Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been a busy and productive two weeks since our last newsletter.

Our Year 3 and Year 5 students recently completed their NAPLAN testing, and I want to extend my gratitude to Mrs. Benoit, our Assistant Principal, for her meticulous organisation of the process. She ensured the students' iPads were ready and that appropriate adjustments were in place for those needing extra support. Thank you also to our Year 3 and 5 teachers for preparing the students through practice sessions, helping them feel confident in their abilities. Lastly, a big congratulations to our students for their resilience and perseverance in tackling the tests, which will provide valuable insights into their strengths and areas for growth.

Recently, parents, you had the opportunity to view your child’s English book. Viewing your child’s books will offer meaningful insights into your child's learning progress.

Learning in Action

This term, we introduced our ‘Learning in Action’ sessions, and I am delighted to have received such positive feedback from families. These sessions provide an opportunity for parents to engage in their child’s learning journey firsthand. We are excited to continue them next term with a particular focus on literacy activities. We warmly invite you to join us and actively participate in these valuable learning experiences with your child.

Celebrations & Special Events

On March 21, we celebrated Harmony Day by wearing a splash of orange. This special day acknowledges Australia's rich cultural diversity and promotes inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for all Australians, regardless of their background.

On March 25, we observed the Feast of the Annunciation, a significant day in the Catholic tradition. This solemnity commemorates the Angel Gabriel’s visit to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-38), where she gave her unwavering "Yes!" to God's plan.

On Friday, March 28, we held our annual Cross Country event, a fantastic day filled with energy and enthusiasm! A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Staff and Mrs. Benoit for their excellent coordination. I also appreciate our dedicated staff and parent helpers who contributed by setting up the course, tents, and assisting throughout the event. It was wonderful to see students engaging in the rotational activities and demonstrating perseverance in the competitive and fun running events. Congratulations to all who participated—whether walking, jogging, or running, every effort was commendable!

Today, we mark World Autism Awareness Day by wearing blue. We are incredibly fortunate to have ASPECT as part of our school community. Their students and staff enrich our school’s diversity, and we are grateful for the valuable contributions they make in helping us appreciate the unique qualities each individual brings to our dynamic environment.

Celebrating Student Success

This term, I am excited to celebrate with students who have received a Principal's Award by sharing a special afternoon tea. I am immensely proud of these students for exemplifying our school values of integrity, inclusion, perseverance, and compassion while also following our school rules of being safe, responsible, and respectful towards others.

Looking Ahead

As we approach the school holidays, I want to wish all our families a safe and enjoyable break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, April 29 for another wonderful term of learning and growth.

Warm regards,

Angela Pecnik
Principal

I would like to take a moment to remind our school community of the importance of regular and punctual attendance. Our new Attendance Policy sets an expectation that students attend school at least 90%- 100% of the time, as required by the NSW Government.

At St Paul’s, we have noticed a growing number of students arriving late or leaving early. While these partial absences may seem minor, they add up and can impact your child’s overall attendance percentage. More importantly, missing parts of the school day affects learning. Arriving late means students miss vital morning routines and lesson introductions, while leaving early means they miss key instructions about their work and preparations for the next day.

We understand that many families do their best to schedule medical and specialist appointments outside of school hours. However, we also acknowledge that in the Illawarra, accessing services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and paediatric specialists can be challenging. In these cases, a letter from the provider can be supplied to assist with the explanation of the absence.

Unfortunately, we have also noticed some students being collected early for reasons of convenience, such as aligning with St Joseph’s bell times. Please note that these absences are not considered justified.

If your child’s attendance falls below the expected threshold, we will invite you to meet with the Principal to discuss how we can support your child’s regular attendance. Our goal is to work together to ensure that every student has the best possible opportunity to learn and succeed.

Thank you for your support in making school attendance a priority. If you have any concerns or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Today we celebrated World Autism Understanding Day.

Developed in 2007 by the United Nations (UN), World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated each year on 2 April.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person’s brain develops and functions, and an estimated 1 in 40* people are on the autism spectrum. Autism can be diagnosed in people of all ages, all cultural backgrounds and economic status.

https://www.aspect.org.au/

ASPECT WALKATHON

Our Aspect students will be participating in a walkathon to raise funds for new technology for the school.

Here's a message from our Apsect classes....

