Last Sunday in Parishes throughout the Diocese of Wollongong we celebrated the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. The Gospel reading is the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes, which are a way to teach about who will find favor with God.

The Beatitudes can be understood as a framework for Christian living. Our vocation as Christians is not to be first in this world, but rather to be first in the eyes of God. By referring to the good things that the faithful will experience, Matthew reminds us that those who act in the manner described in the Beatitudes will find their reward with God.

Dear Parents and Carers,

On behalf of Fr. Leo and the staff at St Paul's I wish you a warm welcome back to the 2023 school year. I hope that your Christmas was faith-filled and you were able to spend time with your loved ones during the pupil vacation. I have spoken with many parents and carers and students yesterday and today about their break and the wonderful time they had during January. 

It was such a pleasure to see our students enter the school with such happy smiles and greeting their teachers and friends with much enthusiasm. This is certainly testament of the supportive and caring culture at St Paul’s, a school where sincere care is shown constantly by students, staff, parents and carers. 

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new families who have joined our school community in 2023, especially those parents who will commence the journey with their child at St Paul’s for the very first time. Welcome to St Paul’s!! We also welcome our new staff members; Miss Eliza Treble Year 4 Teacher and Middle Leader, Miss Alana Stroligo Year 6 teacher and Middle Leader, Miss Kelly Rogan Kindergarten Support Teacher, Mrs Kylie Linnett Release Teacher and Miss Nyah Riddell School Support Officer  I am sure our new staff, students and families will experience the beauty of the St Paul’s hospitality.

Over the next few weeks our teachers will be focusing on classroom procedures and structures that support learning. This is an opportunity for students to engage in establishing routines for learning which will optimise student engagement.  This includes organising the learning space, establishing classroom procedures and introducing routines and structures that guide student behaviour and learning engagement. 

Please see a video of our 2023 School Captains Dante and Poppy welcoming the St Paul's school community to the 2023 school year.

School Buildings Update

Throughout the January pupil vacation St Paul’s school underwent some significant maintenance work including:

• Building of thresholds, ramps and hand railings for improved safety
• Replacement of the retaining wall and garden bed adjacent the stairs leading to the Top Oval
• Drainage pits placed in the Central Playground 
• Additional levelling of the ground on the Central Playground
• New turf on the Central Playground

I would like to express my gratitude to the Catholic Education Properties Team for organising the work over the pupil vacation period. The next part of the Central Playground upgrade will be a new sand pit and Moduplay. 

2023 Annual School Improvement Plan

In 2022 staff,students, parents and carers had an opportunity to provide feedback about the strengths and areas of growth for the school. This feedback was used by staff and the School Leadership Team in consultation with the Catholic Education Office to develop the St Paul’s Annual Improvement plan for 2023. This year  will see the staff at St Paul’s focus on a number of Annual Improvement Goals which are briefly outlined below. 

1. By the end of 2023 students will have opportunities to demonstrate the understanding of the school Catholic values through explicit teaching in Religious Education
2. By the end of 2023 students will have improved their understanding of mathematical ideas through the application of evidenced based strategies for teaching the key concepts of number
3. By the end of 2023 students will have improved understanding of interpersonal skills so they respectfully interact with others through the application of consistent evidenced-based strategies for teaching social and emotional learning and well-being 

Teacher professional learning will be an integral component of the St Paul’s Annual Improvement Plan. Teachers will be released from their teaching load throughout the year to engage in professional learning targeted to the above annual improvement goals. We are looking forward to this year's targeted learning and partnership with our parents and carers.

Grade Curriculum Overviews and Meet and Greet Parent and Carer Sessions

On Friday 3rd February Grade Curriculum Overviews will be distributed to parents and carers via Compass. The Grade Curriculum Overviews outline the core content in each Key Learning Area that students will focus on for Term 1. 

In weeks 4 and 5 parents and carers will be invited to a Grade Parent and Carer Information Evening. Please see information from Mrs Nunes in the newsletter outlining the date and time for each grades Parent and Carer Information Evening. This is an opportunity to meet your child's classroom teacher and to gain insight into the core learning experiences that your child will engage in throughout the 2023 school year. I encourage parents and carers to also make a time this term to talk with your child's classroom teacher about your expectations for your child's learning in 2023.

