Latest News 2023

YEAR 7 BELONGING DAY

St Paul's Year 7 Belonging Day for 2023 was a spectacular event.

Students participated in a range of activities and games throughout the day and listened to both Fr James Foster and the Principal Mr David Johns who spoke about how they belong to our wonderful community and how they have an impact on our College. Students then had the opportunity to actively participate in small group sessions with our senior Ministry Leaders where they were asked to speak about their influence within the College.

Thanks to the efforts of Mrs Di Mascord, Mr Mitch Robins, Mr Roger Shipton, Mr Matthew Mitchell, Mrs Barica Rafton and Youth Ministry Officer, Max Winn, the Year 7 students were engaged in their belonging liturgy at the start of the day to the sharing of afternoon tea with parents/carers and staff as the day concluded.

We look forward to the participation of our Year 7 students in ministry throughout their time at St Paul’s College.

PARTNERING WITH LOCAL BUSINESS AND ABORIGINAL EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY

St Paul's Year 11 student, Kayla D., is working as a school-based trainee with Coastline Credit Union at their Central Kempsey branch, through a partnership with the Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES).

In addition to working with Coastline once a week, she will also attend extra work experience days during the school holidays to complete her Certificate ll in Workplace Skills.

Coastline Credit Union has provided this opportunity for local students through their partnership with the Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES). The AES is a national Aboriginal recruitment and group training company that empowers Indigenous people through brokering employment opportunities and supporting candidates to have successful careers through mentoring, training, coaching and specialist support.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on learning experience as students are introduced to the workforce. We wish you all the best Kayla!

STUDENTS HEAR FROM AN OUTSTANDING AUSTRALIAN

It was an exciting day for Year 7 and 12 students on 16 February 2023 when one of Australian’s most admired mental health advocates, Olympian and TV presenter, Johanna Griggs AM visited St Paul’s College.

A Board Member of Beyond Blue, Johanna talked to the students about the importance of resilience and making choices. She shared some of the challenges she had faced in life as a competitive swimmer and in the equally competitive world of TV presenting. She told the students not to be afraid of change and with more than 60% of young people suffering from anxiety she urged them to seek help from their peers, teachers and parents.

Johanna has been host of Better Homes and Gardens for the Seven Network since 2005.  In 2021 she hosted her 7th Olympic and 2nd Paralympic Games for the Seven Network.  She was part of the Seven's 2022 Winter Olypmics’ coverage.

Prior to her move to television she represented Australia in swimming, winning Bronze at the Auckland Commonwealth Games in 1990, and a silver at the 1991 World Championships.

We are very grateful to Johanna that she took the time to visit us at St Paul's.  

YEAR COMMENCES WITH COMBINED CATHOLIC SCHOOLS MASS

Staff from St Paul's College, joined with their colleagues from St Joseph's Catholic Primary, at a special Mass to mark the beginning of the new school year on Friday 27 January.

Celebrated by the Parish Priest of the Macleay Valley Parish, Fr James Foster, the Mass included a special blessing for the staff.  

The two school Principals, David Johns (St Paul's College), and Guy Campbell (St Joseph's Primary) acted as Ministers of the Eucharist. 

New staff were presented with the book "The History of the Catholic Church in the Macleay Valley". 

SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE ON THEIR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

Making Christian life relevant for young people is one of the exciting challenges facing St Paul’s new Leader of Evangelisation, Matthew Mitchell. 

Matthew believes that young people are looking to create meaning as they face a world that is much more complex than ever before.   He said he wants to support them on their spiritual journey as they struggle to find truth amid all the information with which they are constantly bombarded.

Originally from Sydney, Matthew was most recently Leader of Pastoral Care at Ignatius Park College in Townsville.  He said he and his wife and two young sons are looking forward to building their lives in the Macleay where he has strong family connections. 

FAITH GIVES ME PURPOSE

Seventeen year old Maxwell Winn is prepared for the challenges of his new position as Youth Ministry Officer at St Paul's College, Kempsey.  

Maxwell said that while he is aware of the challenges, he is looking forward to growing his own personal faith and to help students connect with their spirituality during his 12 month appointment.

Having graduated from St Paul's in 2022, Maxwell believes he is in a unique position to help students be proud of who they are and to be comfortable with themselves.

"Faith gives me purpose and helps to strive to be a better person and I want other young people to feel that energy", said Maxwell.

He plans to start a university degree in psychology and business in 2024 and in the future wants to work with young people and people in hospital and correctional facilities who need support.

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

The decision of which job offer to accept was an easy one for new teaching graduate Jasmin Northey.  

Jasmin, who will be teaching Science and Art, undertook her prac teaching at St Paul's and said she knew how great the College was so her decision to accept St Paul's over three Melbourne offers was quick.

"I am very much looking forward to the support and experience I will gain at St Paul's", said Jasmin.

Jasmin is very familiar with the College community as her father, Glen, teaches Computing and Maths at the College. 

Glen said he is very proud "Dad" and delighted Jasmin wanted to work with him at St Paul's.  

ENGLISH HELPS US TO UNDERSTAND OUR WORLD

St Paul's new teacher of English, Paul Posterino, said that English is such an important subject for young people to embrace.

Paul, who will be teaching students from Years 8, 9 and 10, said that English is the basis of our communication. 

"It opens up all kinds of opportunities to understand the world and to be understood", said Paul.

Originally from Victoria, Paul loves sport, the beach and nature.  

Bringing his family to make a home in the the Macleay is very much the lifestyle he is seeking.  

Paul's son will be starting Year 7 at the College this year.