The Whole School and Invited Guests will attend a Farewell Mass for Mrs Colleen Easton on Friday 6 December 2019 at 9:30 am in St Paul's Church.  Mass will be concelebrated by Fr Leo Duck and Fr David Catterall.

Following Mass a Morning Tea will be held in the hall for invited guests only.

At 12 noon a Special Assembly will be held in the hall to farewell Mrs Easton.  Parents and Carers are most welcome to join us for this Assembly.

Dear parents, carers, staff and students

As we arrive to the middle of the term, we are fast approaching the end of our school year with four weeks of school left before the Christmas break. Teachers are busily assessing students on their skills and knowledge and completing the year’s program in order to give an accurate report on student achievement. Usually at this time of the year the weather is much warmer and drier which the students enjoy and we have experienced very little of these. They do enjoy being on the Top playground during their Physical Education lessons.

This Sunday is the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year. On this Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. Each year we set aside this Sunday to reflect upon this title that we have given to Jesus. 

Let us spend some time reflecting on this special feast day. Have we thought about……this King who was born many years ago. He was different from most. What made this king different? For one thing, he didn't live in a palace. He didn't wear a beautiful robe or a jewelled crown. He had no servants to wait on him – and definitely no soldiers to fight his battles. He didn't even have a country over which to rule and there were no coins engraved with his face or his name.

By now most of us would probably have guessed who this king is.

The King is Jesus. He is not just any king; he is the King of Kings. His kingdom was not on earth, his kingdom is in heaven. That is why many people never chose to make him their king. When Jesus was on earth, the people were looking for a king who would set up a kingdom on earth. Jesus did finally wear a crown, but it wasn't a crown of gold with jewels, it was a crown of thorns. A cross became his throne and above his head was a sign that read, "This is the King of the Jews." Roman soldiers stood beneath his cross and mocked him. "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" they cried.

Christ said in John’s Gospel that His Kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). Yet He suffered and died for us so that we might be able to join Him in His Kingdom in Heaven for eternity! We are all hoping for that lasting peace, let us all pray for world peace.

Lord Jesus Christ,

You are a King who cares deeply for his people.

May we search out for those in need, so that Love and Justice will be shown in our thoughts and actions, as we continue to make known the Kingdom of God within us.

We ask our prayer in Jesus’ name and in the power of the Holy Spirit,

Amen.

As you can tell by the many events that we are experiencing each week here at St Paul’s, we are indeed very busy trying to ensure a lot of time and effort is given to organising times to celebrate as a school community. I am so blessed to have staff, parents and students who support me in filling our days with so many rich experiences.

May you enjoy your week and be safe,

With God’s Blessings and Peace.

Colleen Easton, Principal

Last Tuesday the Director of Education Mr Peter Turner visited our school to meet with the staff to announce the appointment of the new school principal.

Mrs Michelle Rodwell was introduced to the staff and was warmly welcomed by the majority of the staff present for this important announcement. Later on in the day the Diocese was informed of Mrs Rodwell’s appointment

On behalf of Fr Leo our parish priest, I congratulate Mrs Rodwell on her appointment as principal of St Paul’s. I am confident that she will be an energetic and exemplary leader. Mrs Rodwell is anxiously awaiting her meeting with the student and parent community.

I have invited Mrs Rodwell to meet with the new Kindergarten students and parents on Wednesday 20 November.

I ask all staff, students and parents to support Mrs Rodwell as she commences her first principalship.

Once again on your behalf I warmly welcome Mrs Rodwell to St Paul’s and wish her every blessing as she undertakes this significant position at St Paul’s.

Staff Changes in 2020: I would like to inform you about some staff changes next year.

Miss Lauren Potts: will be taking up a teaching position for a year at St Antony’s Catholic Primary School in Woodford in the United Kingdom.

Mr Andrew Edwards: leaves us to take up a Middle Leader permanent appointment at St Therese Catholic Parish Primary School in West Wollongong.

Miss Cassandra Belsito: will leave St Paul’s to take up a permanent teaching position at Ss Peter & Paul’s Catholic Parish Primary School Kiama.

Mrs Janet Sykes: is taking twelve months leave in 2020.  Mrs Sykes has relinquished her Religious Education Coordinator position.

Mrs Julie Ferguson has been appointed the Acting Religious Education Coordinator for 2020.

