Dear Parents and Carers,

On Monday, 17 March, I was delighted to welcome both new and existing families on a tour of our school. Our Year 6 leaders and selected Year 5 students, alongside our School Leadership Team, guided families through our learning and playground spaces, sharing their experiences with great enthusiasm.

It was heartwarming to hear our student leaders speak so highly of their learning experiences, whether in the classroom, through our Creative Arts and Robotics programs, or on the many exciting excursions they have enjoyed over the years. Their pride in our school was truly evident, and the positive feedback from parents reinforced the strong sense of community we cherish at St Paul’s. 

Following the school tour, I reflected on the important role parents play in their child’s education. From birth to five years old, parents lay the foundation for their child's growth and development. As they transition into primary school, this development is further nurtured by the educators in their lives, teachers, support staff, Stage Leaders, Principal, and Assistant Principal. During these formative years, children navigate the expectations set by both home and school. For our students to truly thrive, there must be a strong alignment between the values and behavior expectations in both environments.

A few weeks ago, while attending Mass with Fr Leo, he delivered a powerful homily about how our words reflect the state of our hearts. He reminded us that what we say, whether words of kindness or negativity, reveals our spiritual health. This message is especially relevant as we guide our young children, who learn not only from what we teach them but also from how we speak and act.

As parents and educators, we are their primary role models. Our words shape their character and influence the way they see and treat others. If they hear encouragement, honesty, and respect, they will naturally embrace these values. Conversely, if they hear gossip, harsh criticism, or unkindness, they may adopt these habits as well. As the Gospel reminds us, "A man’s words flow out of what fills his heart."

During Lent, we are given the perfect opportunity to reflect on our own shortcomings and seek God’s help in purifying our hearts. This sacred season calls us to self-examination, repentance, and renewal. None of us are perfect, but through prayer and a conscious effort to speak with kindness and integrity, we can create a home and school environment where love, respect, and faith flourish. Let us ask the Lord to guide our words so that they uplift and inspire rather than harm or discourage.

May we all use this Lenten season to grow in faith, be mindful of our speech, and encourage our children to do the same, knowing that our words shape not only their character but also their faith.

Angela Pecnik

Principal

Congratulations to the Year 3 and Year 5 students who completed their NAPLAN assessments over the last week. The students should be very proud of the way they approached these assessment. Later in the year parents will be receive a report outlining their child's achievements.

The reports will report to parents using the following 4 levels of achievement:

• Exceeding
• Strong
• Developing
• Needs additional support

The descriptors for each category make it clear to parents what their child’s literacy and numeracy skills are at the time of NAPLAN testing, and support discussions with their school on their child’s progress.

Students who were absent for any of the assessments will continue to make up these assessments throughout the week.

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with a Disability (NCCD) takes place every year.

The NCCD is a collection that counts: 

• the number of school students receiving an adjustment or ‘help’ due to disability or learning difficulties 
• the level of adjustment they are receiving to access education on the same basis as other students. 

The NCCD process is a mandatory process which occurs throughout the year culminating in August when data is collected and schools provide this information to educational authorities.

Parents and carers of children with specific learning needs (diagnosed or imputed) will have an opportunity to meet with teachers either in person or via telephone in the last two weeks of Term 1.

At this meeting, staff will discuss each child's learning goals, adjustments provided to achieve these learning goals and current progress in relation to these learning goals. 

Conferences will be set up on Compass for parents to book in. Letters will be sent home this week to the families who have a child with a current Personalised Plan (PP).

At St Paul's we are fortunate to be able to have a CatholicCare Counsellor, Mrs Michelle Donachy, on site four days a week (Monday - Thursday).

The video below highlights the support available for students through CatholicCare school counsellors.

If your child would benefit from support from our CatholicCare Counsellor please reach out to Mrs Benoit for further information.

ST JOSEPH’S DAY - 19TH MARCH

Saint Joseph is well known as the head of the Holy Family. He is silent in scripture, yet, spoken words are not needed for us to understand his integrity and godliness. 

Here is what Pope Benedict XVI says: “The silence of Saint Joseph is given a special emphasis. His silence is steeped in contemplation of the mystery of God in an attitude of total availability to divine desires. It is a silence thanks to which Joseph, in unison with Mary, watches over the Word of God, known through the Sacred Scriptures, continuously comparing it with the events of the life of Jesus; a silence woven of constant prayer, a prayer of blessing of the Lord, of the adoration of His holy will and of unreserved entrustment to his providence. It is no exaggeration to think that it was precisely from his “father” Joseph that Jesus learned… Let us allow ourselves to be “filled” with Saint Joseph’s silence! In a world that is often too noisy, that encourages neither recollection nor listening to God’s voice.” 

Saint Joseph is the guardian and patron of the Universal Church, as well as of many causes including workers, fathers, and a happy death, due to the tradition that he died in Jesus and Mary’s arms.

PROJECT COMPASSION

Thank you for your generosity. The Mini Vinnies team has collected $77.15 from the classroom Project Compassion boxes so far. If you have a box at home that is full, please send it into school.

Second Week of Lent

(Week beginning Monday 17 March

Toefuata'iga - (Toy-foo-ah-tah-ing-ah) is a 13-year-old primary school student from Samoa. Samoa may be a country surrounded by water, but access to clean drinking water is scarce in some areas, with many families facing extreme hardship as a result.

Toefuata’iga’s school community struggled without reliable access to clean water, which impacted students’ education and hygiene. Teachers often had to leave the school to fetch water from nearby homes, disrupting lessons and adding strain to the community. When the water ran out at the school, students were sent home which meant they missed out on valuable learning time.

