Dear parents, carers, staff and students,

Last weekend members of our school community joined other Catholic Primary Schools from other diocesan schools in the annual Catholic Primary Schools Basketball Challenge in Albury. It was a great opportunity to meet other students from country and city schools in the friendly games that St Patrick’s, St Anne’s and Holy Spirit Catholic Parish Primary Schools, Albury hosted and organised so efficiently.

I have included some aspects of our weekend and can safely report to the school community that I was ever so proud and thankful of the commitment of our students and the support of our families. Yes, it was certainly a long trip down to Albury. The weekend served two purposes one to allow the children to play basketball and the other for some social interaction with other families.

I thank the staff for their support and giving up their weekend to be with our children. To all our teachers who supervised the classes to allow the staff to travel away so that we were not travelling and arriving in the dark, grateful thanks.

In my last Newsletter I informed you that I would have additional information about the Holy Rosary and how we are asked to have some time in our prayer life to pray the Rosary. This very special prayer to Mary during the month of October encompasses the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and the part that Mary had before and after the birth of Jesus.

The Popes have always recommended the Rosary and placed repeated emphasis on it.

It is not just a vocal prayer but also a mental prayer; it is a personal as well as a communal prayer.

It is a form of prayer that leads us to experience Christ through Mary. 

The repetitive chant-like prayers bring our minds and hearts to a stillness that opens us to the presence of God in our lives.

In that stillness, we know we have a Mother who is always with us in prayer and who leads us to do the will of God in our lives.

Originally there were 15 mysteries of the Rosary. In the year 2002 Pope John Paul added the Luminous Mysteries also known as the Mysteries of Light, making a complete Rosary a total of 20 mysteries.

These 20 mysteries are divided into four categories containing 5 mysteries each.

When we pray the Rosary, in between each decade (Our Father, 10 Hail Marys and Glory Be) we reflect on a mystery.

The Joyful Mysteries – The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Birth of Jesus, The Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple and The Finding of Jesus in the Temple.

The Luminous Mysteries– The Baptism of Jesus, The Wedding at Cana, The Proclaiming of the Kingdom, The Transfiguration and The Institution of the Eucharist.

The Sorrowful Mysteries – The Agony in the Garden, Scourging at the Pillar, Crowning with Thorns, Carrying of the Cross and the Crucifixion.

I wish all families a happy week with all that brings families together. Enjoy the cooler weather and remember that in all that we do we keep Jesus in the middle of all that we do.

I ask our Loving God to shower you and your family with many blessings.

Colleen Easton, Principal

I invite you to join the students as they attend Mass each Friday. The children love to have their parents attend all school events and attendance at Mass is even more special to them. Please join your children at the Parish Mass ay 9.30am.

Thanks to all those who come along when our students have been to Mass.

• Week 4, Term 4 - Friday 8 November - Year 3 attending
• Week 5, Term 4 - Friday 15 November - Year 4 attending
• Week 6, Term 4 - Friday 22 November - Year 5 attending
• Week 7, Term 4 - Friday 29 November - Kindergarten attending

Our Week 2, Term 4 Waste Free Warrior Winners are:

• Sam Goodwin - Year 3 Red
• Ayokunmi Adewumi - Year 3 Red
• Zane Stroemer - Year 6 Blue
• Kobe Dunn - Year 5 Blue
• Azaleah Hili - Year 3 Red

Our Week 3, Term 4 Waste Free Warrior Winners are:

• Noah Abnett - Year 6 Red
• Angus Bancroft - Year 5 Blue
• Eamon McCann - Year 3 Red
• Luke Tsolkas - Year 3 Blue
• Declan McCann - Year 5 Blue

Congratulations to these students who received an SPB4L Award in Week 3 Term 4 for following school rules in the playground:

• Addison Dunn - Year 2 Red
• Leah Carbonara - Year 3 Red
• Aden Nixon - Year 2 Blue
• Poppy Faulks - Year 2 Blue
• Kate Bancroft - Year 1 Red

Principal's Awards

Congratulations Emily Hooper, Ella Di Martino, Jane Carbonara, Jordan Miller who received a Principal's Award last Term at our Assembly on Friday 1 November 2019.

Mary MacKillop Award

Congratulations Matthew Shepherd, Sienna Dawson and Chloe Barnes who received a Mary MacKillop Award last Term at our Assembly on Friday 1 November 2019.