Miss Rachel Allison has joined or staff in a temporary capacity for twelve months in 2020

Mrs Janet MacDonald Cook has also been employed for the year 2020 in a temporary capacity.

I have now advertised for staff for next year.

This Friday 22 November, Year 5 will attend our parish Mass at 9:30 am. The students would love you to join them at this Mass and pray for peace in our world.  We also bring our prayers to Jesus for all those who are presently suffering because of the devastating bushfires.  Please join us.

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

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

• Henry Smallman - Year 3 Blue
• Sophie Kennedy - Year 2 Red
• Grace Kusa - Year 3 Red
• Hayley Frendo - Year 3 Red
• Sophie Jones - Year 3 Red

Our Week 5, Term 4 Waste Free Warrior Winners are:

• Sienna Astill - Kinder Blue
• Grace Kusa - Year 3 Red
• Aiden Koloski - Year 2 Blue
• Kobe Dunn - Year 5 Blue
• Angus Bancroft - Year 5 Blue

The St Paul’s School community is committed to the development of positive relationships and resilience. Over the last few years the implementation of the School-wide Positive Behaviour for Learning (SPB4L) framework has aimed to achieve positive academic and behavioural outcomes in a consistent and systematic manner, whilst preventing problem behaviours.

In order to have a consistent approach across all primary and secondary schools across the Diocese of Wollongong, the name has been changed to PB4L or Positive Behaviours for Learning. The PB4L team have been working on updating the information of the systems in place so that parents and carers can more easily access this information. Throughout 2020 the PB4L team will distribute the school’s systems and procedures so that we are following the expectations set out in the CEODoW “Student Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Policy”  which was released on 5 September 2019. The 2020 year will be to updated the information and ensure it is ready for the compliance date of 1 February 2021.

The PB4L team look forward to working with parents in 2020 to gain a greater understanding of the Positive Behaviours for Learning framework and how St Paul’s utilise this framework.

Our PB4L focus for Weeks 4 and 5 Term 4 was to stay safe by walking on the walkways. 

Congratulations to the following students who have set a great example in Week 4:

• Max Collins - Year 4 Red
• Sienna Astill - Kinder Blue
• Leah Carbonara - Year 3 Red
• Stephen Jones - Year 6 Blue

Congratulations to the following students who have set a great example in Week 5:

• Ava Dawson - Year 1 Red
• Beau Zonneveld - Year 1 Red
• Ivy Richardson - Kinder Red
• Charley Mowbray - Year 1 Red
• Kirri Sherry - Kinder Red

Last Thursday a group of children and their parents attended the launch for the completed 2019 S.P.L.I.C.E.D program. The morning was a celebration of the enrichment of students with higher order thinking skills, and the wonderful works they were able to produce as part of this year's program. 

This year the theme was 'The Good, the Beautiful and the True' and students were able to choose a topic that they believed fit those three categories. They were expected to think critically, creatively and reflectively to produce a work in their chosen format that they believed portrayed the goodness, truth and beauty of their topic. 

There were over 90 students from across the diocese whose work was successful, including a group of St Paul's students, whose work was full of depth, creativity and sophisticated ideas. Overall there were 90 literary forms produced, and several artistic interpretations from children as young as 7, to high school students. 

To begin with, students sat with their work, and their parents, grandparents, teachers and Principals roamed the hall asking them about their work, their processes, their learning journal and their overall understanding. After mingling, the education officer for Gifted and Talented students, and the Director of Schools spoke proudly about the students and their work. The selected students were then awarded with a certificate, a copy of the printed and published works, a link to the website (that houses all of the multimedia based projects) and a usb with the selected projects on it. Following the formal section, students and parents were able to enjoy morning tea together with their peers. 

It was a lovely morning celebrating the perseverance, deep thinking and amazing work of children across the diocese and we were very proud of all of the St Paul's attendees and their final projects.

Mrs Amy Relf – SPLICED Coordinator

 

Last Friday night, Mr Dutaillis, Mr McCann, students and parents attended the 23^rd Annual Catholic Development Fund Sports Awards held in Wollongong. Four of our students received medallions for their tremendous efforts in representing the school, as well as the diocese in at least two sports.

We are very proud of all our students who have tried their very best in all the different events to progress along the sports representative pathways. Your commitment and passion is to be commended.

