1 December 2023
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From the Principals Desk
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Assistant Principal
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Religious Education Update
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Sacraments of initiation 2024
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Primary Coordinator/Gifted Education Mentor
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Library News
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Year 6 Maroon Assembly
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Year 1 Maroon Assembly
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Term Dates 2023
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Term 1 2024
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School Student Travel Passes 2024
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Canteen
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St Nicholas OOSH
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Healthy Lunchbox
From the Principals Desk
Welcome to Bishop Michael Kennedy
Today has been a highly eventful day, with a special visit from Bishop Michael Kennedy. He is making his way around the diocesan, meeting parishioners and students at our schools. He shared some interesting stories about himself, and the children asked him a lot of questions. It was a very quick tour, but he enjoyed the art, stories, brochures, plasterwork and kindergarten play. We thank Bishop Michael for the visit.
Christmas is coming quickly
This week sees the beginning of Advent, our mission effort of Vinnies Vouchers and a Christmas disco. It is great to see our community having a great time at the disco and thinking of others for their voucher theme.
There are many people in our community who need a little extra support through the Christmas period. This small gift giving goes a long way to brightening the day and holiday season for others.
Traffic
Please once again be mindful of where you stop in the bus bays. This holds the student buses up from getting to designated stops on time. You can also be fined for stopping in these zones when the ranger is about.
Staffing News 2024.
It is with both sadness and excitement that I announce Mrs Bernadette Burgess and Mrs Nicola Gillies will be working at Wallsend in 2024. These ladies have been long standing members of our school community travelling from Newcastle every day to work in our school. They have always given tirelessly to St Paul’s for the absolute best for their students. They are outstanding teachers who are stepping out of their comfort zone and trying something new for 2024 – life long learners. Please take the time to send your messages of congratulations and goodluck to them for the coming year. We hope to see them throughout the year at interschool functions.
Class teachers for 2024
Kindergarten Hayley McNamee and Susan Campbell
Year one Kate Cooper, ADVERTISED
Year 2 Kristen Coleman and Emma Beletich
Year 3 Louisa Shears, Grace Davies and Danielle Clark
year 4 Phillip Burgess Amanda king and ADVERTISED
Year 5 Paul Toomey and Carmel Boland
Year 6 Robert Temesvary and Laura-Anne Tuersley.
Once our advertised positions have been filled, parents of classes will be notified.
P and F Executive members….
Thank you to our ongoing members of the P&F who have already begun their planning for 2024. They have always been relied upon for the discos for our students and Mother’s and Father’s Day. It really builds community for the school.
School Support Workers
As we move into the new year, we have a lot of support workers who enter our school at various times of the day. We want to minimise disruptions of prime learning in literacy and mathematics, as such we will be continuing the request that all support workers who need to work with students in school time make their times after 12:30pm to allow our children uninterrupted learning time. This can be negotiated only if the intervention is social skills during the recess period.
We will not have support workers in the first week our students return. Support can begin Monday 5th February to give students time to get to know their classroom teachers and routines. All parents must fill in the appropriate paperwork to request this outside support in school hours.
Uniforms 2024
The uniform shop will be open
Thursday 25th January 9-12pm
Monday 29th January 9-12pm
Tuesday 30th January 12-3pm
Please make your orders online via QKR for pick up on these days unless you require time for sizing.
Students will return on Thursday Feb 1st in their formal uniform.
Friday 2nd Feb is the swimming carnival with students invited to wear their house colours for the day. Only year 2 to year 6 will be participating in the carnival. Year 1 have the run of the school to themselves.
BELL TIMES for 2024.
We are moving towards equal times of learning during the day to minimise disruptions –especially in our last hour of learning. Each recess and lunch session will continue to be 40 mins – there are no changes here.
As of 2024 Bells will be:
- 8:45 End of morning play
- 8:50 Bell to begin lessons.