Congratulations Ebony McCloy, Amy Jedrzejczak, Arabella O'Shea and Eamon McCann who will receive a Mary MacKillop Award at our next Assembly on Friday 15 November 2019.

Next Assembly will be held on Friday 15 November 2019 - Week 5 Term 4 commencing at 2:20 pm in the hall and will be presented by Year 1.

Parents are asked to use the Parish side entrance to the hall.

I do not wish to have the news report on a tragedy at St Paul's.  Thanks to all parents and carers who look out for our children's safety.

November 11, 2019, also known as Armistice Day, will mark 101 years since the end of the First World War, with a range of tributes and commemorations set to take place across the country.  Every year in November, the nation marks the wars that have scarred our past and the bravery of the men and women who fought them. Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, which fall on Sunday November 10 and Monday November 11 this year, offer us all a chance to remember not just those who fought, but what they fought for.

Remembrance Day in Australia is dedicated to Australians who died as a result of war, particularly from World War I onwards. A minute of silence is dedicated to the deceased, especially for soldiers who died fighting to protect the nation. Remembrance Day is annually observed on November 11.

Many Australians stop what they are doing at exactly 11am in their local times on November 11 each year to dedicate a minute of silence for those who died in war, especially soldiers from as far back as World War I. Those who join in this act of remembrance include teachers, students, politicians, and workers.

Attendance at the RSL Albion Park: Our School Captains and Pastoral Care Team will join me at the Albion Park RSL on Monday 11 November

The school community will assemble in the Front Playground for a short commemorative prayer to mark this special day.

We have had several enquiries about a Fee Statement.  Unfortunately, since migrating to the new new finance system for the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) TECH1 and Compass we are unable to print statements.
The CEDoW Finance Team are still working towards this being able to happen in the future.

In the meantime you can access a 'statement' from your Compass Parent Portal.  PLEASE DO NOT USE THE APP TO ACCESS THE COMPASS PARENT PORTAL FOR SCHOOL FEES - THIS FEATURE IS NOT ACTIVATED AND SHOWS NO INFORMATION.  You need to access the Compass Parent Portal via a Browser.

On your front page if there is any payments owing there will be a green highlighted section at the righthandside top of the page.  You can click on this link to take you to the payment section.  Alternatively you can click on the cog in the top righthand corner next to your login name and select payments.

To make a payment select the Action Tab.  To view your 'statement' select the History Tab.  Your balance owing (or credit balance) is displayed in the top righthand corner of this screen.

Should you require any assistance with accessing your Compass Parent Portal please contact the school office and we will happily assist you.

Parents who pay by BPay, Direct Debit and Centrepay using their old SAS Reference Numbers may continue to do so.

If you are experiencing difficulty in paying your school fees, please make an appointment to discuss this matter with Mrs Easton.

Just a friendly reminder that all school fee balances for 2019 need to be finalised by 6 December 2019.

Lisa Payne, Senior School Support Officer

Bee Wax Wraps - created by the Students of St Paul’s are now available for purchase.

Some of our Year 5 Environmental Warriors have been busy making sustainable Bee Wax Wraps. These are a great alternative to single use plastics SUP such as cling wrap and zip lock bags. They are perfect for wrapping crunch and sip snacks, a sandwich, a piece of fruit or a lunch box treat! Simply use the warmth of your hands to mold the wrap into its shape. Wash with cold, soapy water and drip dry and re-use.

Our students have been busy researching sustainable alternatives to single use plastics and believe they have found the perfect solution. They are an alternative to using cling wrap. These will even solve your missing crunch and sip container problems. We are selling a lunch pack, which includes 3 wraps for $15. They would be perfect for your lunch box or for use at home.

HOW TO ORDER?

To order, please write your family name, child’s name and class in an envelope and send into the office. We will send them home with the eldest child.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY BEE'S WRAP?

Wash your Bee’s Wrap in cool water with mild dish soap. Avoid sources of heat, such as hot water and microwaves. Air dry, fold and store away. The organic beeswax antibacterial qualities that help to keep your food fresh and allow you to use the Bee's Wrap again and again.

Stage 3

Sixteen students from the four Southern Illawarra Catholic Schools (SICS) Stage 3 Science and Technology STEM Enrichment morning to be held at St Joseph's Catholic High School. The day will be held on Friday 15 November 2019.  There will be eight Stage 3 students from Stella Maris, Shellharbour; and St Paul’s, Albion Park, participating on the day. The focus for the day will be a Science investigation, with a focus on STEM.

