We have come to the end of another year of learning. Let us celebrate with the Child Jesus all that has been and all that is yet to be. Let us give thanks to a loving God for all the blessings he has given to our staff, parents and students.

At St Paul’s this year, we have had so many success stories. The one that is most significant is our 2019 Year 3 and Year 5 NAPLAN results. Our school did very well in the areas of literacy and numeracy scoring above the state and diocese. We will strive to do as well if not better in the coming years.  We had large numbers of students who were baptised, received First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

One can only imagine how the highlights of what has taken place in this our Catholic school of St Paul’s a place of nurturing faith and education has contributed to the life of this vibrant school and parish community.  Fr Leo, students, parents, carers, parishioners and staff of St Paul’s parish and school community have all contributed immensely to this, so please accept my most sincere thanks and blessings.

I am grateful for your continual support and positive affirmation throughout the year. As I reflect on the outgoing years it makes me confident in knowing that we are truly achieving the mission and vision of our school of St Paul’s.

“In the Richness of Our Catholic Faith and Tradition we achieve Excellence”

For the desert places in which we walk
The streets we roam
The paths we cross 
Guide our feet
Take us to places
Where you would go
Give us words that you would use
That in this Advent season
Of promise and preparation 
We might point the way with John the Baptist
To the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!

The Twelve Days of Christmas

1st Day: The partridge in a pear tree is Christ Jesus upon the Cross 

2nd Day: The "two turtle doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments

3rd Day: The "three French hens" stand for faith, hope and love

4th Day: The "four calling birds" refers to the four evangelists who wrote the Gospels-Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

5th Day: The "five golden rings" represents the first five books of the Bible, also called the Jewish Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy

6th Day: The "six geese a-laying" is the six days of creation

7th Day: The "seven swans a-swimming" refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, reverence, wonder and awe

8th Day: The "eight maids a milking " reminded children of the eight beatitudes listed in the Sermon on the Mount

9th Day: The "nine ladies dancing" were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control

10th Day: The "ten lords a-leaping" represents the Ten Commandments

11th Day: The "eleven pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles

12th Day: The 'twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of belief expressed in the Apostles' Creed: belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

As I come to the end of this newsletter and the year, may I extend my heartfelt thanks to Fr Leo our parish priest, Mary Jennings our parish secretary, staff, students, parents, carers and members of the parish community, for your ongoing encouragement and support for me as your principal.

I find great strength in knowing that yes, my responsibilities were numerous but with your positive words of confidence in me, I did strive to do all I could to build community.

I complete my principal ship at St Paul’s at the end of January 2020 with confidence that I have run a good race and opened many doors to welcome those who needed my help and support.

May the Christ Child soon to come among us bring peace to our community, our country and our world.  May we feel his divine presence among us this Advent as we prepare for Christmas.

Wishing each and every student, their families, staff, Fr Leo and Mary our parish secretary, parishioners and members of our wider community a Happy and Holy Christmas and a safe holiday.

Christmas Blessings

Colleen Easton, Principal

On Friday 6 December we held a very special Thanksgiving Mass and assembly to farewell me who has been at our school for 23 years. The Mass was concelebrated by our parish priest Fr Leo and Fr David Catterall. The Director of Schools Mr Peter Turner, Mr Tim Gilmour (Professional Assistant to the Director of Schools), Mrs Carolyn Hadley, (Head of Human Resource Services) Mrs Diana Novak (Executive Assistant to the Director of Schools) and Miss Beth Riolo All the students at St Paul’s wrote some beautiful thoughts and reflections about me as their principal. This was very lovingly put together in two beautifully displayed albums that were also presented to me.

I was truly moved by the sentiments read out by several students at the Assembly, my family and closest friends witnessed an outstanding celebration of my 23 years of service to St Paul’s.

I sincerely thank Mrs Janet Sykes our Religious Education Coordinator for organising our Eucharistic celebration in Thanksgiving for all my years at St Paul’s. Mrs Relf for the music that beautifully accompanied the children’s singing. I also thank the core committee for the amount of work that was asked of each of them to prepare for an Assembly with the students each giving me a reflection of my time as principal. I received two huge albums with the children’s work and photographs that reflected the joyful experiences I shared with staff, students and parishioners. These memories I will treasure, thank you to all of you for such a blessed day of Thanksgiving on Friday 6 December.

