5 April 2024

From the Principals Desk

The Joy of Easter

How nice was a mini break before the end of an 11-week term. I hope you all enjoyed the wonderful weather and family connection that Easter can bring.

Our Easter Vigil on Saturday night saw the Baptism, confirmation and First Eucharist of one of our staff members Melinda Walls. Mel had been preparing to join our Catholic community throughout this last year and she was blessed and welcomed by our Rutherford and Campbell’s Hill parishioners in a very special part of the Easter Tridium. Congratulations Mrs Walls.

P and F Thanks

Thank you to the small group of helpers in the P and F who collated the easter eggs, the raffle tickets, counted the money and helped with the draw last week. It is a large task and the school gains valauable funds to upgrade sports equipment and readers that sometimes do not fit into the school budget.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN was completed by all Y3 and Y5 students this term and organised by a wonderful team of Mrs Collett, Miss Taranto and Mrs KIng. We thank them for their guidance and support for our year 3 and 5 teachers and students over this time.

END of TERM REMINDERS

Staff Development Day

A reminder that the school will be closed on Friday 12^th April for Staff Development Day.

Lost Property

There is a mass of jumpers in the lost property box with no names. If you are missing a jumper, please ask your child to look in the box.

ANZAC DAY MARCH

Once again, we are marching for ANZAC Day in the Maitland ceremony during the school holidays. This is a great opportunity for our students and leaders to represent the school. We will be meeting near the fire station at 10am to create our lines to march behind our school banner. Students will wear their summer formal uniform. We finish at Maitland Park for the service.

Kindergarten Enrolments 2025.

Kindergarten interviews begin for 2025 for families wishing to come to St Paul’s. Enrolment is online following this link:

If you know anyone who hasn’t accessed the enrolment forms, please tell them they can contact the school for help.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL MONDAY 29^th April.

Our Athletics carnival has been booked for the first day of term 2. Buses will be leaving the school at 9am. Students will be sitting in their house groups with teacher supervision. Orders for sausage rolls and pies will need to be completed on the QKR app for the day before next Thursday 11^th April so we can order before the end of the term.

We would like to hold a BBQ, but require a parent volunteer or two for this. If you can be available for the BBQ, please contact Christa Molan in the canteen.

Congratulations Archie Hawkins!

Archie qualified for Polding level swimming. He competed against students from all over the the state in Sydney.

Archie won his heat at Polding. He had alot of fun.

MOTHER'S DAY – SAVE THE DATE

As we return to school in Term 2, Mother’s Day will be just round the corner. Please keep Friday 10th May free in the morning to have a special treat from the school for breakfast and join us for the liturgy.

Opportunity Class Year 5 entry in 2025: Applications are open 4 April-20 May 2024

What are opportunity classes?
Opportunity classes are one of the ways the NSW Department of Education supports high potential and gifted students. The classes help students learn by:

• grouping them with other gifted students
• using specialised teaching methods so students can learn concepts in more detail and more quickly
• supporting their wellbeing needs. Most students in opportunity classes enjoy learning with peers who have similar abilities and interests.

Opportunity classes are not zoned.
From 2025 entry, opportunity classes are offered at 86 government schools in NSW. Students who are placed attend the opportunity class full time in Years 5 and 6.

Parents/carers must apply online via the link at Opportunity classes - Year 5. The online application form will open on 4 April 2024 and close on 20 May 2024. Parents/carers must apply by the closing date.

Should you apply?
If your child learns with greater ease and speed than their classmates, they may benefit from placement in an opportunity class. High potential and gifted children need to be challenged so they remain engaged with their education. Discuss the opportunity with your child and look through the information together on Opportunity classes (Year 5 – 6). If you would like to discuss whether you think you should apply, please contact your child’s teacher.

 All candidates need to sit the Opportunity Class Placement Test on Thursday 1 August 2024.
All information can be found 

Assistant Principal

Term One Student Goals

As we descend into the last week of term, I encourage parents and carers to have a conversation with your children about their Term 1 Learning Goals. Below are some suggested questions for starting this conversation with your child/ren:

1. How are you going with your learning goal?
2. How do you know?
3. What could you do to improve?

Dental Van

This week, we have been fortunate to see the return of our annual Dental Van visiting St Paul’s. This free service is provided through Australian Dental Health NSW. Thank you to all children who have been beautifully mannered and respectful during these visits.