Mrs Jodi Marsh and I have been selected to represent the Catholic Education Office Diocese of Wollongong at the The Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, which is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the world. “Embrace Grace”, is the theme of the 2023 Religious Education Congress, and an invitation to experience God’s unconditional acceptance, deep nourishment and transformative power in our hearts, our minds, and in our actions. Mrs Marsh and I will be attending the conference from the 20th February and will return to school in Week 8 of Term 1. We are looking forward to this great opportunity and are honoured to be representing the Catholic Education Office Diocese of Wollongong at this prestigious religious event.

On behalf of the staff at St Paul's we look forward to working with our parents and carers to provide a supportive and caring learning environment whereby every St Paul's students experiences continual growth in Faith and Learning. I leave you with a prayer intention from Pope Francis for educators and we acknowledge that our parents and carers are the first educators of our students.

"We pray that educators may be credible witnesses, teaching fraternity rather than competition and helping the youngest and most vulnerable above all." Pope Francis

Yours in Faith and Learning,

Michelle Rodwell

Principal

Acknowledgement to Country

St Paul's Albion Park acknowledges and pays respect to the Dharawal people past and present, the traditional custodians of the land on which our school is built.

You are warmly invited to attend the Meet and Greet Sessions that will be held in a few weeks. The purpose of the session will be for the grade to introduce their teachers, discuss learning for the grade, explain homework and other important organisation items specific to the grade. 

Tuesday 7 February is Safer Internet Day. the theme for 2023 is "Connect, Reflect, Protect". During this week Year 4, 5, and 6 will all participate in a webinar that focuses on how to stay safe when using the internet. All others classes will engage in class activities to acknowledge the day.

At the start of each year, the school engages in teaching students how to be respectful, responsible, and safe when using technology. This is aligned with the CEDOW expectations listed in the Social Media Policy. All parents and carers received a hard copy of the CEDoW Responsible Use of Technology Agreement. Please read and sign this document and return it to school. 

The eSafety Commission hosts webinars for parents and carers. 

See the link for details on how to register for the webinars listed in the flyer.

2023_parent_and_carer_webinar_schedule.pdf

2023_parent_and_carer_webinar_schedule _pdf 115.68 KB

Over the last few years, St Paul's has consulted with parents and carers through P&F meetings and grade-appropriate meetings regarding the iPad program. 

Since 2020 students have used the 'School Mangaged' system and the 'Bring Your Own Device' model has been phased out. This year all students from Year 4 to Year 6 will have a personal device to use. 

The devices for Years 4 and 5 have arrived and are being prepared. 

The device rollout for 2023 will occur on Monday 6 February.

Please ensure all students in Years 4 & 5 have headphones from Monday.

WELCOME AND COMMISSIONING OF SCHOOL STUDENT LEADERS

On Thursday 9th February at 9:30am we will have our 2023 Beginning of School Year Liturgy in the Hall at 9:30am. At this liturgy the whole school will come together to welcome all to the 2023 school year. The  school captains and Year 6 student leaders will receive their badges and read their commitment to the role they are taking in 2023. Parents from all grades are welcome to attend.

ASH WEDNESDAY

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent. At the Ash Wednesday Liturgy we receive a cross on our forehead of ash. This year we will celebrate with a liturgy on Wednesday 22nd February in the Church for Years 3-6. Kindergarten to Year 2 will receive ashes in the hall at a prayer celebration.

ASSEMBLIES 2023

Each grade will have the opportunity to present an assembly fortnightly on Friday afternoons in the hall at 2:30pm. ACE, Principal and Mary MacKillop Awards will be presented at these assemblies. Parents are welcome to attend. Please see below the dates for Semester One.

Term 1

Term 2

PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS

CONFIRMATION, RECONCILIATION AND FIRST COMMUNION IN 2023

Dear Parents and Carers of Catholic Children in Years 3 to 6 in 2023.

If you wish for your child to receive the sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in 2023, please check the St Paul's Parish website (www.st paul's parish.org.au) for information on dates and expectations of the parish for each of these sacraments.

Thank you,

Therese McQuade

Coordinator, Sacramental Programme

St Paul's Parish

Confirmation:

Parent/Carer Meeting for Discernment (held in church) Tuesday, February 21st, 7pm

Mrs Jodi Marsh

Religious Education Coordinator

Whilst all students receive high quality instruction in our classrooms, it is essential to recognise that not all students learn at the same pace, or consolidate the key concepts at the same level. This has been particularly evident following the interruptions to learning that many of our students have experienced over the past two years. A multi-tiered approach to supporting student learning enables all students to receive the instruction and support they need to achieve their learning goals. 

