 2025

Focus Area: Student Learning and Wellbeing (LTW 23+)

AIP Goal : Through evidence-informed, contemporary pedagogical practices, students will be engaged and demonstrate growth in their learning.

The staff will continue to have Professional Learning throughout the year that supports them in their pedagogy and planning to achieve our school Annual Improvement Plan (AIP). 

School Cyclic Inquiry - In 2024, St Paul’s engaged in the School Cyclic Inquiry process. This was an extensive process that all members of our school community participated in to determine strategic planning goals that will ensure continual school improvement over the next 4 years. The school is currently engaging in formulating our four year goals this term, these are are School Strategic Improvement Plan. We will share these goals once they have been finalised. 

Patricia Staff

Instructional Coach

At each assembly of Year 6 Leaders present a report to the school about the events of the previous weeks. Here is a copy of their report that was shared at today’s assembly.

Senior Student Leadership Report: 

In Week Two, Kindergarten started, a day later than Years 1-6 in the hall but they only went to the morning assembly on the 12th, lucky them.

The E safety webinar was a couple of weeks ago where people talked to us about the safety of social media.  We learned a lot about how to judge fake or true information.

The whole school was really excited about starting school again and here are some reasons why:

• Early Stage One / Stage 1: Students loved playing with friends, playing new games, changing grades and classrooms. Playing with toys, making new friends, drawing and learning new experiences

• Stage 2: Free time on iPads, compost, learning, meeting their new teachers and especially playing with friends. The reading corner and mindful corner was most definitely the top favourite.

• Stage 3: In Stage Three we look forward to meeting our buddies and creating new friends. We also have a lot of responsibilities like being the role models of the school.

On Monday of Week Four we had our swimming carnival. Students competed in a variety of events with great sportsmanship. Thank you to the parents and staff who contributed to the running of the day.

This is the school leaders signing out for the week. 

Sienna, Logan, Magdalena and Harrison

These students have received their Awards at the Week 4 Assembly:

ACE Awards:
Anaya 3R
William 4R
Brianna 5B

Principal's Awards:
Anaya 3R
Eli B 4R
William 4R
Vito 5B
Brianna 5B

Mary MacKillop Awards:
Brianna 5B

These students will receive their Awards at the Week 6 Assembly:

ACE Awards:
Sienna V 1B
Charlie G 1B
Seb 1B
Cleo 1B
Oliver 1R
Amelia V 2R
Angelo A 2R
Wes 5B
Christian 6B
Grace 6B

Principal's Awards:
Amelia V 2R
Angelo A 2R
Christian 6B

Thank you to the parents that have placed their order in this Issue of Book Club! Issue 1 will be closing on Thursday 20th of February so there is still time to order if you haven't already. One of the most popular titles we've noticed in this Issue is Ninja Girl. A brand new series from bestselling author Anh Do. Be sure to scan the QR code in the catalogue for a sneak peak of the first chapter! 

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept cash payments. Parents can order and pay online using a Credit Card via the LOOP. 


Thank you.

Lauren Wilson and Christine Calleja
Book Club Co-ordinators

2025 School Fee Information

School fees for 2025 have now been invoiced and statements will be issued by the end of Week One with annual or first instalment payment due on 28 February 2025. You may also view your school fee account in the Compass Parent Portal. Please note that if you have instalments set up, they will only be visible on your school fee statement and not in the Parent Portal.

Please note the following:

• The invoicing of school fees and the distribution of school fee statements each month, is a function carried out by the Catholic Education Office.
• Payment of fees, whether as an annual payment or payment by instalments is due on the date/s provided on your school fee statement.
• If an amendment is made to your school fee account e.g. your child changes subjects in a secondary school, etc. you will be emailed a statement which will provide a new schedule of payments and due dates. Please review this schedule to make any changes to your payments that are necessary.

Reminders for late payments

SMS and email reminders are automatically generated by our accounting software based on the number of days a payment is overdue and are distributed by the Catholic Education Office. For those families that may have difficulty in paying their school fees, these reminders may cause some distress. This is not our intention. Our intention is to support the collection of school fee accounts centrally and in so doing, alleviate some of the administrative work of our schools.

School fee account enquiries

Please note, the Catholic Education Office is now your main point of contact for queries relating to school fees.  You can contact the Fee Team via email sflo@dow.catholic.edu.au or by telephone 02 4250 9649. You can still speak to the school office who will advise if you need to contact the Fee Team regarding your matter.

If you wish to pay by instalments

Many families have already elected to pay their school fees by instalments. If you wish to avail yourself of this option, please complete a Request to Pay by Instalment Form, which is available on St Paul's Albion Park website or at the school office. On completion of the request either email it to instalments@dow.catholic.edu.au or submit at St Paul's Albion Park school office. Following receipt of the request, instalments will be generated on your account and a schedule of payments and due dates will be provided on your next school fee statement. Please note it is only necessary to complete this form once during the period of child/children’s enrolment unless you wish to amend your payment frequency.

Difficulty with payment

If you are experiencing financial difficulty, we encourage you to contact the School Fees Team at CEO to discuss an arrangement that will assist you to meet your commitments. This may include the completion of a Diocesan Application for Fee Concession, you would need to contact the Fee Team to request a form. Be reassured that your situation will be treated with strict confidentiality and respect for your circumstances. 

For further information regarding school fees, please access the Diocesan School Fee Management Policy and Frequently Asked Questions which is available on our website.

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 Assistant 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.

St Paul's Uniform Policy

As we begin the school year, please be reminded of the uniform expectations of students.  We appreciate your support in ensuring students are wearing the required uniform, as outlined in our St Paul's Uniform Policy. 

Please join us for the Parents and Friends Annual General Meeting and Term 1 Meeting on Wednesday 5th March at 6pm 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.

CCSP invites all parents and carers to join us for our Term 1 free webinars.

Please register using the links. We look forward to seeing you online!

SCHOOLSPEAK 101

Presented by Mary Ryan, Head of Professional Learning, CSNSW

Tuesday 25 February, 12.30pm – 1pm

 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

OR

Wednesday 26 February, 7.30pm – 8pm
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Download the flyer

DREAM BIG

Help your child find their passion by encouraging curiosity and creativity.
For parents and carers of primary school students. 

Presented by Beyond

Wednesday 5 March 2025, 12:30pm – 1pm

REGISTER: https://tinyurl.com/think-big-webinar

Download the flyer

ALGORITHMS AND ADOLESCENTS

For parents and carers of upper primary and secondary school students
Find out about the rewards and risks of recommender systems for young people

Presented by eSafety Commissioner Team

Wednesday 19 March 2025, 7pm – 7.30pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Download the flyer

Regards,

Cath Garrett-Jones
Executive Director

PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS

CONFIRMATION

Dear Parents and Carers of Catholic children in Year 6 in 2025,

If you wish for your child to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2025, there will be a Parent Discernment Meeting on Tuesday, 26 February 2025 at 7:00pm in the church.

This meeting is for parents and carers only. If you are unable to attend this meeting, you will need to arrange a private meeting with Father Leo. No application forms will be issued to anyone who has not attended either the Discernment Meeting or a meeting with Father Leo.

Please check St Paul’s Parish website (https://stpaulsparish.org.au/parish-sacramental-programs/) for information on dates and Parish expectations for next year’s Sacramental Program.

Many thanks

Therese McQuade

Co-ordinator, Sacramental Programmme            
St Paul’s Parish, Albion Park

Please find below the schedule for First Reconciliation and First Communion for 2025. These sacraments are for students in Year Three or older. Further details can be found on the Parish website.