Welcome back to a new school term. I sincerely thank you the parents and carers for sending your children back to school in their full school uniform. On the first day back last Monday, I praised the students for the way they wear their uniform and how well they represented the school in the community. Yes, we are indeed very proud of our uniform and I encourage you the students to wear this with pride.

Students may I remind you that your parents do invest a large amount of money each year in purchasing these items and I need you to take care of them. If you do take off your jumpers or track- suit tops please put them into your school bag and zip the bag up.

We have certainly had good weather during these last holidays and our families have had some restful and enjoyable days with their children while celebrating the great feast of Easter.

As a Catholic School let us celebrate this important feast day in the life of all Christians by reflecting on:

May the celebration of resurrected life bring new hope to our being.
May the victory over earthly death turn our eyes to the promises of heaven.
May the empty tomb help us to leave our sorrows at the foot of the cross.
So that God's hope, promises and forgiveness reign in our lives.
Amen.

I thank all the staff for settling the students into their daily routines and encourage all students to focus on all the teaching and learning experiences the teachers have so thoroughly prepared for each of you. Staff work throughout their holidays ensuring that students’ individual learning needs are met.

I also ask parents to supervise your child’s homework tasks including their reading each night.

We endeavour to have a very successful learning term with First Semester Reports going home to parents at the end of this term.

Thank you to parents who support us with school policies and with your positive encouragement, together we can provide for quality and learning for your children.

Easter Blessings

Colleen Eason, Principal

We warmly welcome Heather Burton, Amyllia McGeehan and Michelle Wright our School Support Officers who have joined our school community until the end of term three. These staff members will give additional support to our students. We also welcome back Ms Aumuller and Mrs Stevens for additional days each week on Leadership release and Teacher Professional Planning Time.

We are happy that you have joined us and we know that the students will make your experiences with them rewarding.

Principal's Awards

Congratulations to the following students who will receive a Principal’s Award at our next Assembly on Friday 10 May 2019:

Tasha Melgarejo, Lachlan Daly, Dean Rossi, Kiara Shelton

Mary MacKillop Awards

Congratulations to the following students who will receive a Mary MacKillop Award at our next Assembly on Friday 10 May 2019:

Mackenzie Hutchinson, Sophie Claridge and Thomas Hofman

The following grades will attend the Parish Mass on Friday mornings at 9:30 am in Term 2:

• Friday 10 May 2019 - Week 2 - Year 6
• Friday 17 May 2019 - Week 3 - Year 1
• Friday 24 May 2019 - Week 4 - Kindergarten
• Friday 31 May 2019 - Week 5 - Year 3
• Friday 7 June 2019 - Week 6 - Year 5
• Friday 14 June 2019 - Week 7 - Year 4
• Friday 21 June 2019 - Week 8 - Year 2
• Friday 5 July 2019 - Week 10 - Year 1

These dates and classes are subject to change.

This Wednesday and Thursday evening, a large number of our young parishioners will receive the sacrament of Confirmation. We sincerely thank Mrs Julie Ferguson for her many long hours of support in preparing these young candidates for this sacrament.

Last Friday many helpers made their Retreat Day possible. They supported Mrs Ferguson as the candidates made their final preparation for their special sacrament

Monsignor Paul Ryan our retired priest, who lives in the parish, was also very generous with his support as he officiated at the sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) allowing our candidates a full preparation for their reception of this sacrament.

Thank you to everyone who gave so generously of their time.

Our Week 10 Term 1 Waste Free Warrior Winners are:

• Chloe Fletcher - Year 1 Red
• Mackenzie Hutchinson - Year 4 Red
• Dean Rossi - Year 4 Red
• Isaiah Infante - Year 4 Blue
• Ebony McCloy - Year 4 Blue

Our Week 1 Term 2 Waste Free Warrior Winners are:

• Logan Carrett - Kinder Blue
• Olivia Gorrie - Kinder Blue
• Shontel Ristevski - Kinder Red
• Matthew Shepherd - Year 6 Red
• Miss Potts - Year 6 Blue

The following grades will present Assemblies in the hall commencing at 2:20 pm:

• Friday 10 May - Year 5 
• Friday 24 May - Year 2 
• Friday 7 June - Year 1
• Friday 21 June - Kindergarten

These dates and grades are subject to change.