We congratulate Zane Stroemer, Janae Robertson, Holly Czoronbej and Matilda Pearson who were presented with their medallions.

Principal's Awards

Congratulations Imogen Gauci, Lilly Robson, Lilly Mowbray, Ashley Claridge, Hayden Cannon, Matthew Rosete, Mason Smith, Jessica Cheetham, Savanah Apps, Charley Mowbray, Logan Holt, Rory Smith, Beau Zonneveld, Jaida Gagnuss who received a Principal's Award at our last Assembly on Friday 15 November 2019.

Congratulations Mackenzie Fitzsimmons who will receive a Principal's Award at our next Assembly on Friday 29 November 2019.

Mary MacKillop Award

Congratulations Jordan Miller, April Gray and Lucinda Akele who received a Mary MacKillop Award at our last Assembly on Friday 15 November 2019.

Our next Assembly will be held on Friday 29 November 2019 - Week 7 Term 4 commencing at 2:20 pm in the hall and will be presented by Kindergarten.

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

Early Stage 1

Sixteen students from the four Southern Illawarra Catholic Schools (SICS) Early Stage 1 Science and Technology STEM Enrichment morning to be held at Ss Peter & Paul's Catholic Parish Primary School. The day will be held on Wednesday 4 December 2019.  There will be four Early Stage 1 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.

The following Kindergarten students have been selected to attend:  Hamish Abnett, Sienna Astill, Kirri Sherry and Harrison Whitehead

The Catholic Education Office is conducting a survey in all our schools to develop sustainable, school-based processes to meet the needs of identified students.

We all place great value on knowing each student and supporting them to reach their full potential.

By 2020 CEDoW we will have more information on our students and will then be better informed about how we support schools with EAL/D resources.

Last Thursday all families were asked to complete a Home Language Survey. We provided you with a link to complete this. In addition, we have also sent home a copy of the survey, if you decided to use this format. All that families need to do to complete the survey is to simply change the Christian name and birth date of each child when the rest of the information is usually true for all siblings. We anticipate that collection of this information will only take a short time and be ‘user friendly’. It is imperative that we complete and return the survey by Friday 29 November.

Thanks for your cooperation.

• Wednesday 4 December 2019: Requests for meeting close 
• Monday 9 December 2019: Reports published on Compass
• Monday 9 December to Thursday 12 December 2019: meetings for parents who request one prior to Wednesday 4 December 2019

Rebecca Nunes, Assistant Principal

Last week we concluded eight days of our Transition to School Playgroup sessions. Our new Kindergarten 2020 students came with their parents and grandparents and enjoyed their time with our Year 5 students and Kindergarten teachers who offered support and observed the interactions of our new students. The parents mingled and made friends with new and existing parents.

The idea behind this new initiative is that children bring diverse experiences, expectations, knowledge and skills to their learning as they enter their first formal year of schooling.

Our new Kindergarten 2020 students will spend the morning at school tomorrow Wednesday 20 November from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon.

All students must attend on this day. The Parents and carers will have several presenters inform them of the day-to-day expectations of St Paul’s.

We will have the new principal Mrs Michelle Rodwell welcome the new parents and students.

The Kindergarten teachers will then inform all parents of the many aspects of the daily routines.

Our Senior School Support Officer, Lisa Payne will address the parents on behalf of the Office Staff.  A representative from the Parents and Friends’ Association will also address the parents.  

Diane from Hazelton’s will bring along the uniforms that are available and Peak After School Care together with the Commonwealth Bank representatives will inform you of the services they provide.

Parents will be given a Language Background Survey to complete on the day.  All surveys need to be returned to the school office by Friday 22 November 2019.

If you intend moving your child to another school in 2020, may I ask that you come and see me as we require forms to be completed. I do have students on a waiting list and would like them to know that I can accommodate them at St Paul’s. Thank you for your cooperation.

Starting Dates for Term 1, 2020

Tuesday 28 January 2020 - Staff commence – Staff Development Day    

Wednesday 29 January 2020 - Year 1 to 6 commence                                    

Wednesday 29 January 2020 to Wednesday 5 February 2019 - 10 selected Kindergarten students to attend for 1 hour only for Assessment purposes (Parents will be notified of days and times their child is required to attend).