We’ve stepped up to Walk for Autism. Please show your support as we walk our own brilliant way for Autistic Australians and their families!

Did you know? Because the world is not autism-friendly, 70% of Autistic people in Australia experience mental health issues.

That's why we’re walking to fundraise for Aspect South Coast (Autism Spectrum Australia). Can you please support us?

Your donation will help deliver services that support Autistic people to live their best life.

Please support our Walk for Autism and donate now. Thank you so much!

https://www.walkforautism.org.au/fundraisers/southcoastschool

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Stations of the Cross will be celebrated in Week 11 of Term 1. On Wednesday 9th April, we will have a Whole School Liturgy at 9:15am in the Hall. At this liturgy Year 6 will lead the school in remembering the Stations of the Cross.

Parents are warmly invited to attend.

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. 

Fourth Week of Lent

(Week beginning Monday 31 March)

Irene lives in a remote village in the Kongolo Region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Life hasn’t been easy for Irene. After losing her father in a war, Irene and her family were forced to flee their home. Life became even more challenging when her husband left, leaving Irene to raise her 2 children alone. Without finishing her education and with few job opportunities in her village, she struggled to provide even the basics for her family.

Things began to change when Irene joined the Youth Capacity Strengthening Program (YCSP), run by Caritas Kongolo with the support of Caritas Australia. Through the program, Irene learned sewing skills and was provided with a sewing machine and fabric. Irene also gained farming skills. Now, she grows enough food to feed her family and even shares her sewing knowledge by mentoring other women in her community.

“Before, women depended on men's income, but now, with our sewing skills, we can take care of ourselves,” Irene said.

Your support of Project Compassion helps women like Irene to create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Will you stand in solidarity with people like Irene 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

TERM TWO DATES

ANZAC DAY

The school will celebrate ANZAC Day on Tuesday 29th April with a service at 2:30pm in the hall. Year 5 will be leading this commemoration.

EASTER

The key event of the story of Jesus is the Resurrection - Easter. It is the climax of Jesus’ life and mission. After the Resurrection the disciples were changed. Their memory and understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus are all viewed through this great event of his Resurrection.

The Paschal Mystery is a central mystery of the Christian tradition. The Paschal Mystery refers to the Passion, including death, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus. Jesus suffered, died and rose from the dead, then ascended into heaven.

Students will celebrate Easter with a Liturgy on Wednesday 7th May at 2:30pm in the hall. Parents are welcome to attend.

Mrs Jodi Marsh

Religious Education Coordinator

PB4L Focus Week 9 - Central Playground

During Week 9, students revised the expectations on the Central Playground.  We have two exciting new additions to our Central Playground: Central Playground balls and a Giant Chess Set!

Students can enjoy skill-based ball games, such as throwing, catching, and passing, on the grassed area using soft balls, designated specifically to the Central Playground, which must stay on the Central Playground. 

Our Giant Chess set is moving from the Hall to the grassed area near the sandpit. 

It has been wonderful to see our students enjoying these new pieces of equipment and playing respectfully, responsibly and safely on our Central Playground.

PB4L Focus Week 10 - Respectful Behaviour at Assemblies

On Tuesday this week, we met as a school community to have a whole school practice of our Respectful Behaviour at Assemblies procedure.

Key changes to our procedure include:

• Staff will now be seated on the wall and in the aisle of the hall
• Introduction of the Noise Monitor inside the Hall

The key focus for students during assemblies if to:

• Enter and exit the assembly with zero noise level
• Use the 5 L’s of listening
• Clap respectfully
• Sing our School Song respectfully

PB4L Focus Week 11 - I can ask for help when I need it

Our Term 1 Pivot Wellbeing Survey results highlight the need for additional support in teaching students how to seek help when needed. In response, classroom teachers will dedicate time in Week 11 of Term 1 and Week 1 of Term 2 to explicitly teaching strategies for seeking help in both the classroom and the playground.

Please take note of some minor updates to our Wet Weather Dismissal Procedures.  The key change is that all students being collected from both the Front Gate and the Back Gate will now be collected from the classroom by parents.  Students will no longer walk to the Back Gate for pick up during Wet Weather dismissal. Please see the process for Wet Weather Dismissal below:

An announcement will be made to parents on Compass.  Staff and students will be made aware of Wet Weather Dismissal ahead of time. 