I ask all parents to please make an effort to attend our meetings where we hear and discuss school matters. It is here that we become part of decisions on how we can support each other and make things better at St Paul’s.

Some years ago, I had asked for shading in our front playground it was a necessity. It had taken a long time coming, however, with much commitment from our Parents and Friends Association, especially past President Rachel Woolfe, the front playground has had the shading erected. Well done to past and present members of the Executive and members who have been committed to this initiative.

The students and staff do enjoy using this space for their playtime and lessons. Thank you to all the parents who worked for this.

In Term 3 Week 2 Monday 29 July at 6:30 pm, Rebecca Hill Professional Officer  - Parent Partnership who works at the Office of the Director at the Catholic Education Office will attend our meeting to discuss our new diocesan policy on Social Media usage.

I would like to invite as many parents to attend this important meeting, as the information in this policy will have an impact on students, staff and all parents. Rebecca will present the Social Media Statement. The meeting will be held in the hall.

I ask all parents and carers to be informed of all school life by reading our Newsletters that are published each fortnight. We have so many parents who regularly contact the school asking when school activities are on. We have the Newsletter uploaded on Compass at the same time that the hard copies are distributed to the school community. A large number of parents come to the Office after the due date when things are required requesting assistance. We are always happy to accommodate your request; however, when things are due it’s the students who are distressed.

Please note that these dates are subject to change:

A reminder for all parents and carers about NAPLAN. You were issued with this information last term. This year our Years 3 and 5 students will do their NAPLAN online next week. NAPLAN will commence on Tuesday 14 May and conclude on Friday 24 May. This does not mean our students will be using all this time, because it is online this year there is an opportunity to have students work on the assessments within this timeframe.

Parents and carers are reminded that the school will be closed for students in Term 3 Monday 22 July 2019 while staff work with our facilitator from the Catholic Education Office Beth Riolo on Sustainability.

Friday 30 August 2019 for our annual Staff Development on Spirituality.

Please mark these dates in your diaries as in the past staff development days students have arrived at school on buses as well as parents sending them to school forgetting that no staff are at school.

Last Friday our students from Kindergarten, Years 1 and 3 enjoyed parading their Easter hats in front of a packed hall with parents, family members, staff and students. With such great excitement it was quite difficult to get them to listen as I tried hard to share some information. We are always happy to see students enjoying what they do at school.

The Kindergarten students did very well in their first exposure to an assembly hall full with so many excited spectators.  They paraded with their hats in front of many eager parents and grandparents and then had a photo opportunity as I had them seated on the stage that was all so new to them.

Student representatives have been selected from each class to discuss and suggest ways to make our school rules for class and playground better. Students will receive their badges this Friday 10 May at our Year 5 Assembly

As in past years the school communities participate in the local as well as the broader community in ANZAC commemorations. Staff, students and parents attend the dawn service as well as the weekend and ANZAC day services by laying wreathes and meeting with local and federal members of parliament. This year a large number of students and their families gave up their holiday time to attend. I am very grateful to staff who accompany me each year to these services. Thank you for your support, staff, students and families.

During Holy Week, senior students from Year 6, a Year 4 student (Alyssa Shepherd) and their families joined the diocesan community in the annual Chrism Mass celebrated by Bishop Brian. Approximately fifty diocesan and congregational priests and deacons witnessed this annual blessing and distribution of the holy oils to the parish churches. I sincerely thank, Olivia Barrett, Jordan Miller Alyssa Shepherd, Ewan Hatfield, Zane Stroemer, Emily Di Pietro and Matthew Shepherd and their parents for their participation at this special event.

The Mini Vinnies students enthusiastically visited Mt Warrigal Nursing at the end of last term. Our Pastoral Support Worker reports:

Dear Teachers of Year 4 to 6 students,

I just wanted to pass on some positive feedback to you re the wonderful behaviour of your students who attended the Mini Vinnies excursion to Warrigal Mt Terry Nursing Home today.  From the beginning of the excursion until the end, including the bus trip there and back, all of the students displayed respectful, mature and co-operative behaviour and Mrs Miller and I were very proud of them all.  The way they interacted with the residents was beautiful and many of the residents asked them to "please come back and visit them again".  From some of the comments made by the students, I think it was a very meaningful experience for them also.  