Our Year 6 students celebrated their years at St Paul’s with a Thanksgiving Liturgy on Tuesday 10 December. They then attended a Presentation of Awards from various community representatives and shared a meal together with their families.

Students were then awarded for their achievements during the year. 

The following students received the following Awards:

Jayden Holt - St Paul's Parish Pauline Award 

The Pauline Award is given to a student who over their Primary school years, has put into practice our parish and school motto "Constant in Faith". This person has been a young parishioner who has been actively involved in the life of the parish, not only through their commitment to Sunday Mass but through being involved in a variety of parish ministries. In 2019, one student has stood out for their ongoing commitment to serve the parish community.

Thank you Fr Leo for presenting this award.

Emilie Herman - St Paul's School Citizen of Year Award 

The St Paul’s Citizen of the year award is presented to a student who has throughout the year demonstrated outstanding qualities in the following categories.

• Attitude: the student is goal - oriented, enthusiastic and respectful of school rules.
• Academics: the student always works in class to the best of their ability.         
• Character: The student performs random acts of kindness, maintains a friendly rapport with peers and staff, and is a role model to other students.
• School Spirit: The student participates in extracurricular activities and has exhibited pride in being a student of St Paul's
• Community Service: the student volunteers time and services to members of the community.

 Janae Robertson - St Paul's School Sportsmanship Award

During competition, a true sports person shows respect for the game, their teammates, and their opponents. They must be humble in victory and  graceful when falling in defeat. They must never give up regardless of how dire the situation may appear. The recipient of our Sportsmanship Award for 2018 has displayed all these traits throughout the year. They have represented the school in several sports and at all times proved themselves to be a great ambassador of St Paul’s.

Matthew Shepherd - Stephen Jones Member of Parliament Active Citizenship Award

The Stephen Jones Active Citizenship Award is presented to an enthusiastic and mature member of the school community.

This student has performed the role of leader admirably and is to be commended for the selfless way in which they commit to school community events. This student is a positive role model for other students at St Paul’s and through their exemplary leadership role, they have performed all required tasks responsibly and with enthusiasm which has earned this student great respect from their peers and teachers.

Stephen Jones was unable to attend and sent his apologies, Mrs Easton presented this award on Stephen's behalf.

Emily Di Pietro - Horizon Credit Union High Achievement Award 

The Horizon Award this year is being awarded to a student who has displayed a high level of achievement across all subjects.

This student has consistently worked to achieve outstanding results in all areas and has shown a love of learning. They have demonstrated a willingness to help and support others and make a positive contribution to classroom activities. This student has a natural ability to question and analyse concepts and to solve problems logically and systematically.

This award was presented by staff member Michelle from the Albion Park Branch on behalf of Horizon Credit Union.

Breanna Cresswell - Shellharbour City Council Community Service Award 

This award honours a student who makes contributions to the school community through their time, actions, talents and dedication. This student embodies modesty, assisting teachers and students of all ages without being asked and without recognition.

This award was presented by Counsellor Moira Hamilton on behalf of the Mayor of Shellharbour City Council, Marianne Saliba.

Thomas Allen - Gareth Ward Member of Parliament Academic Achievement Award 

This student works consistently hard to broaden their knowledge and do their best in everything they do. They have demonstrated a willingness to help and support others and make a positive contribution to classroom activities.

Gareth Ward State Member for Kiama presentend this award and was happy to stay and share a meal with us.

At the conclusion of the evening many families leaving our school at the end of the year were farewelled. The longest serving family at St Paul’s was announced, being the Hayes family. I would like to apologise to Tom and Helen Cheetham that they are the longest serving family having their son Dylan join us in 1999.

Thanks to Vanessa Parreira and Angela Allen who were the driving force in this year’s Year 6 Celebrations. From organising a team of helpers, to students writing staff reflections, table decorations, collecting donations, presentations to teachers and decorating the hall. Thank you.