- 10:30 am RECESS
- 11:10 Middle Session
- 12:40 LUNCH
- 1:20pm LAST SESSION
- 2:55pm End of day
Assistant Principal
PBL
This fortnight our PBL focus is Speak and Act with Kindness. This important focus links with our school value of Serve. Being disciples of Jesus, we challenge all of our students to walk in the footsteps of Jesus in service. One very simple way to serve others is by choosing kindness in both our words and in our actions each day. It is our shared responsibility to make St Paul’s a safe and inclusive space for all in our community.
As we move into the season of Advent this Sunday, I encourage all parents and carers to take the time to talk with their children about the true meaning of this season, which is awaiting and preparing for the coming of our Saviour We commence this Sunday with the lighting of the first Advent candle ‘Hope’. I firmly believe that the one hope that Jesus has for us, is to choose kindness.
Reports
This fortnight, our teachers have continued to work hard finalizing assessments and writing their Semester Two reports. These reports will follow the same, new format as we introduced in Semester One. The Key Learning Areas of English, Mathematics and Religious Education will receive a comment on each student's strengths and an area for development. There will also be a general comment included in the Semester Two reports. Reports will be shared with families via COMPASS on Friday 8th December (Week 9). If you wish to discuss your child’s learning with their class teacher/s, please contact them directly via their email address or the SeeSaw app.
Sport
Rugby
Last week a number of students represented St Paul’s in the Hunter PSSA Celebration of Rugby Primary School Rugby 7s Gala Day at Speers Point. A big thank you to Mr Temesvary who volunteered his time to train the teams in his own lunch breaks and to Mrs Burgess who accompanied the teams on the day. As always, our students displayed wonderful team spirit and sportsmanship.
Diocesan Basketball Trials
Congratulations to Xavier Threadgate and Arlee-Rose Sorensen who was successful in his trials this term. Xavier will represent the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese in Lismore
Religious Education Update
ADVENT
Advent for 2023 has begins this Sunday! Advent is the first season of the Church year. It is the season of longing and waiting as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, God-with-us. Advent celebrates the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, into human history.
The challenge is to remember that God is constantly with us and close to us. The Advent season is one of promise and fulfilment. It is a celebration of past, present and future. The Advent wreath originated in Europe. It was a symbol of life, in a world in the grip of a frozen winter. The evergreen reminded people that signs of life were still to be found. The lighting of extra candles as midwinter and the shortest period of daylight approached was a reminder of God’s light in the darkness. Obviously, that is a bit different here in Australia, but it is important to know the origins of the tradition. The four candles of the Advent wreath are purple and pink and represent Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. Some advent wreaths also have a fifth candle which is white. This candle represents Jesus and is lit on Christmas day.
FAMILY SUNDAY MASS
Thank you so much to the staff, students and families that made the effort to come along and celebrate Sunday mass with our Parish! It was an extra special occasion with Bishop Michael visiting our Parish as he moves around the diocese to visit schools and parishes. Thank you to those students that hopped up and sang in the choir or did a reading. We love seeing our students involved with our Parish!
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2024
The Parish Sacramental team has begun preparation for our 2023 Sacramental journey with the initial information meetings NEXT WEEK. Please see the flyer below on details surrounding this. If you are interested in your child doing their sacraments next year (and they will be in Year 3 or above in 2024), please contact the parish Sacramental team at: SOIchisolm@mn.catholic.org.au.
FORTNIGHTLY CATHOLIC LESSON: HOW IS HOLY MASS CELEBRATED?
The topic for this fortnight’s edition – the second edition of The Liturgy of the Eucharist and the Concluding Rites.
Following the consecration and the great Amen, we stand to pray the Our Father together. We are happy that big and small, tall and short, old and young may call God their Father. We are all children to one Father.
Jesus gives us the gift of his peace, which we pass onto each other – “peace be with you.” During the Lamb of God, we thank Jesus, who like an innocent lamb let himself be killed on the cross to give us the gift of forgiveness and peace.