Thursday 6 February 2019 - Kindergarten to commence for ½ day - 8:55 am to 12:00 pm                                     

Friday 7 February 2020 - Kindergarten to commence full days - 8:55 am to 3:15 pm 

Thursday 9 April 2020 - Term 1 Ends                                                

This coming Friday 22 November, our Year 6 students will gather in two venues to spend a day together with students from our Southern Illawarra Cluster of Schools. They will discuss and gain confidence about setting up networks to overcome any anxious moments they may experience in their transition to High School.

CatholicCare counsellors will facilitate the day.

With additional helpers from St Joseph’s and Corpus Christi senior students the day promises to be a beneficial one for all our Year 6 students.

Parents and Carers are required to give online consent for their child to attend this day via the Compass Parent Portal:

 https://spapdow-nsw.compass.education/Organise/Activities/Events/

Students attending St Joseph's Catholic High School in 2020 or another High School (other than Corpus Christi Catholic High School) will attend the day at here St Paul's, Albion Park.

Students attending Corpus Christi Catholic High School in 2020 will attend the day at Nazareth Catholic Parish Primary School, Shellharbour City.  A bus has been provided by the school to transport the students to and from the venue.  Students will need to be at school by 8:15 am as the bus will depart at 8:30 am.  The bus will return to St Paul's in the afternoon for normal hometime dismissal routines.

The students arrived on Monday morning and I curiously observed their entry through the front gate. They immediately used the ramp rather than the steps; this in itself was a pleasure to watch as our students have waited sixteen weeks in total for the work to be completed. We are all very pleased to have our playground space back in use and the front of our school looks attractive with the newly landscaped gardens and fresh new grass.

Fr Leo and the school community would like to thank all those who have planned and worked on the project, especially Mr David Leighton from the Catholic Education Office and New England Constructions.

Mr Chris Camilleri, you have certainly executed this project to perfection with all the unexpected delays, the challenges with the unforeseen buried tree stumps and other items, which only added time and additional effort to make things sometimes possible to control.  There was always hope that there would be a positive and excellent outcome. Thank you.

The Stormwater, Fire & New Ramp Upgrades have now been completed with the additional school and classroom tasks that you personally attended to. Thanks.

Your weekly updates and continual communication each week gave me an indication of how the work would progress and your diligence in setting an excellent standard of work is to be commended. Thanks to your site managers and all those whom you employed to complete this project.

The parents, staff, students and visitors are very pleased with the outcome of all the upgraded work and you should take pride in knowing that this was no easy feat at times and you persevered to complete it. Grateful thanks.

Wear a Christmas Accessory and bring a donation for Vinnies Christmas Hampers!

As a school community, we will be supporting St Vincent De Paul again this year with collecting food/drink donations for their Christmas Hamper appeal.  If each child could please bring in their donation during Week 8: Monday 2nd to Friday 6th December 2019 and wear a Christmas accessory on the day they bring in their donation to get into the Christmas Spirit! Please refer to the following list to see suggested items for each class:-

Kinder: packet of lollies or sweet biscuits

Year 1: packets of Zooper Doopers or fruit box drinks (poppers)

Year 2: packet of crackers, nuts, chips, pretzels or savoury nibbles 

Year 3: drink item (1.25L soft drinks/mineral water, iced tea, teas and coffees, drinking chocolate)

Year 4: dessert items (plum puddings, sponge rolls or any Tip-Top packaged cakes, gingerbread, long-life custard, tinned fruit)

Year 5: Christmas table decorations (bon bons, disposable tablecloths, serviettes, tinsel, paper cups etc)

Year 6: things in bottles or jars (eg jams/preserves, sauces, oils, marinades, olives, marinated vegetables)

NB: All edible donated items must have a use-by date after 1^st January 2020

Thank you to all families in the school for your support of each of our different charity events throughout this year.

Lisa Pannell, Pastoral Support Worker, on behalf of St Paul's Mini Vinnies.

A Tender to Operate our School Canteen commencing on 28 January 2020 has been emailed 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.

Tenders need to be submitted by 4 pm this Friday 22 November 2019.  

NSW PSSA Primary Athletics Championships

As reported last term, Holly Czornobej was successful in qualifying for the NSW PSSA Primary Athletics Championships. She travelled to Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre on Wednesday 6 November, as a result of her outstanding achievements at the MacKillop Trials mid last term. Holly qualified for three events in the 11 year Girls division - Long Jump, 200m and 100m.