Stage 2

Sixteen students from the four Southern Illawarra Catholic Schools (SICS) Stage 2 Science and Technology STEM Enrichment morning to be held at Corpus Christi High School. The day will be held on Wednesday 20 November 2019.  There will be four Stage 2 students from Stella Maris, Shellharbour; Nazareth, Shellharbour City; Ss Peter & Paul’s, Kiama and St Paul’s, Albion Park, participating on the day. The focus for the day will be a Science investigation, with a focus on STEM.

A Tender to Operate our School Canteen commencing on 28 January 2020 was emailed yesterday to suggested suppliers provided by the Finance Team at Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong.

If parents or carers know of a company or person who may be interested in tendering to operate our Canteen please ask them to contact the school office and the tender documents can be emailed to them.

Mrs Maria Bancroft announced last Friday the winners of the Fun Run profiles and the money raised by the students. Kiri Sherry of Kindergarten Red received the major prize together with Dejay Schutz and Archie Newing both of Year 4 Blue.

We sincerely thank all those who supported this P & F fundraising. This event raised approximately $11 000.00. This will be used to purchase Science and Sport Resources in 2020.

Thanks to all those who attended our meeting. I ask that parents and carers take this opportunity to attend these meetings, as this is another avenue for you to be involved with the life of your child’s school. At this meeting, I requested a sum of funding that had been put aside some time ago to plant a hedge along the front fence. I am pleased to inform you that the landscaping of the front playground has been partly completed and it looks fantastic. There is still some work to be completed on the other side of the entrance to the school. The grass that was laid has taken well and we all await the fences to come down.

Thanks to the P & F for the funds to beautify our school, the hard working parents of the P & F who do so much in such creative ways to support the school.

I thank all the boys and girls who have been so patient and understanding when there were restrictions put on the use of their playing space. Yes, soon boys and girls you will be able to get your own handballs when the fences are removed. Thank you.

Last Friday Mr Thomas Hayes Store manager at Woolworths Albion Park attended our Year 5 Assembly and presented the school with the Resources that our school earned through the promotion of acquiring shopping stickers from Woolworths.

We are very grateful to the parents and family members who saved the stickers for our school. 

We are now in our third session of Transition to School for our Kindergarten students. What a welcoming opportunity for all new students and their families!!!!  From all accounts the parents, grandparents have been coming along and watching our new Kindergarten students interacting during play. The Year Five students have been supporting the students and having just as much fun showing them how to play and have fun.

The Kindergarten students are familiarising themselves with the school and the other students from this cohort.

The newer parents are engaging with the parents who have been here for a short time and learning some of the routines we have at St Paul’s.

The Kindergarten teachers are observing the children to ascertain their needs and getting to know them.

This week they did something different, the Kindergarten teachers took the students into the library for Story time rather than having them in the hall.

Next week is our final week of Playgroup.

The Orientation Day for all Kindergarten students and their parents will be held on Wednesday 20 November from 9:00 am – 12 noon.

On Thursday 14 November ten of our students from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 are invited with their families to be to acknowledged for their work at the “The Good, The Beautiful, The True. Student Critical, Creative and Reflective Thinking" 2019 SPLICED Publication and Website launch including morning tea on arrival.

The following students have been selected: Thomas Allen, Sienna Allitt, Olivia Barrett, Sophie Parker, Ella Di Martino, Hayley Frendo, Tamara Frendo, Elias Maounis, Rebecca McGlashan and Janae Roberston.

Mr Peter Turner, Director of Schools and special guests will be attending to make the presentations of the 2019 Publication and certificates to each student, launch the website and address the audience.

Mrs Relf will accompany the students at the presentation and launch.

Congratulations boys and girls your creative work is to be commended well done!

The Catholic Bishops of Australia have announced a National Prayer Campaign for the gift of rain during November

The faithful across the country are encouraged to pray for the gift of rain, for people affected by the drought and to provide practical support, where possible. The bishops note that large parts of the country are directly affected by the drought, but the impact is national—and so should the response be national. For access to prayer resources and links to donate to the Diocese of Bathurst Drought Appeal and the Vinnies NSW Drought Appeal, see Limited copies of the official prayer for rain can be found in the narthex.

Catechist Coordinator

Due to extra work commitments, our current Catechist Coordinator, Cath Heys, can no longer continue in the role after the end of this year. The role is mostly an administrative one, liaising with the State Schools’ staff, Bishop’s Office staff and our own catechists. This important role of Coordinator needs to be filled by the beginning of 2020. It is not necessary to be a currently serving catechist. If you think you can help, please contact the parish office. Cath Heys is happy to provide resources and initial support in the role.