Lisa Pannell, Pastoral Support Worker

We would also like to acknowledge the generous donation of a bus by Premier Illawarra which transported the students to and from this event.

At the end of last term our parish and school community joined with other members of the wider community to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. We also reflected on those who have lost family members to cancer, the survivors and carers. Many of our staff, students, parishioners and family members, joined in the relay on the weekend and I sincerely thank each of them for their support.

We thank all our staff, students and family members who generously donated a gold coin last week to make the word HOPE. All our donations will be sent to the

Sincere thanks to Mrs Diane Allison for coordinating this important event. Each year Mrs Allison gives so generously of her time to ensure we are well prepared for the weekend of the Relay. Thank you Mrs Allison.

Thank you to all students who contributed to our Relay for Life Team's Fundraising efforts by way of a gold coin donation last Friday to spell "HOPE" - $118.40 was raised by the students.  

Thank you also to staff who contributed a donation of $128.45 which was raised from our Staff Coloured Days in Term 1.

During these last holidays we have had two big trees removed from the front playground.

Last Tuesday David Leighton School Properties Officer from the Catholic Education Office and the structural engineer have since been out to the school to see how the storm water issue can be resolved. The design has been submitted for approval. He has also submitted a plan for an access ramp at the front entry.

I ask parents who use prams or find difficulty accessing the front entry to please use the side entry through the pedestrian gate near the administration building.

We await future development of the area as soon as possible.

AFL AusKick Gala

Students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 took full advantage of the opportunity to participate in an AFL AusKick Gala on Tuesday 2 April (Week 10). The Top Oval was abuzz with excitement, as 138 students experienced a variety of AFL skill-based rotation activities and modified games. From all accounts, the session was thoroughly enjoyed by the students and teachers alike. Below are some snapshots from the day...

St Paul’s Cross Country Carnival

A balmy Autumn’s day greeted the students for the running of our annual Cross Country Carnival. All students had been busy preparing their bodies (and minds) during Physical Education lessons, so that they could complete the gruelling courses. As each age group commenced their run, the sound of cheering, stampeding feet and some huffing and puffing could easily be heard.  The presence of our wider school community only added to the atmosphere and spirit of the day. A huge thanks is extended to the many parents who assisted on the day (in various roles), especially the P & F, led by Mrs Sara-Jay O’Shea and Mrs Maria Bancroft, who coordinated the sausage sizzle.

 Congratulations to our Age and House Champions for 2019:

Kindergarten:         Jazmine Gagnuss             Jackson Hutchinson

Year 1:                    Madelynne Dowel            Cooper Shepherd

Year 2:                    Maya Huetter                  Dante Rosete

8/9 years:               Lucinda Akele                 Eamon McCann

10 years:                 Jaida Cannon                  Pacey Moylan

11 years:                 Matilda Pearson              Sean Bancroft

12 years:                 Janae Robertson             Zane Stroemer

 House Champion:  ST MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP

The following students are our squad of 24 runners who are representing St Paul’s at the Diocesan Cross Country Championships, being held at “Willandra”, Nowra today:

Lucinda Akele, Thomas Allen, Preston Apps, Angus Bancroft, Sean Bancroft, Chloe Barnes, Abbey Bartley, Gemma Bishop, Jaida Cannon, Lachlan Cannon, Grace Collins, Koby Hillard, Levi Hinkley, Maya Huetter, Declan McCann, Eamon McCann, Pacey Moylan, Matilda Pearson, Janae Robertson, Kiara Shelton, Kalani Smith, Zane Stroemer, Luke Tsolkas and Skylah Whitfield

We wish them all the best and look forward to hearing about their results!

NRL Catholic Legends Day

In stark contrast to the previous day’s weather, a deluge of rain on the morning of Thursday 4 April almost led to the postponement of the NRL Catholic Legends Day. But a little bit of rain never hurt anybody and the day went ahead, much to the delight of our 6 teams participating. Although the ground was wet and the ball slippery, our players contested each game with physicality and sportsmanship. Well done to the students for the manner in which they represented St Paul’s and thanks to the parents who assisted with coaching and managing teams on the day. Additional thanks to Mrs Evans and Mrs Whalan for their support and supervision of students.