In the Long Jump event, Holly recorded a distance of 3.80 metres, finishing 26th in the State. She ran a preliminary time of 29.05 seconds in the 200m, narrowly missing qualification for the finals by 0.15s, which was also only 1.41s behind the fastest qualifier. Even more impressive was Holly’s performance in the 100m, where she ran a qualifying time of 13.68 seconds, then improving her time to 13.65s in the semi-final, meaning she finished 11th overall and again narrowly missing the final by 0.02s!!!

It goes without saying that Holly certainly deserves recognition for these outstanding performances. Well done, Holly!

NSWCPS Basketball Challenge

After months of preparation, the weekend of the 2019 NSW CPS Basketball Challenge had finally arrived. As the event was being held in Albury on the weekend of Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 October, it was not surprising that many players and their families used the Friday as a ‘travel day’ to make the 500km trip down the Hume Highway. The Challenge was co-hosted by three schools - St Anne’s, North Albury, Holy Spirit, Lavington and St Patrick’s, Albury.

The weekend commenced with a liturgy at 7:15am on Saturday morning, held at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre. Players, families and officials from all corners of New South Wales, were welcomed and reminded of how the event brings together a faith community through sport. Along with the other schools competing, our players and teachers paraded into the main court area, proudly wearing the St Paul’s colours of blue and red. Throughout the liturgy, you could feel the anticipation building and the eagerness of the players to get the first game underway.

And we did not have to wait much longer, as at 8:55am, our Senior Boys team, coached by Mr Miller, were involved in one of the first games against host school, St Patrick’s. The boys were quickly followed by all other teams, although our Year 6 Senior Girls team had to wait until 1pm for their first game! Saturday’s games were structured in a round-robin format, with each team playing three pool games. There was action aplenty, with impressive individual skills, as well as superb teamwork on display. For our teams, it was a day of mixed results with some galant victories, some tough tussles going down to the final buzzer, as well as those handful of games where we were simply outclassed by more experienced teams. The event was certainly living up to its name of being a ‘challenge’. As you could imagine, with 11 games scheduled to commence every 35 minutes across two venues, the first day of competition was quite manic and it was not until 7:30pm that evening, that another of our Senior Boys teams (coached by Mr Edwards), along with our Year 6 girls, finished their final games for the day.

With the sound of whistles and bouncing balls coming to halt, it provided an opportunity for our players, their families and staff to relax, enjoy each other’s company, as well as a well-deserved meal and refreshing drink. It was also the start of a long wait to see who, and when, each team would play on Sunday. One positive element of the weekend is that no matter how teams fared on the first day, they are all provided with an opportunity to play on Sunday. Teams were placed in divisions for the knockout phase of the tournament, based on their win/loss and ‘for & against’ records. Two of our Senior Boys team drew the short-straw and were allocated a 7:10am tip-off!

By 11am on Sunday, all 7 of St Paul’s teams had played their fourth game for the weekend but unfortunately, only two came out winners - our Junior Boys, coached by Mr McCann in Division 3 and our Mr Miller-led Senior Boys side playing in Division 4. For our other 5 teams, it meant an early exit from the Challenge. The Junior Boys continued to give 110% in their next game, a semi-final against a strong St Joseph’s, Goulburn team but went down, meaning their weekend was also over. It was left to the Senior Boys to fly the St Paul’s flag, who came up against Ss Peter & Paul, Kiama in their semi. It was end-to-end action, with our boys coming away with a narrow 19-14 victory, meaning they would face St Laurence’s, Dubbo in the Division 4 Grand Final. In a game where the momentum shifted a number of times and fatigue was beginning to take over, it was the boys from Dubbo who came away with the title.

ALL PLAYERS are not only to be commended for the spirit in which they participated in the 2019 Challenge, but also for their dedication and commitment to training throughout Term 3. Whether it was showing humility in their victories or overcoming the disappointment of a loss, our players were excellent ambassadors of St Paul’s who, it is hoped, took away some new skills, friendships and lasting memories.  Of course, the weekend would not have been possible without a great deal of support from parents and staff, and we would like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to all those who travelled to Albury, especially the coaches and managers of each team, for their tireless work in making the weekend such a success.  This includes former student, Caitlyn Bloomfield*, who had nominated to be a referee at the Challenge, however due to injury, she was unable to. Instead, she kindly provided advice and support to a number of our teams. A list of participating players, coaches, managers and staff can be found below:

Two quick side-notes:

• Nominations for the right to host the 2020 NSW CPS Basketball Challenge closed on Saturday 16 November, so for those who are awaiting to see where next year’s Challenge will be held, we should not have to wait too much longer!
• Any basketball uniforms that have NOT been returned, could they please be returned as soon as possible (there are only a handful still outstanding).