West Dapto Catholic Cemetry Book Launch

Friday 22 November, 7 pm at the Dapto Ribbonwood Centre. Come and celebrate the launch of the largest Dapto local history work ever published! You will also be able to collect your pre-ordered copy. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP names and numbers to Wendy and Terry Nunan, or 4257 0042 by 20 November to assist with catering and to ensure your pre-ordered book is to hand. Additional copies will also be available for purchase.

Try Year 7 for a DAy at St Mary's or Edmund Rice College - Year 5 Students

Thursday 7 or Friday 8 November 2019  St. Mary’s College and Edmund Rice College invite Year 5 students to spend a fun day at high school where they will get to try a range of activities in subjects they will actually study in Year 7. Parents/Carers can register online for their son/daughter to Try Year 7 For a Day. For more information, visit our websites.

Liturgical Ministry Training

The 2019 diocesan training course for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Adult Altar Servers will be held at the Xavier Conference Centre, Wollongong, on Saturday 23 November from 10 am to 2 pm.

Members of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission will lead two sessions in the morning covering the common ministry of extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and one session after lunch for servers. Morning tea and lunch provided.

For more information contact Paul Mason at liturgy@dow.org.au or 4222 2462. Registration essential to Anthony Rewak on 4222 2465 or anthony.rewak@dow.org.au

Plenary 2020 Phase 2 Listening and Discernment Sessions

Our Parish will be holding Phase 2 Plenary 2020 Listening and Discernment sessions on Monday 11 November 7pm-8.30pm and Tuesday 12 November 1.30pm-2.30 pm. In preparation for the sessions please find an outline of the 6 Plenary themes in the Plenary 2020 brochure, which you can pick up from the narthex. During the sessions we will be invited to break into groups to discern and respond to the various themes. Therefore, prior to discernment, we are encouraged to read further information on the theme or themes that particularly interest us. This information is available at the Plenary 2020 website at

If you are interested in our Parish Plenary 2020 Phase 2 Discernment Sessions please add your name and indicate your interested theme to the Plenary 2020 Phase 2 sheet in the narthex.

Where is the Dream Leading Us

Jamberoo Lay Carmelites invite you to join them in a Day of Reflection to look at what we are being called to do as a crisis unfolds in the Catholic Church. Led by Fr John Crothers, the day will look at the Church’s current situation, where we fit in that, and how we might help keep the Jesus Dream alive. Saturday 16 November 10 am to 3 pm St Matthew’s Church, Jamberoo. Light Lunch Provided Donation $20 per person RSVP: Mary: ph. 4232 2970 Email: Gabrielle

Aid to the Church in Need

Fr Bernard Gordon, VG, invites you all to an evening of devotional prayers and Mass on Wednesday 20 November commencing 6pm at St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Wollongong. In support of the Christian faithful wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or in pastoral need. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is a Catholic charity helping to bring Christ to the world through Prayer, Information and Action. In support of the ACN the Cathedral will be lit up in red from 7:30 pm to 10 pm. All welcome.

Please find attached two flyers that were sent to us from NSW Health in relation to vaccinations that current Year 6 students will receive in Year 7 2020.

The University of Wollongong would like to invite your students to LITTLE and EARLY LEARNING LABS, an academic enrichment holiday program. We are targeting students from Year 1 to 6 during 2019, who are passionate, self-motivated and curious learners. Dates:                   

• Little Learning Labs (Years 1 and 2): 6^th – 8^th January 2020
• Early Learning Labs (Years 3 to 6): 14^th – 16^th January 2020 

Venue: University of Wollongong (Wollongong campus only)
Applications close: 12 November 2019

The Hidden Forest music festival is a full day of delicious food, craft beer and wine, handmade markets, relaxation and, of course, great music happening on Saturday 14 December. Gates will be open from 2pm.

Tucked away in the magical woodland setting of Blackbutt Forrest, The Hidden Forest brings together a carefully crafted medley of local and nationally recognised artists that will have you grooving from day to night.

Set to round out the Shellharbour Surf and Skate Festival with a bang - start gathering your mates, pack your picnic blanket and get ready for the newest annual music festival in the beautiful coastal city of Shellharbour.

Tickets on sale now at surfskateshellharbour.com