Volunteers

As the saying goes, it takes a village and we certainly could not be more thankful of the many volunteers we have who assist us at St Paul’s! If you feel that would like to volunteer at school for any event in the coming year we ask that you please complete our registration process.

All school volunteers are required to:

1. Have WWCC Number
2. Volunteer Registration with the CSO (see link below)

Welcome back Mr Toomey!

Year 5M and our staff were very pleased to welcome back Mr Toomey this week. Mr Toomey has been greatly missed whilst he has been on leave, recovering after having surgery.

Student Awards Weeks

Religious Education Update 

HARMONY DAY

Harmony Day was a wonderful success this year thanks to our Mini Vinnies Team! They managed to raise over $450 for project compassion (which is a huge effort considering it was all from spare change!)

Thank you to everyone who helped out – especially Mrs Wilson and Sister Joseph for the planning, preparation and running of the day. Mini Vinnies – you were outstanding!

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The Regional Kids Mass is taking place on Sunday 7^th  April at 6pm, St Joseph's East Maitland.  

At Kids Mass we are striving to create a regular Eucharistic celebration that is welcoming to families, including those with young kids: A Mass that is relevant while still being reverent. Our focus is outreaching, to make a place in our church for all young people.

At the Sunday Night Mass every week, we aim to provide a welcoming and accepting atmosphere, “younger” Mass music, a regular BBQ after Mass, and a place for everyone to meet Jesus. The regional Mass is held at St Joseph’s East Maitland each Sunday night at 6pm.

The first Sunday of each month, KIDS MASS, is especially focused on little people.

Thank you for promoting this to the families of your school.

And if you haven’t been before, you should come and check it out.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Last week we had our Stations of the Cross Liturgy. Again – my wonderful liturgy team, you are amazing. Thank you to the families that came along to witness such a significant event in our liturgical calendar.

PROJECT COMPASSION

The season of Lent is finished! Our Mini Vinnies team will be helping classes to collect donations for various causes around the world. This year, the class with the most money raised in their class donation box will receive a ‘Movie Package’ to enjoy in week 11. Donations will be counted at the end of Week 10. If you would like to see more information, please head to: Project Compassion (caritas.org.au)

Sacraments of Initiation 2024

Below are the events to mark on the calendar for those completing their Sacraments of Initiation this year. This weekend is the presentation of the Our Father at all Mass centres. For any information, please contact me through the school office.

GOSPEL REFLECTION
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR B
John 20:19-31
Doubting Thomas.

Library News

2024 Borrowing Days

Monday - Year 2
Tuesday - Kinder, Year 4, Year 5
Wednesday - Year 1, Year 3, Year 6 

Congratulations to 6M who had the highest borrowing percentage at 90% Third fortnight running 6M will continue to hold the library cup for another fortnight.

Years 3-6 Home Reading

More Home Reading Bookmarks are starting to make their way to the Library with our total now at 205 hours read! It has been lovely to see the students participating with this. Please continue encouraging your children to read minimum 15 mins a day (aiming for a minimum of 4 times a week) and return those bookmarks when completed. If this has been misplaced students are welcome to a collect another one from the library. 

Premiers Reading Challenge (PRC)

Congratulations to the students who have already completed and logged their books for 2024 completing the PRC.

Mila KW, Leoni 2M, Angel 3M, Serah 4W, Onan 4M, George 4M, George 4M, Logan 5W, Oliver 5W, Darsh 5W, Jayden 5W, Mia 5M, Amarni 6W, Zoe 6W, Ebony 6W, Elena 6W, Ryan 6M, April 6M, Zachary 6M, Curtis 6M, Xavier 6M, Ivy 6M, Cooper 6M.

Information on the PRC can be found at

If login details have been misplaced please don’t hesitate to email the library.