Finally, it is time for Communion. How are we, a human being, supposed to receive our great God? We say: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.” The moments after communion belong to you and Jesus. We pray for whatever needs may arise. I personally like to pray to my (and my wife’s) grandparents, who I lost on this earth relatively young, but are watching over me in Heaven. I also like to think of those in my life that may be struggling, sick or just need general support. It reminds me to reach out to those people – even just a quick ‘how are you?’
Once communion has finished, there is a blessing and the dismissal: “Go forth in peace!” After Holy Mass, we have every reason to look more cheerful than we did before.
That is all for this fortnight and thus concludes the series of How is Holy Mass Celebrated? As there is only one newsletter left for this year, our Fortnightly Catholic Lesson will commence week 2, 2024 (how horrifying is that!)
GOSPEL REFLECTION
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR A
Mark 13:33-37
We know not the hour the Lord will come.
Sacraments of initiation 2024
Primary Coordinator/Gifted Education Mentor
The Maitland Newcastle Diocese is committed to Child Protection including advocating for the rights of children. As you move around our school you may see one of our child friendly commitment posters. This poster outlines the Maitland Newcastle Diocese commitment to safeguarding.
Kids Help Line
A reminder that the Kids Helpline has great resources for children and parents that outlines the rights of children. All children have the right to be happy, healthy and safe. For further details please see the links below. have a right to be safe, healthy and happy. You have a right to be safe, healthy and happy.
Kids 5-12 years - https://kidshelpline.com.au/kids/issues/what-are-my-rights
Teens 13-17 years - https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/your-rights
Library News
Library borrowing has come to an end for 2023.
Please return all books borrowed this year back to school this week in preparation for stocktake in Week 9 and 10. Please do not wait for borrowing days.
Overdue notice slips were sent home during the week. Thank you to the hundreds of books that were returned! We have been very busy putting these back on the shelves.
Second slips will be sent home next week if we have not had any communication back.
If you are unable to locate a book, or feel it has been returned already, please return the overdue notice slip with a brief note OR send a note or email informing the library staff it is missing.
katrina.howard@mn.catholic.edu.au
Your support in helping your children with this is greatly appreciated.
Online Libraries
All students have access to using the online library platforms now and over the Christmas break SORA and Story Box Library.
SORA can be accessed via the website link SORA LINK or by downloading the app. SORA offers a variety of eBooks and audiobooks. This can be a fantastic way to enjoy stories as a family while on a long car trip or listening to stories before bed.
When logging on, students will need to select ACEN (Australian Catholic Education Network) as their school (St Paul’s Rutherford will not be an option).
Students will then be prompted to use their user name and passwords used to log into the devices at school.
USERNAME- firstname.lastname (e.g. john.smith)
PASSWORD – (individal) If your child forgets their password please don’t hesitate to contact the library.
Story Box Library can be accessed by the website link.
Username: Story Box Rutherford
Password: Rutherford
Aboriginal Education Corner
A big thank you to Mrs Wilson and the students working with her who created this new area in our library space. It looks amazing and acknowledges the fantastic Aboriginal books we have educating and connecting us to our First Nations people.
Digital Citizenship
Classes have been learning about being safe and responsible digital citizens this term during their library lessons. You may like to use the following PDFs as an activity to use at home when taking about keeping safe online at home. Students have been educated about device use and spending a maximum time of 2 hours on any device or screen (including television) at a time. Creating a healthy balance and getting up and moving either inside or outdoors. It was great to hear some students share their maximum limit times as being half hour and hour limits.
BOOK CLUB
The last Book Club orders for this year have been processed and will be delivered to the school in week 9 or 10. Once they have been delivered all orders will be sent home with students.
Thank you to all the families that supported our school Book Club this year. We were able to buy over $700 worth of books and resources for the school to use.
Thank you!