First bell:

• Parents may enter the school through the Front and Back Gates.
• Teachers will position themselves at the classroom door to monitor student pick-up.
• All students must remain in the classroom until collected by a parent.

Second Bell:

• Parent Collection:
  • Classroom teachers will supervise students in their classroom, ensuring they are safely collected until 3:30pm

• Bus Students:

• • Students catching the bus will move to sit outside the St Joseph’s room and on the ramp. 
  • Bus students will be supervised by a Leadership member until 3:30pm. 
  • At 3:30pm, the Bus Duty teachers will commence their duty

• OOSH:
  • Students will meet the OOSH staff outside the St Joseph’s Room.

3:30pm:

• Any remaining students waiting for parent collection will be taken to the office by their teacher. These students will be monitored by the Office Staff and parent contact made as necessary

Going on holidays is an exciting time for you and your child. Travelling to different places often means new surroundings and traffic conditions. Roads, footpaths and pedestrian facilities may look different in holiday areas. Whether it's a holiday by the beach, in the city or the bush, chances are there will be different road conditions. While you may be relaxed, it is important to talk to your child about the differences in the road and traffic environment.

Holiday parks and camping grounds also bring their own set of road safety challenges for your child. There will be more children out walking and riding bikes and scooters. Remember:

• The best way to keep your child safe on or near the road is to hold their hand.

• Talk to your child daily about road safety.

• Remind other adults and carers about this too.

ACE Awards: 
Sebastian 1B
Hayden  1B
Charlotte  1B
Amelia 1B
Benjamin 1B
Luca 3B
Harriet 3B
Johan 3B
Xavier S 3R
Grace 3R
Giulia 4R
Chanel 5B
Abbey M 5B
Jake 5B
Andrew 5R

Principal's Awards:
Jake 5B
Abbey 5B
Andrew 5R

Mary MacKillop Awards: 
Jake 5B
Abbey 5B
Andrew 5R

These students will receive their awards in Week 2 after the Easter Liturgy. 

Congratulations Flynn Glover!

Flynn was part of the Albion Park Cricket club u13s team that won the grandfinal last weekend. This has capped off a successful season, with Flynn representing and playing vital roles in numerous cricket teams.

 Including:

The Mackillop team at the NSW PSSA Championships.

South Coast u12s representative team – Which he captained.

Greater Southern Marlins u13 NSW Youth Championships.

This term 'Our Learning in Action's' were a great way for parents to participate in learning in Mathematics. Thank you to all of our parents you were able to join us. We look forward to more opportunities in the future.

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.

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

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION AND FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

PASCHAL PRECEPT

Each of the faithful is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once a year. This is to be done between Ash Wednesday (17 February) and Trinity Sunday (30 May) unless for a good reason it is done at another time during the year. All the faithful are obliged to confess their grave sins at least once a year. Just a reminder - Good Friday is a day of abstinence from meat for everyone, as well as a day of fast for those bound to fast.

EASTER

Easter is the pinnacle of the Church’s whole year.

Come and join us for any or all of the different ceremonies during Holy Week.

Palm Sunday – 13 April

• 6pm Vigil Mass
• 9am Mass

Monday of Holy Week – 14 April

• 8am Mass

Tuesday of Holy Week – 15 April

1. 8am Mass
2. 7pm Chrism Mass (Mass of the Holy Oils) at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral

Wednesday of Holy Week – 16 April

• 6pm Mass

Holy Thursday – 17 April

• 7pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday – 18 April

• Stations of the Cross @ 10am
• Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion @ 3pm
• Includes the scriptural reflection on the Lord’s Passion, the solemn intercessions, veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion for those excluded and marginalised.

Holy Saturday – 19 April

• On Holy Saturday, the church waits in silence at the tomb of Jesus, grieving and lamenting.
  According to the ancient tradition of the Church, Mass is not celebrated today.

7pm Mass of the Easter Vigil

• The Easter Vigil begins in darkness in anticipation of the resurrection of Jesus, which occurred early on Sunday – the first day of the week
• Includes the Easter Proclamation, four Scripture readings, and blessing of the Easter Water with loads of joy, music and song.

Easter Sunday – 20 April

Easter Sunday – Mass of the Resurrection

• Easter Sunday morning at 9am
  A chance to proclaim the impact of the resurrection in each of our lives.

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