Lunchtimes in the Library

St Paul’s Chess Tournament is down to the top 3 players. Congratulations to Rylee Walton 6M, Rayyan Sayed 5M and Blair Newton 2W making it to the final play offs.

Book Club

Issue 2 orders have been finalised and will be delivered to the school this week. All orders placed with the school mean we receive reward points to spend on resources for our school, so thank you to all those families who have placed an order.

If you have any questions or concerns about the library, please don’t hesitate to contact myself or Penny in the Library.
katrina.howard@mn.catholic.edu.au
penny.sneddon@mn.catholic.edu.au

Primary Coordinator/Gifted Education Mentor

NAPLAN

The NAPLAN testing period has now concluded, with all tests submitted. Year 3 and Year 5 students are to be commended for their hard work during the assessment period. Thank you to all staff members for their support in ensuring the successful implementation of NAPLAN.

School Holiday Ideas

As we prepare for the upcoming school holidays, it's a great time to start planning activities that will keep the children entertained and engaged. Whether it's exploring local parks, trying out new recipes together, or embarking on creative projects, these moments are perfect for bonding and making lasting memories.

Here are a few suggestions for activities in the local area

School Fee Statements

As Term 1 in coming to a close next week, we would like to remind our families that your first payment of school fees should have begun by 31^st March 2024.If you chose to be an annual payor, your fees are due in full by 30 June 2024

School Fee statements have been sent out this week. Please contact the school if you have not received it yet.

If your payments have not begun, your account is now considered OVERDUE. Please set up your regular payments as soon as possible to ensure fees will be cleared by 30^th November 2024. If you would like any assistance in calculating your fees, please contact Melissa or Sharon in the office.

If you are experiencing any financial hardship, we encourage you to reach out by contacting the office. Any information, will remain strictly confidential.

Appreciate your assistance with supporting our beautiful school

Term 1 2024

Term Dates for 2024

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

Week 11 8^th – 12^th April

Mon 8^{th -} Yr 2 Library & Music
Mon 8^th – Free Dental Van (last day)
Tues 9^{th -} Breakfast Club 8.20am
Tues 9^th – Combined School ANZAC commemoration Civic Theatre (Leaders only)
Wed 10^th – Boys Newcastle Knights U10’s & U12’s Thornton.
Thu 11^th - Breakfast Club 8.20am
Thu 11^th – Last Day for students
Fri 12^th – Pupil Free Day
Fri 12^th – End of Term 1

Autum School Holidays – Sat 13^th April – Sun 28^th April.

Term 2

Week 1 29^th April – 3^rd May

Mon 29^th – Athletics Carnival 9am – 2.45pm Maitland Athletics
Mon 29^th – Yr 2 Library & Music
Tue 30^th – Anzac Day Liturgy
Tue 30^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Tue 30^th – P&F Meeting
Wed 1^st – Yr’s 1, 3 & 6 Library & Music
Wed 1^st – Boys U10’s Kurri Kurri
Wed 2^nd – Breakfast Club 8.20amWeek 2 6^th May – 10^th May
Fri 3^th – Polding Trials Tamworth – Netball, Hockey, Soccer & R League

Week 2 6^th May – 10^th May

Mon 6^th – Yr2 Library & Music
Tue 7^th – Kinder & Yr’s 4 & 5 Library & Music
Tue 7^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Wed 8^th – Yrs 1,3 & 6 Library & Music
Wed 8^th – Mother’s Day wrapping P&F
Thu 9^th – Mother’s Day Stall
Thu 9^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Fri 10^th – Mother’s Day Breakfast 7.30am
Fri 10^th – Mother’s Day Liturgy

Week 3 13^th May – 17^th May

Mon 13^th – Yr2 Library & Music
Tue 14^th – Kinder & Yr’s 4 & 5 Library & Music
Tue 14^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Wed 15^th – Yrs 1,3 & 6 Library & Music
Wed 15^th – Dio X-Country
Thu 16^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am