 NRL Catholic Dragon Tag Gala Day

 The NRL Catholic Dragon Tag Gala Day is scheduled to be held on Thursday 5 December (Week 8) at Reed Park, Dapto. We have received 146 expressions of interest from students in Years 3-6 and these students’ parents/carers should have received information via their Compass portal.

N.B.: Due to the overwhelming response from students, as well as the need to plan and confirm our school's teams, permission MUST BE provided (via Compass) by Wednesday 27 November (Week 7). Students who are not given parental permission by this time, will be UNABLE to attend (the students have also been informed of this cut-off).

Additionally, as we may have up to 14 teams participating on the day, parent assistance is ESSENTIAL. At least one parent per team is required as teams may be playing simultaneously, on various fields at Reed Park. If you are able to provide assistance, please contact the school on (02) 4256 2772 or email: info@spapdow.catholic.edu.au ASAP. All parent helpers will need to complete a Working With Children Statutory Declaration OR provide a Working With Children Check (WWCC) number.  If parents have a WWC number they will need to complete a form for verification by the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong WWC Team.  Please contact the office to obtain either of these forms if required.

2019 Annual CDF Sports Awards Presentation Night

Throughout 2019, Primary school students participated in 22 different sporting trials with 372 students representing the Diocese, 64 students gaining selection in MacKillop teams and 7 students achieving NSW PSSA selection to represent at School Sport Australia. Gala days in Basketball, Netball, Soccer and Cricket alone saw over 5,500 students participate actively in spirited and friendly competition.

The Wollongong Diocese Sports Council’s 2019 Annual Catholic Development Fund (CDF) Diocesan Sports awards, were held on the evening of Friday 15 November at St Mary’s, Star of the Sea College, to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our primary and secondary students, as well as teachers.

We are fortunate to have four athletes - Holly Czornobej, Matilda Pearson, Janae Robertson and Zane Stroemer, who were all awarded a ‘Wollongong Diocese Sports Council Medallion’. To receive this award, students must:

• be selected in a minimum of two Wollongong Diocesan teams (not just attended a diocesan carnival from school);
• compete in these Wollongong diocesan teams at MacKillop level and must demonstrate a high level of sporting achievement and contribution as a Diocesan team member; AND
• demonstrate that they embrace the ethos of the School, Diocesan and MacKillop teams, including appropriate participation, behaviour and sportsmanship.

Congratulations to each of our athletes on their achievements throughout 2019. Below is the citations that were read out, as they received their medallion:

Holly is an outstanding athlete who performs at an incredibly high level. She has represented the Diocese in Touch and Athletics, as well as qualifying for the Mackillop team in Athletics. Holly is very driven to succeed and shows great dedication to her training. She always displays enthusiasm for all sports and encourages her peers to be the best they can be.

Zane is a school sports leader and a gifted athlete, who has represented the school in a number of sports this year. He displays talent in both Soccer and Cross Country, and represented the Diocese in both of these events. Zane displays great school spirit and enthusiasm for sports, always encouraging younger students at carnivals to participate and do their best.

Matilda is a school sports leader and a highly accomplished athlete, who has displayed excellent sportsmanship in all teams that she has been selected. She displays talent in a number of sports, representing the Diocese in Cross Country and Soccer. Matilda is an enthusiastic participant in all her sporting endeavours and a great role model to her peers.

Janae is a highly accomplished athlete who displays a dedicated approach to her training in all sports she pursues. She has represented the Diocese in both Cross Country and Athletics. Janae was awarded the ‘Bev Whitfield Award’ for her results in Swimming in 2019. Her hard work, determination and encouragement of others, makes her highly respected by her peers.

Mr Shaun Dutaillis & Mr Brian McCann, Sports Coordinators

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.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LAST DAY OF TRADING FOR THE CANTEEN WILL BE FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER 2019.

