8th November 2024

Assistant Principals - Mrs Sharna Taranto

Year 5 and Year 6 Camps

What a busy fortnight it has been! We are delighted to report that our Year 5 and 6 Camps were a great success. Students had a wonderful time at Canberra & Great Aussie Bush Camps as did their accompanying teachers (albeit in requiring of some much-needed shuteye upon their return)! School camp experiences provide so much more than academic experiences. Camps provide opportunities for personal growth, independence, gaining new perspectives and support the development of social skills.

An enormous and sincere thank you must go out to all the staff members who attended and spent 2 nights away from their own families. Without them and their generosity of time these events simply would not happen. Thank you to: Mr Temesvary, Miss Tuersley, Mrs Mullin, Mrs Boland, Mr Toomey, Mrs Lawler and Mrs Stefanish-Smith.

Last but not least, congratulations to our Year 4 students who stepped up as ‘leaders in training’ to be our environmental leaders by organising the daily bins and for their running of our Friday assembly. Mrs King did a wonderful job supporting the running of the school whilst our executive team were away. Thank you!!

Staff Development Day

Monday the 4^th November saw a productive day where our staff gathered to focus on a variety of areas to support the academic, social and emotional development of our students. Throughout the day, our staff reviewed NESA programming compliance requirements, areas for School Improvement and PB4L (Positive behaviours for learning). At St Paul’s, we firmly believe that every staff member plays a key role in the support of our students. Having the opportunity to gather as a full staff on these days is an essential ingredient to the process. Thank you to our families for their support and flexibility.

Colour Run

Then the fun continued! How lucky we are to have such a committed P&F team organising this wonderful fundraising event. Needless to say, one could see the joy literally all over one’s face with the copious splashes of colour we were all donned in on Friday! It was also wonderful to have some of our 2025 Kinder students and their families join us for this community event.

Spring Health Reminders

Along with the change of weather, a number of students and teachers have recently fallen ill.  Tummy bugs, colds and COVID are floating around, so a reminder to please keep your children at home if they are displaying symptoms. Unfortunately, with multiple teachers being away sick, coupled with a shortage of casual teacher availability, this has meant that some classes have been split. I assure families that this is always a last resort and thank you for your understanding and flexibility at this time.

Here are some general hygiene tips from NSW Health to help protect yourself and others:

• Get vaccinated: The NSW Government recommends getting the flu vaccine before winter. People at higher risk of severe illness, such as children, the elderly, and those with certain health conditions, are eligible for a free vaccine.
• Stay home when sick: If you're sick, stay home and wear a mask if you need to go out.
• Wash your hands: Wash your hands regularly, especially when you get home, after using the bathroom, and before eating.
• Cover your mouth: Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
• Clean regularly used items: Clean items you use often, like your phone and keys.
• Keep areas well ventilated: Ventilation is the deliberate introduction of fresh air and removal of stale air from a space.
• Avoid visiting people at higher risk: Don't visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness, like those in hospitals or aged care facilities, if you have symptoms.
• Take a rapid antigen test: Before visiting people at higher risk, consider taking a rapid antigen test.

Facilites update

We also had a recent facilities update with new carpet being laid in our Year 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 classroom last week. In the next few weeks, we are looking to have more classrooms updated with painting of doors, architraves/skirtings and new wall carpet (pinboards)., Naturally we aim to have as minimal disruption to classes as possible at this time.

Religious News

ALL SAINTS, ALL SOULS 

November 1st and 2nd mark All Saints and All Souls Day. This is a significant time in our Liturgical calendar as we remember all the Saints and people that have passed away and gone to heaven.  

The following exert is a homily summary from Fr Richard Leonard: 

All Souls Day has its roots in the sixth century Benedictine tradition of praying to the dead. It was a way of recognising the human bonds which go beyond death. By the tenth century this feast was about praying for the dead, that they might know the merciful love of God. 