Week 4 20^th May – 24^th May

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Mon 20^th – Yr2 Library & Music
Tue 21^st – Parish Mass CSW & Open Classrooms
Tue 21^st – Kinder & Yr’s 4 & 5 Library & Music
Tue 21^st – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Wed 22^nd – Nat Sim Storytime
Wed 22^nd – Yrs 1,3 & 6 Library & Music
Thu 23^rd – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Fri 24^th -

Week 5 27^th May – 31^st May

RECONCILIATION WEEK
WELLBEING WEEK
Mon 27^th – Yr2 Library & Music
Mon 27^th – Author Visit
Tue 28^th – Kinder & Yr’s 4 & 5 Library & Music
Tue 28^th – Author Visit
Tue 28^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Wed 29^th – Yrs 1,3 & 6 Library & Music
Thu 30^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Fri 31^st -

Week 6 3^rd June – 7^th June

Mon 3^rd – Yr2 Library & Music
Tue 4^th – Kinder & Yr’s 4 & 5 Library & Music
Tue 4^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Wed 5^th – Yrs 1,3 & 6 Library & Music
Thu 6^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Thu 6^th – MSP School Photos – Whole School
Fri 7^th – Pupil Free Day

Week 7 10^th June – 14^th June

Mon 10^th – PUBLIC HOLIDAY – Kings Birthday Weekend
Tue 11^th – Kinder & Yr’s 4 & 5 Library & Music
Tue 11^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Wed 12^th – Yrs 1,3 & 6 Library & Music
Thu 13^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Thu 13^th – Regional Spelling & Maths - Tarro
Fri 14^th – Pyjama Day
Fri 14^th – Mini Vinnies Evening

Week 8 17^th June – 21^st June

Mon 17^th – Yr2 Library & Music
Tue 18^th – Kinder & Yr’s 4 & 5 Library & Music
Tue 18^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Wed 19^th – Yrs 1,3 & 6 Library & Music
Thu 20^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Fri 21^st -

Week 9 24^th June – 28^th June

Mon 24^th – Yr2 Library & Music
Mon 24^th – LH Regional Athletics
Tue 25^th – Kinder & Yr’s 4 & 5 Library & Music
Tue 25^th – St Paul’s Feast Day Celebrations
Tue 25^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Wed 26^th – Yrs 1,3 & 6 Library & Music
Wed 26^th – Diocesan Spelling and Maths Bee
Thu 27^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Thu 27^th – St Paul’s Feast Day
Fri 28^th – Reports Home via Compass

Week 10 1^st July – 5 July

Mon 1^st – Yr2 Library & Music
Tue 2^nd – Kinder & Yr’s 4 & 5 Library & Music
Tue 2^nd – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Wed 3^rd – Yrs 1,3 & 6 Library & Music
Thu 4^th – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Fri 5^th – LAST DAY OF TERM 2

Good for kids

School Student Travel Passes 2024

Uniform Shop Hours 2023

TUESDAY AFTERNOON                      2.30PM – 3PM
WEDNESDAY MORING                       8.30AM – 9AM
THURSDAY AFTERNOON                    2.30PM – 3PM

When ordering Uniforms via QKR, don’t change the order date.

Orders will be sent the classrooms the days the uniform shop is opened.

If for some reason you need to exchange sizes, please ensure that the tags are still on the garment and the garment is in the original packing.

Christa Moylan
Uniform Shop Coordinator

Canteen

PLEASE UPDATE YOUR CHILDS CLASS ON QKR

Canteen Opening days.

MONDAY CLOSED
TUESDAY OPENED
WEDNESDAY OPENED
THURSDAY OPENED
FRIDAY OPENED

Order via the QKR App, by 8.55am ON THE DAY.

Lunch orders will be sent to the classrooms in the class lunch tubs.

(IMPORTANT WHEN ORDERING LUNCHES – CHECK THE DATE OF ORDER)

In the past students haven’t received lunch due to the wrong order date entered.

Please discuss with your child if this happens, ask them to come to the office to see Mrs West or Mrs Mac, we will organise lunch for them through the canteen.  Only sandwiches will be on offer.

RECESS TIME:  10:30AM – 11:10AM
LUNCH TIME:  12:40PM – 1:20PM

St Nicholas OOSH

Guitar Lessons