There will be no Canteen available in Week 10 - please ensure that your child brings their own lunch and recess from home.

The Way – Advent and Christmas Reflections 2019

The Way is an 84 page pocket-sized booklet containing short spiritually rich daily reflections from the beginning of Advent (1 December 2019) through to the Baptism of the Lord (12 January 2020). Also features beautiful religious artworks from the Masters such as Lanfranco, Millet, de La Tour, Murillo and Koninck, with enlightening “Artwork Spotlight” reflections written by the popular Monsignor Graham Schmitzer. 
Copies of The Way are available in the narthex for the bargain price of $3.00 (RRP is $4.40).   

From Gangland to Promised Land - The John Pridmore 2019 Parousia Tour

Catholic Speaker, Author and Ex-Gangster, John Pridmore speaks on the Gift of our Lady on Sunday 24 November 2019


5pm Mass at St Francis Xavier Cathedral

6pm Light Supper and Mingle 6.30pm Talk: "Gift of Our Lady" 7.30pm Q&A


More info: https://www.parousiamedia.com/

RSVP: for catering purposes to Helen Bennett  

Plenary 2020 Phase Two Discussion Groups

Sincere thanks to the parishioners who gave of their time to participate in phase two discussion groups. Thanks especially to Monica Ward- McCann for her generosity and competence in organising and leading the discussions. Fr Leo

Carols in the Carpark

This year’s Carols in the Car park will be held on Sunday 15 December, commencing with a free BBQ (donated by the Minns family) at 5pm, followed by Christmas singing and a treat of festivities, brought to you by “Music by Serafina”

Divine Retreat Centre Praise & Worship - Holy Mass & Eucharistic Adoration

St Francis Xavier Cathedral Wollongong Saturday 30 November from 6.30pm – 9pm. Come and experience the Lord’s healing power and his infinite mercy at this spiritually enriching prayer service. For more information please contact Josobel on 0425 220 398 (preferably after 5pm)

100 Club Draw Results 

1st prize winner Vanessa Evans #50 2n prize winner Josephine Pulido #86 Thank you to everyone who took part.

Women’s Advent Retreat Day

University of Notre Dame, Chippendale

Notre Dame Chaplaincy warmly invites women of all ages to join us for our annual Women's Advent Retreat Day on Tuesday 3 December, 9am to 4.30pm. The day will include three inspiring spiritual talks, Holy Mass, time for reflection, opportunity for Reconciliation, and Holy Hour. Morning tea and lunch are provided. Attendance is free, but registration is essential. Please visit www.trybooking.com/563903 call 02 8204 4189.

A Vocation View

Patient endurance will see you through to the end. God will give you the wisdom and the words to speak. Don’t let anything hold you back from a wholehearted “yes.” (Luke 21:5-19). Please contact the Vocations Team at

Work of Human Hands Showcase - Our Annual Advent Showcase of Handmade Items and Handicrafts    

Our parish is blessed to have men and women who use their God given gifts to make amazing and inspiring ‘handmade items and handicrafts’. On the weekend of 7/8 December, after all Masses, some of these people will be showcasing and/or selling their handmade items. This Showcase will be an opportunity for parishioners to purchase Christmas gifts that have been made with love and that are “the work of human hands”.

West Dapto Catholic Cemetry Book Launch

Friday 22 November, 7pm 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.

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 7.30pm – 10pm—All welcome!

Reflection Day for Women - Preparing our Hearts for Advent

Saturday 23 November at Mt Schoenstatt Spirituality Centre, Mulgoa $25 Includes morning and afternoon tea - BYO lunch
RSVP by 20 November to or phone 02 4773 8338

Care South is a not for profit organisation that along with other programs provides foster care for children ranging from 0 – 18 years.  We are currently in desperate need for foster carers all age groups especially 5 – 16 years.  

The Illawarra Hawks would love to see you and your students at our next Illawarra Hawks game.

The Illawarra Hawks will take on the Cairns Taipans on Monday 25^th November and we’re offering Illawarra Schools a massive 20% off tickets.

If possible, would you please be able to add the attached graphic into your schools newsletter, portal or other method of correspondence.

We are also able to provide the artwork in other dimensions if needed.

The link to purchase tickets:

https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/illawarra-hawks-v-cairns-taipans-wollongong-25-11-2019/event/1300571693AE41AB