Thanks to the support of Caritas Australia in partnership with Caritas Samoa, Toefuata’iga’s school now has a 10,000 L water tank through a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program. Teachers and students are now able to focus on education and improved hygiene.

“Now that we have the water tank, things are so much better, we can stay at school all day, and I get to spend more time learning and playing with my friends. I’m happy that we don’t have to go home early anymore.” – said Toefuata'iga.

This transformative story is just one example of how Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion creates waves of change around the world.

Watch Toefuata'iga’s story here.

Will you stand with students like Toefuata'iga this Lent?

 

Please donate today.

You can support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation boxes, envelopes or by scanning the QR code above.
Or online at: caritas.org.au/project-compassion
Or by calling: 1800 024 413

Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.

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

Term 2

Mrs Jodi Marsh

Religious Education Coordinator

We are your senior leader reporters Logan and Magdalena.

Over the past few weeks we have had some terrific events like NAPLAN for grades 3 & 5. Year 3 and 5 did a fantastic job keeping still and staying focussed to do this important task.

On Thursday 13 March, we had our Welcome Barbecue where we ate and talked to our friends and teachers. There were fun games such as face painting, crafts, access to the sandpit and of course the sausages and drinks. Overall, it was a great introduction for the new families of St Paul’s.

On 21 March, we will have Harmony Day where students are allowed to wear an orange accessory. Harmony Day will be a fun day where we complete activities to celebrate being an inclusive school community.

On Monday, we had a school tour for parents who are seeking to enrol their children into our school community. Years 5 and 6 assisted with the tour. They enjoyed sharing all the fun learning and play spaces at St Paul's.

Today is the feast day of St Joseph where we acknowledge all he has done as a Catholic saint and how we can be more like Joseph a man of integrity. 

Magdalena and Logan

PB4L Focus Week 7 - Transitions (including Eating Time)

Students will revise the expectations of transitions around our school.  These include:

• Transitioning from morning assembly to classrooms
• Transitioning from classrooms to play areas for eating time
• Transitioning from eating time to play time
• Transitioning from play time to classrooms
• Transitioning from classrooms to dismissal areas

PB4L Focus Week 8 - Integrity

As we celebrate St Joseph’s Feast Day and Harmony Day during Week 8, our PB4L focus is on our Term 1 school value, Integrity—We are honest and truthful, strong enough to choose to do what is right.

PB4L Focus Week 9 - Central Playground

Students will meet as a Stage to revise ways they can be Respectful, Responsible and Safe while playing on the Central Playground. This includes using some new playground equipment for our Central Playground. 

Harmony Day is a special opportunity to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity and promote inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. 

On Friday, 21st March, we invite all students to wear an orange accessory such as a ribbon, socks, or sunglasses (please note - no coloured hairspray) to show their support for inclusivity and unity. Together, we can celebrate the richness of our diverse community and reinforce the message that “Everyone Belongs.”

In Collaborative Planning during Week 6, the teachers have planned targeted teaching for each grade. Targeted teaching supports and extends students learning with short and explicit teaching on a particular focus. Have a look at targeted teaching in action in Year 1 and Year 2 ...

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We are participating in the Premier's Reading Challenge!

ACE Awards:

These students will receive their Awards at the Week 10 Assembly.

The St Paul’s 2025 Cross Country Carnival will be held at the Centenary Training Fields, Croome Road Sporting Complex  on Friday  28  March 2025. Students in Kindergarten to Year 6 are to attend the Cross Country Carnival. A Compass event has been published  for parents and carers to complete for each child to give consent to attend the St Paul’s Cross Country Carnival. 

Date: Friday 28 March 2025

Venue: Centenary Training Fields, Croome Road Sporting Complex

Time:  Students will arrive at the venue for normal school time. There will be supervision from 8.30am and the carnival will commence at 9am. The carnival will conclude at 3pm. 

Transport: Students will be transported to and from the venue by parents.

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 in their cross country race.  

Canteen Facilities: There will be a food van available on the day selling pizza, pies, sausage rolls, 2 minute noodles, hot dogs, banana bread, lollies, packets of chips, cold drinks including water, and all hot drinks . Students are asked to bring their drink bottles and recess and lunch if not purchasing from the canteen. 

Events: Students will participate in their age group for a competitive cross country race. Students will also participate in a variety of tabloid games and relays on the day, these will be with their grade. 

Please ensure you have given your child permission to attend the Cross Country Carnival via Compass.

A huge congratulations to the following students on their recent sporting achievements:

• Xavier S for his performance at the South Coast Swimming Selection Trials
• Jackson H who has been selected to participate in the MacKillop Hockey Trials to be held in Goulburn
• Billy G who attended the Diocesan Touch Football Trials
• Everly R who attended the Diocesan Netball Trials

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.

A NSW Parliament select committee has been established to inquire into and report on child development, early childhood intervention services, and other foundational and disability supports available for children and young people with developmental concerns, delays, differences, or disabilities in New South Wales.

Further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, can be found on the committee's website here. 

As part of the inquiry, the committee is seeking online submissions from NSW residents through the following questions. Responses are due by Monday 31 March 2025.

Responses may be used in the committee's report. Names and contact details of respondents will not be published. The questionnaire will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

Individual contributors can complete an online questionnaire. 

Terms of Reference.

Please see the below Canteen Meal Deals for Harmony Day.  I am also seeking parent helpers that are available on this day. Please contact me  kylie@takeabreaktuckshop.com.au
 
Thank you
Kylie Thomas

Please see the below Vacation Care flyer for the April School Holidays.