It is appropriate today for us to think about what a soul is. In an increasingly secular society, it's interesting to note that the word ‘soul’ persists in ordinary conversation. Many non-religious people use this most religious of terms to describe another person. We often hear how others are lonely, distressed, or lost souls. It can be said that someone has a ‘beautiful soul’ or that a piece of music, a painting or other work of art ‘stirred my soul’. We describe mellow jazz as ‘soulful’ and still alert others to distress by an SOS, ‘save our souls’. These uses of the word reinforce St Thomas Aquinas' teaching that the soul makes us human and sets us apart from other animals. 

Let's remember all those ‘departed souls’ we have known and loved over the years, that they might pray for us that we never forget God's saving love and live lives worthy of it. 

SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION 2025 

I can finally give you information for next year’s Sacraments of Initiation program. Please see the letter below for all information regarding the program. 

GOSPEL REFLECTION 

THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B 

Mark 12:41-44 

The widow's mite. 

Library News - Katrina Howard

TERM 4 BORROWING DAYS

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

Kinder and Year 1 borrow weekly.
Years 2 - 6 borrow each fortnight. 
Odd weeks M classes. 

Even weeks W classes.

The last borrowing days for the year will be in Week 7. We ask that all books be returned Monday Week 8 ready for the annual stocktake. If a borrowed book has been misplaced, please return the overdue notice slips.

Author Pen Pal – Amy Freund

During Library our Year 3 classes have enjoyed writing back and forth with author Amy Freund. They have shared character ideas, books they enjoy reading, stories they have been writing and any exciting news from both at school and home. It is such a great program connecting Australian authors with Australian schools, giving purpose to the students writing. Amy’s first picture book Amigo the Capybara is due to come out and students have the opportunity to purchase her book at a discounted rate. All details are in the flyer with payments due by November 16^th. 

Amigo

BOOK CLUB

All orders for Book Club have been placed for issue 7 and will be sent home with students when they arrive this week.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact myself or Penny in the Library.

katrina.howard@mn.catholic.edu.au

penny.sneddon@mn.catholic.edu.au

Lower Hunter Catholic Schools Netball Gala Day 2024

The Netball Gala Day at Maitland Park showcased an exciting day of competition and sportsmanship, bringing together three enthusiastic teams to represent St. Paul’s. The atmosphere was vibrant, with players, staff, and supporters gathered to celebrate the spirit of netball.

Mixed Team 1   

Mixed Team 1 demonstrated exceptional teamwork and strategy throughout the day. Their solid defence and quick transitions led to impressive victories in several matches, highlighting their ability to work cohesively on the court. Commendable sportsmanship was shown by players when other teams required players, they were happy to share their skills with them by filling in.

Mixed Team 2   

Mixed Team 2 brought a competitive edge with a focus on agility and quick passes. They showed great resilience, sportsmanship and tenacity throughout all their games. The team’s continued determination was commendable, making for some thrilling games. Especially when they played against our Mixed Team 1.

All-Girls Team   

The All-Girls Team showcased skill and consistency, playing with passion and energy. Their coordination and effective communication on the court were key to their success, and they received enthusiastic support from the crowd. The team’s efforts were rewarded with multiple well-deserved wins. Congratulations ladies! Some of the highlights from the day included:

• The day featured closely contested matches, with standout moments including last-minute goals and impressive defensive plays.
• The event fostered camaraderie among players, with teams exchanging encouragement, sharing players where needed with our opposing teams, and sportsmanship throughout the day.
• Staff and parents provided valuable guidance, emphasising the importance of teamwork and fair play.

The Netball Gala Day was a resounding success for all teams, offering a platform for players to showcase their skills and passion for the game. The event not only promoted healthy competition but also strengthened interschool and community ties among participants and supporters.

Congratulations to all players on displaying the values and sportsmanship of St. Paul’s.

Mrs Howard and Mrs Walls

Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop Hours 2024 

 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 - Mrs Christa Molan

PLEASE ENSURE YOUR CHILDS CLASS IS UPDATED ON QKR 

Canteen Opening days. 

 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 and 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 

School Student Travel Information for Parents & Students

 School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. 

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.