The Parents and Friends Association entrusted Vanessa Parreira to present the school with a gift on behalf of the Association and she used her gifted artistic ability in the most beautiful painting of our first Australian and Universal saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. It now has pride of place in the front foyer of our school. Sincere thanks.

Congratulations to all Year 5 students who nominated themselves and were nominated by their peers for Leadership positions in 2020. The process for selection of School Captains and Student Leaders as well as Leadership groups was challenging for some students. Years 3, 4 and 5 students together with staff voted and the results are as follow.

I congratulate all students who were successful in their Leadership roles for their willingness and commitment to lead others with their good example and support to teachers.

School Captains: Angus Bancroft and Rebecca McGlashan

Senior Leaders (Girls): Rebecca McGlashan, Ella Di Martino, Jane Carbonara, Bella Brennan, Hayley Jedrzejczak, Maddison Windley

Senior Leaders (Boys): Angus Bancroft, Sean Bancroft, Timothy Bloomfield, Elias Maounis, Johusa Cowell, and Declan McCann

The Senior Leadership Teams will be finalised in the New Year.

Congratulations to Mr Shaun Dutaillis and Mrs Nicola Turner on receiving a Certificate for 10 Years of Service to Catholic Education and also to Mrs Carter who received a framed Certificate acknowledging her 30 Years Service to Catholic Education.

At the conclusion of our Christmas Celebration, on Friday 13 December we presented Special End of the Year Awards to our students. The following students received awards for:

Environmental Award

This is awarded to a student who:

• Recognises the importance of caring for creation
• Is proactive in promoting the need to care for and respect creation
• Is a active ‘steward’ of creation, not only promoting but doing .....
• Endeavours to bring a waste free lunch to school
• Shows initiative when needed in regards to the cleanliness of the environment

Kinder:  Harrison Whitehead, Taig O'Shea

Year 1:  Orlando Fernandes, Isaac Starling                           

Year 2:  Poppy Faulks, Dante Rosete                                

Year 3:  Jack Shoebridge, Leah Carbonara                                     

Year 4:  Alyssa Shepherd, Dean Rossi

Year 5:  Bowen Mundt, Gemma Cresswell

Year 6:  Jaylee Gagnuss, Lachlan Nixon

Achievement Award

This is awarded to a student for significant improvement throughout the year.

Kinder:  Piper Smith, Zoe Nicholls                

Year 1:  Sofia Di Martino, Mya Thompson

Year 2:  Eli Coopes, Elise Jennison

Year 3:  Lucinda Akele, Dakodah Hicks

Year 4:  Owen Jones, Max Collins

Year 5:  Ty Smith, Lachlan Johnson

Year 6:  Bethany Heys, April Gray

St Joseph the Worker Award

This is awarded to a student who is hard working in the classroom and always strives to do their best in all Key Learning Areas.

Kinder:  Logan Carrett, Flynn Glover

Year 1:  Flynn Clifton, Aidan Strawbridge  

Year 2:  Zara Pabis, Austin Nixon

Year 3:  Max Gamble, Shelby Veigel

Year 4:  Ebony McCloy, Jaida Cannon

Year 5:  Kobe Dunn, Timothy Bloomfield

Year 6:  Lachlan Daly, Noah Coopes

St Mary of the Cross Award

This is awarded to a student who:

• Is willing to serve others, fulfilling Mary’s words:
• “Never sees a need without doing something about it.”
• Consistently displays the gospel values in their interaction with others:

* Trust in God

* Honesty

* Compassion

* Forgiveness

* Mercy

* Community Building

* Servant Leadership

* Respect and Equality

* Justice

* Peace

Kinder:  Sienna Astill, Abby Goodwin

Year 1:  Eva Bocko, Zara McCloy

Year 2:  Alex Hofman, Annabelle Maounis

Year 3:  Madison Smith, Max Elliott

Year 4:  Sam Huetter, Sophie Groznik

Year 5:  Maddison Windley, Ella Di Martino

Year 6:  Max Sutton, Billie Elliott

A Thanksgiving Reflection

We give thanks O God

• For our newly appointed parish priest Fr Leo

We thank you O God.

• For our parents and family members, friends and parishioners who have supported us during this year

We thank you O God.