Year 6 Maroon Assembly
Year 1 Maroon Assembly
Term Dates 2023
Term 1 Friday, 27th January – Thursday, 6th April
Term 2 Monday, 24th April – Friday, 30th June
Term 3 Monday, 17th July – Friday, 22 September
Term 4 Monday, 9th October – Tuesday, 19th December
Week 9 4th Dec – 8th Dec
Mon 4th Dec – All Saints’ College Junior Campus (St Peters) - Yr7 2024 Orientation Day
Tues 5th Dec – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Tues 5th Dec – Stage 2 Rotations
Wed 6th Dec – Stage 1 Rotations
Thu 7th Dec – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Thu 7th Dec – Carols Evening 5.30pm – Bottom Playground
Fri 8th Dec – Step Up Afternoon – 12pm – 1pm
Fri 8th Dec – Report sent out via COMPASS
Fri 8th Dec – 4W Assembly 2pm
Week 10 11th Dec – 15th Dec
Tues 12th Dec – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Tues 12th Dec – Stage 3 Rotations
Tues 12th Dec – End of Year 2023 Student Award Assembly ES1 9.30am, S2 10am, S3 10.30am
Wed 13th Dec – Yr6 Graduation Mass 12pm
Wed 13th Dec – Yr6 Farewell Dinner Telarah Bowling Club 5pm
Thu 14th Dec – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Fri 15th Dec – LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS TERM 4 2023
Fri 15th Dec – Yr6 Clap out 2.15pm
Week 11 18th Dec – 19th Dec
Mon 18th Dec – Professional Learning Day – Pupil Free Day
Tues 19th Dec – Professional Learning Day – Pupil Free Day
Summer Holidays 20th Dec – 26th January 2024
Term 1 2024
Term Dates for 2024
Week 1 29th Jan – 2nd Feb 2024
Mon 29th Jan – Principal Return - GOVERNANCE DAY
Tue 30th Jan – Pupil Free Day – Staff Development Day
Wed 31st Jan - Pupil Free Day - Staff Development Day
Thu 1st Feb – Students Return – Yr1 – Yr6
Fri 2nd Feb – St Paul’s Swimming Carnival 2024
Week 2 5th Feb - 9th Feb 2024
Mon 5th Feb - Kindergartens 1st Day Flexible times
Tue 6th Feb - Kindergarten full 1st Day
Term 1 Tuesday, 30 January - Friday, 12 April
Term 2 Monday, 29 April - Friday, 05 July
Term 3 Monday, 22 July - Friday, 27 September
Term 4 Monday, 14 October - Friday, 20 December
School Student Travel Passes 2024
Uniform Shop Hours 2023
Monday 2.15pm – 3pm
Wednesday 8.30am - 9.30am
Friday 8.30am - 9.30am
Elissa Purdon
Uniform Shop Coordinator
Canteen
Opening days will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, CLOSED MONDAY. Please order via the Qkr App.
Lunch orders will be sent to the classrooms as normal.
Please ensure your child has their current class.
St Nicholas OOSH
Healthy Lunchbox
Kindergarten Orientation Video
Our 'How to pack a healthy lunch box video' is perfect for kindergarten orientation programs. This fun, 3 minute video will inspire parents and carers and teach them how to easily pack healthy lunch box. Here are some ways you can share the video:
- Show the video at a parent information night
- Email the video weblink to parents
- Include the video weblink in electronic kindergarten orientation packs
- Share it on your social media channels
New recipes
New blogs
Have you seen our Nutrition Snippets?
Nutrition Snippets are bite-sized nutrition tips, facts and recipes designed to be used within newsletters.
If you have not already signed up, you can sign up to receive our FREE Nutrition Snippets (5 snippets every 5 weeks of the school term) here.
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has an abiding commitment to promote the safety,
Welfare and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults. Safguarding is everyone’s responsibility if in you have any concerns for a child or vulnerable adult, please contact the Office of Safeguarding:
- Phone 4979 1390 or
- Email childprotection@mn.catholic.org.au or
- Visit their website for further information from the link below
https://www.officeofsafeguarding.org.au/