Diocese of Wollongong Representatives

Congratulations to the following students who were successful in being selected in a Diocesan representative squad throughout Term 1:

Basketball:                  Ethan Meehan

Football (Soccer):      Zane Stroemer, Gemma Bishop and Matilda Pearson

Hockey:                      Breanna Cresswell, Billie Elliott and April Gray

Touch Football:          Angus & Sean Bancroft, Samuel Shepherd and                                                        Holly Czornobej

Rugby League:           Mason Smith

Our Rugby League, Football (Soccer) and Hockey representatives will travel to Canberra this Friday 10 May, to participate in the MacKillop Winter Sports Trials. Touch players will compete in their trials later this month. Good luck! 

NSWCPS Basketball Challenge

A reminder that Expressions of Interest for the NSWCPS Basketball Challenge, being held in Albury on the weekend of October 26 & 27 (Term 4, Week 2), are due back at school THIS Friday 10 May. EOIs are requested to be in by this date so that we nominate teams and begin preparations for the event.

 NSWPSSA Athletics Selection Trials

In 2019, the School Sport Australia Track and Field Championships will be held in the Northern Territory. Due to the extreme heat conditions in Darwin during November/December (when the event is traditionally held), it has been moved forward to mid-September. Therefore, in order to select a NSW representative track & field team for this event, the NSWPSSA will be holding a special selection trial in early August.

Participation at these trials will be via a formal application to NSWPSSA. If you believe your child is a talented athlete, capable of competing at this high level, please contact the school ASAP to discuss the selection criteria and application process with Mr Dutaillis or Mr McCann.

Applications close:  5 pm Wednesday 26 June 2019.

Calendar Dates:

Monday 25 June 2019 (Week 9)                 South Coast Netball Gala Day

Friday 28 June 2019   (Week 9)                 ST PAUL’S ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Sat. 26 & Sun. 27 October 2019 (Term 4)   NSW CPS Basketball Challenge

Shaun Dutaillis, Sports Coordinator

This week before I conclude this Newsletter, my prayer for Mother’s Day this year is for all mothers in the universe and in particular I pray for members in our school community who take the responsibility of taking care of children whether these are dads, uncles, grandfathers or older brothers. Thank you for all that you do throughout the year.

God our Creator, we pray:

For new mothers, coming to terms with new responsibility;

For expectant mothers, wondering and waiting;

For those who are tired, stressed or depressed;

For those who struggle to balance the tasks of work and family;

For those who are unable to feed their children due to poverty;

For those whose children have physical, mental or emotional disabilities?

For those who raise children on there own;

For those who have lost a child;

 For those who care for the children of others; 

For those whose children have left home;

and for those whose desire to be a mother has not been fulfilled.

Bless all mothers, that their love may be deep and tender and that they may lead their children to know and do what is good, living not for themselves alone, but for God and for others.

Amen.

All orders for Book Club Issue No. 3 need to be submitted online by no later than Monday 20 May 2019.

No late orders can be processed after this date.  Thank you.

Robyn Warton and Louise Frendo, School Support Officers - Library

On Friday the 17^th May is Walk Safely to School Day. WSTSD is an annual event when all primary school children are encouraged to walk and commute safely to school.

If any students and parents would like to participate in this event we will be meeting between 8 am and 8:15 am on Friday the 17 May 2019 outside the entrance to Albion Park Swimming Pool. Please meet Mrs Spaccavento and Mrs Evans between these times. We will start walking to school by 8:15 am. All welcome to join us.

National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is a community initiative that aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking (especially to and from school) can provide for the long term well-being of our children. The annual event, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, encourages primary school aged children to build walking into their daily routine, by walking to and from school, not just on Friday 17 May, but every day.

WHY? This national initiative aims to encourage children to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle by simply including a walk at the beginning, at lunchtime and at the end of each day. The event also promotes reduced car-dependency, greater use of public transport, cleaner air, improved diets and road safety to primary school children throughout Australia.

HOW? Encourage children to build regular walking in their daily routine by walking to, during and from school.

If you have any unused Lego you no longer use. Please donate to our school.  We are hoping to design, build and engineer many new creations in our learning.  Thank you.