What are Tier 2 Interventions? 

Tier 2 Interventions are evidence based programs that feature a highly structured, systematic approach to the teaching of key literacy skills and numeracy concepts. These programs are run daily, in small groups and are facilitated by highly trained Teachers and/or School Support officers, in collaboration with your child's classroom teacher and the school’s Diverse Learning Team. 

At St Paul’s we offer a range of intervention programs that offer students an opportunity to access specific, targeted instruction to consolidate key concepts, skills, knowledge and understanding in both Literacy and Numeracy, including MiniLit (Stage 1) and MacQ Lit (Stage 2 and 3), MultiSensory Structured Language (MSL) (K-6) and Small Group Classroom Intervention Programs for Numeracy. We also have access to programs to support Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and student wellbeing. 

Who can access Tier 2 Intervention?

Students who qualify for a Tier 2 Intervention are those students who receive additional support in the classroom but have not demonstrated expected growth in either Literacy or Numeracy. The St Paul’s Diverse Learning Team will commence initial assessments from Week 4 to determine the students who would benefit from a Tier 2 Interventions across our school for Semester 1 (Terms 1 and 2).

As we commence a new school year, teachers take time to review and update Personal Plans. This is essential as we get to know our students, set up the learning environment and establish the structures and supports to meet the diverse needs of our learners at St Paul’s. 

Collaborative Planning Meetings are for students with a Personal Plan. During Term 1, Parents and or Carers will be given the opportunity to meet with Classroom Teachers, or a member of the St Paul’s Diverse Learning Needs Team, for a Collaborative Planning Meeting. During this meeting, Teachers and Parents/Carers will work collaboratively to review adjustments, discuss your child's current goals and update the personal plan. 

Term 1 Collaborative Planning Meeting dates and times will be communicated in upcoming Newsletters and on Compass. 

Mrs Alexandra Hingston

St Paul's Catholic Parish Primary School has a duty to take reasonable care for the safety and welfare of our students.  This care extends to assisting students manage their medical condition that requires medication, where medication cannot be administered outside of school hours.

If your child requires staff to administer prescription or over-the-counter medication at school, you will need to complete a Request to Administer Medication Form.  

School staff will only administer prescription medication that: 

• Has been prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner (e.g. doctor, dentist)

• Is in its original container 

• Has an attached pharmacy label to the container

• Has been delivered to the school by the parent / carer and is accompanied by a completed Request to Administer Medication Form 

School staff will only administer Over-The-Counter medication that: 

• Is in its original container 

• Has been delivered to the school by the parent / carer and is accompanied completed Request to Administer Medication Form including the signature and stamp from a qualified medical practitioner

If your child requires more than one medication, you will need to complete a form for each medication.

ASCIA ANAPHYLAXIS ACTION PLANS / ASHTMA MANAGEMENT ACTION PLANS

If your child is at risk of anaphylaxis, asthma or an allergic reaction, it is important that the school is provided with a current ASCIA Anaphylaxis Action Plan / Asthma Management Plan completed by a doctor.  This plan provides up-to-date information for the school regarding the medical management of your child’s condition.  

If there are any changes in your child’s health care needs, please inform the school as soon as possible.

The St Paul’s 2023 Swimming Carnival will be held at Albion Park Public Swimming Pool on Monday 13th February. Students in Years 3 to 6 are to attend the swimming carnival. An information note will be sent home with students today and a Compass Event will be published this week for parents and carers to complete for each child that is attending the swimming carnival. 

If your child is in Year 2 and can confidently swim 50m and they would like to attend the carnival please email Mr Brian McCann at mccannb02@dow.catholic.edu.au to discuss their involvement in the day. 

Parents and carers will need to transport their children to and from the carnival. Those students who attend Catholic Care before and after school care will be escorted by staff to and from the venue.

We will be seeking the assistance of volunteers on the day of the carnival. If you are able to assist please indicate this on the Compass event.

Canteen facilities for snacks only will be available on the day. Students are asked to bring their drink bottles and recess and lunch if not purchasing snacks from the canteen.

The winning house and swimming age champions will be announced on Friday 17th February at the morning assembly. 

We look forward to a wonderful day at the St Paul’s Swimming Carnival. All parents and carers are invited to attend.

Mr Brian McCann and Mrs Louise Frendo