• For our teachers who cared for us and taught us this year

We thank you O God.

• For all new students enrolled at St Paul’s and their families

We thank you O God.

• For all of us who received the sacraments of Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation

We thank you O God.

• For all catechists and the sacramental and liturgy teams in our parish

We thank you O God.

• For our school and parish animators who facilitated our Plenary meetings

We thank you O God.

• For the staff who are leaving St Paul’s this year and have been part of our school life

We thank you O God.

• For the friends we made and the new friends we will make next year.

We thank you O God.

• For those who always forgive us for our mistakes and wrong decisions.

We thank you O God.

• For the funds raised by the P & F Association for shading and landscaping in the front playground, STEM, Sport and Technology resources

We thank you O God.

• For the staff and students whose family members now enjoy the grace of heaven

We thank you O God.

• For all those who visited our school and shared their stories with us

We thank you O God.

• For all Canteen volunteers who gave so generously of their time

We thank you O God.

• For our Office staff who looked after the students when they were sick

We thank you O God.

• For our Year 6 students who now go on to their High Schools we thank them for their leadership

We thank you O God.

• For our Mini Vinnies members who reached out to those in need of friendship and food

We thank you O God.

• For the additional time spent by all students to care for our environment especially our Year 5 Waste Free Warriors and the School Environment Management Plan (SEMP) team and the teachers

We thank you O God.

• For our school cleaners and those who have made our school more safe and inviting

We thank you O God.

• For our new principal Mrs Rodwell

We thank you O God.

• For a successful year of learning

We thank you O God.

Parents are informed that our annual Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 14 February 2020 at Albion Park Swimming Pool.

All students in Years 3 to 6 are expected to attend. Students in Year 2 who can confidently swim 50 metres will be invited to attend.  

More information about this will be provided at the beginning of the school year.

Some Important Dates   

These dates are subject to change if there are other important diocesan events scheduled for the day.

Term 1 2020

Week 1

Tuesday 28 January 2020

• Staff commence the year

Wednesday 29 January 2020

• Students Years 1 – 6 commence
• Best Start for 2020 Kindergarten students

Thursday 30 January 2020

• Best Start for 2020 Kindergarten students

Friday 31 January 2020

• Best Start for 2020 Kindergarten students

Week 2

Monday 3 February 2020

• Best Start for 2020 Kindergarten students

Tuesday 4 February 2020

• Best Start for 2020 Kindergarten students

Wednesday 5 February 2020

• Best Start for 2020 Kindergarten students

Thursday 6 February 2020

• ½ Day for all 2020 Kindergarten students

Friday 7 February 2020

• Full Day for all 2020 Kindergarten students

Week 3

Monday 10 to Wednesday 12 February 

• Year 6 Camp at Fitzroy Falls 

Friday 14 February

• Swimming Carnival at Albion Park Pool for Years 3 to 6 students and some selected Year 2 students

Year 6 Students will attend Camp on Monday 10 to Wednesday 12 February 2020 at Optimum Experiences Adventure and Conference Centre, Fitzroy Falls.

All current Year 5 students were issued with a hard copy of an information note, a fact sheet from Optimum Experiences and a student dietary and medical form yesterday afternoon.  This information was also emailed via Compass to all current Year 5 parents and carers.

All students need to return the Student Dietary and Medical Form to the school office by Friday 31 January 2020 (Week 1 Term 1).

The cost of the Year 6 Camp in 2020 will be $320.  This will be invoiced to all parents by the Finance Team at the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong in late January as part of their 2020 Diocesan School Fee Billing process.

We require two volunteers to undertake the processing of our students School Banking with the Commonwealth Bank Dollarmites program.

This would require the gift of your time for approximately 1 hour every Wednesday morning to process students deposits and allocation of rewards.

Training is provided by the Commonwealth Bank School Banking Specialist Melinda Steep.

If you would be interested in volunteering for this position, please contact the school office:  info@spapdow.catholic.edu.au

Thank you to Mrs Allison Chetcuti and Olivia Abnett for undertaking this role in 2019.  However due to work commitments in 2020 these parents are no longer able to assist.