 Mrs Belinda Evans and Mrs Robyn Warton

The Seasons for Growth program is based on the belief that change and loss are part of life and grief is a normal response to these losses. Children, young people and adults need the opportunity to learn about how death, separation, divorce or other significant loss or change events may impact on their lives. The emphasis of the program is on understanding the effects of change, loss and grief, whilst developing skills in communication, decision-making and problem solving.

The Seasons for Growth® Program:

• supports children and young people to understand and respond well to the issues they experience as a result of death, separation, divorce or other significant change and loss in their lives
• assists children and young people to understand that their feelings and other reactions are normal
• develops skills for coping, problem solving and decision making
• builds a peer support network
• helps restore self-confidence and self-esteem
• educates children and young people about the grief process.

 The program is run in small groups of 4–7 participants with 1 adult ‘Companion’, creating a safe space for children to practise new ways of thinking and responding to change and loss in their lives.  Our school pastoral support worker, Lisa Pannell is planning to run the Seasons for Growth Program in our school during Term 2.  If you feel that your child may benefit from participating in this program or if you would like to find out more about it, please contact the school office.  

Lisa Pannell, CatholicCare Pastoral Care Worker

Mother’s Day Stall

This Thursday 9 May 2019 we will be holding the Mother’s Day Stall.  Children will have the opportunity to purchase a small gift for Mother’s Day. Each item will be $5. Please assist by sending correct money and bag for the child to take the item home in.

We require helpers with the stall. All parents are welcome and encouraged to help. If you are able to assist please go to the School Hall  immediately after the morning assembly. The P & F members are a very friendly bunch and would love to welcome new parents to the volunteer team.

Second Hand Uniforms

Uniforms will be available this Friday 10 May 2019 at the Year 5 Assembly. Please head up the ramp in the hall to the room at the back of the stage.

Please contact Maria Bancroft (0400570105) if you require any uniform items before or after our last term assembly. Items requested can be left at the office to pay and pick up at your convenience.

We also have Navy Gloves for sale $5 each.    

Please Note: We can only accept CORRECT CHANGE when purchasing uniforms on Assembly days or if paying at the office. NO CHANGE CAN BE GIVEN. Alternatively, families can pay by EFTPOS at the front office.

Donations of uniforms no longer required are always needed to replenish our stock. Please make sure uniforms has been washed and are in relatively GOOD condition (no rips, big stains or broken zippers please).  Parents are welcome to drop off the uniforms at the office.

Cross Country BBQ – Thank You

Thank you to the following parents who assisted the P and F committee to prepare, cook and serve the sausages at our recent school cross country.

Kellie Mundt, Suzy Stromer, Karin Kolodzey, Kristy Barrett, Shane Young, Liv Abnett, Allison Chetcuti, Danielle Holt, Lisa Rosete, Nicole Zonneveld, Deanna Carbonara, Christine Richardson, Michelle Barnes, and Tricia Hamilton

P & F Facebook Page

Please be reminded that the St Paul’s P&F Facebook page is NOT an official school page. It is run by volunteers.  We always recommend confirming directly with the school if you are unsure of any event or information required.

You can find us at:

St Paul’s Albion Park P & F

Summary of Upcoming Dates

• Thursday 9 May 2019 - Mother’s Day Stall - Helpers required
• We will be posting the P & F events calendar to the P & F Facebook page. Keep an eye out for all the upcoming fun.

Amy De Santis, P & F Secretary

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): 8 – 10 July, 2019

                                Early Learning Labs (Years 3 to 6): 16 – 18 July, 2019

Venue:                     University of Wollongong (Wollongong campus)

Applications close: Wednesday 29May 2019

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Parents/Guardians visit our website and read the full list of workshops available by selecting the blue button relevant to their child’s age group.
• Parents/Guardians (or school if parent/guardian is unable to) fill out the online application form.

For further information about workshops and the application process please visit our website, or contact the Learning Labs team via email at learning-labs@uow.edu.au or phone on (02) 4221 5557.

We thank you for your continued support of Learning Labs and we hope to share our passion for providing further opportunities to your students in July!

Yours sincerely,

Sarah Smith and Janelle Cuzen