Term 2 Week 6 - 6 June 2025

It is a great pleasure to write to you following my recent long service leave since 7 April, I have missed our wonderful community. In particular I would like to reach out to all of our families affected by the recent severe flooding in the Macleay and Nambucca Valleys. I have spoken to a range of staff, students and families regarding some significant impacts of these floods; for example our magnificent Agriculture teachers Mr Graham Bramley and Ms Lisa Frewen were a case in point. Graham spent many days searching for cattle from our school farm who escaped to drier ground once a significant amount of the Francis Farm was submerged, while Lisa had to kayak kilometres daily to get to cattle on her submerged farm for feeding, at one stage standing on her tip toes with water around her neck resolving urgent fencing (I won’t outline the range of spiders and snakes she encountered during those experiences).

The communities of the Macleay and Nambucca continue to experience and recoil from natural disasters many times in the past few years, it is inspiring to meet so many locals that speak with pride and determination to continue to forge ahead in our beautiful surrounds despite these disasters. I wish to acknowledge and extend my thoughts of gratitude and best wishes to our families and friends during this significant recent event. A special shout out to Mr Guy Campbell and the St Joseph’s Primary School Kempsey community following the significant flood damage that impacted the school. The immediate recovery process led by Guy was very impressive leading to re-opening during Week 6. It was a great pleasure for St Paul’s to host some of the students and staff from Joey’s during Week 5, they were a delightful crew that added much positive energy to our College.

Tremendous leadership during my leave
I would like to acknowledge the tremendous leadership of many staff who completed promotional positions with distinction during my recent long service leave. Mrs Kate Fullbrook was superb as Acting Principal, as was Mrs Amy Tovey (Acting Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching), Mr Brendan Goswell (Acting Leader of Curriculum) and Mrs Barica Rafton (Acting Leader of Catechesis). I have remarked to staff that strong schools can be measured by effective school leadership and in this case these wonderful staff demonstrated their ability to seamlessly move into substantial new roles and discharge the duties required impressively.

Outstanding Drama results in the State Finals
The College received the wonderful news last Sunday that Kaitlyn Chadwick, Gracie Campbell and Sam Farrell from Year 11 competed in the State Shakespeare Carnival held at the Seymour Centre in Sydney and were crowned runner up State Champions in Group Devising. Many congratulations to these students and their wonderful teacher Mrs Amanda Jordan, who is an ex-student of the school and who performed with great distinction while at school and since leaving school. St Paul’s is blessed to employ such generous staff where many hours are required out of school time to support students reaching higher standards for competition. Drama in schools is a wonderful subject to study (our two son’s studied Drama Years 9-12) as it builds skills and confidence that support students both at school and in their next phase of life.

St Paul’s College School Community Forum - Wednesday 11 June 5:30pm
The monthly meeting of the College’s School Community Forum (previously the P&F committee) will occur on Wednesday 11 June from 5.30pm. All parents are very welcome to join this generous group of parents who support the College in so many ways. There will be an update of 2026 school uniform changes and fund raising planning for 2025.

2026 Enrolments update
The College has enjoyed a tremendous response to the applications for Year 7 2026 enrolments which has continued from 1 March and closed 31 May. Our wonderful enrolments officer Mrs Hayley Cook is organising for all applicants to be interviewed so the College can respond as soon as possible with enrolment offers.

I hope you have not been adversely affected by the recent flooding and please contact the College if we can support your family if you need further assistance.

Kind regards

Mr Geoff Melville  BRurScEd, MEd, GCertRE

Principal

kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au

As the cooler months settle in, we want to make sure every student stays comfortable—and in uniform—throughout the school day. Please check that your child has the correct school hoodie/pullover and jacket (clearly labelled with their name) each morning before heading to school.

A few quick reminders:

• Winter uniform options: Our uniform supplier Team Spirit has a range of approved winter uniform options, including long pants and pullovers, detailed in their online shop: Team Spirit Sports Username: stpauls Password: uniform10
  College Uniform policy
• Layers are key: A lightweight base layer under the uniform can help your child stay warm without compromising our uniform requirements. Singlets are ideal for this purpose. Undershirts are not permitted.
• Lost property: Clearly marked names make it easier for misplaced items to find their way back to their owners.
• Spare layer: If possible, keep an extra, labelled school pullover or similar in your child’s bag for unexpected temperature drops.

Thank you for helping us maintain a consistent and comfortable learning environment. If you have any questions about our winter uniform requirements, please contact the College.

Geoff Melville
Principal

Year 7-10 Assessments
The junior students have been completing assessments in many of their subjects this week and will continue to do so over the coming week. This will culminate in the academic reports being distributed to parents via Compass at the end of Term. Please encourage your children to be working hard on these assessments and taking pride in their learning. We understand that some families have struggled with the recent flooding events. If your child needs extra support with their assessments please contact their class teachers and/or Mrs Amy Tovey, Leader of Curriculum and we will support them.

Atomi Year 11 and 12
Well done to the Year 11 and 12 students who are using Atomi to support their study. This week the awards for the highest usage go to Anna Burbridge and Lucas Morrison. Congratulations and please come to the office to collect your canteen vouchers!

The Atomi platform is a resource the College has invested in because we know it supports the study habit for our students. Please encourage your children to keep using this valuable resource.

Year 11 and 12 Assessment Schedules
This is a reminder about the upcoming assessment schedule. We ask parents to look at these schedules with their children and make sure this is a priority over the coming weeks. Please encourage your children to contact their class teachers for support.

• Year 11 Assessment Schedule
• Year 12 Assessment Schedule

Subject Selection - Year 10
This is a second reminder that Subject Selection evening will take place on 25 June this Term. Please save the date! This is a compulsory evening for all parents of children who wish to continue their schooling with us into their HSC years. If you cannot make this date for any reason, please email me.

Student Equipment
Many teachers have expressed concern over some students arriving to class without the correct equipment. We would like to ask for your support to ensure students are coming to school equipped for their learning every day. We ask that all students bring a pencil case with the equipment listed below. This ensures they are in a position to be successful in their learning right from the start. Let’s work together to help them succeed!

• Pencil Case
• Pens
• Pencils
• Calculator
• Ruler
• Geometry set
• Glue
• Eraser
• Sharpener
• Highlighter

Tell Them From Me Survey
Thank you to all of the parents who completed the survey this year. We had an increase in parent engagement for which we are grateful. Over the coming weeks we will be feeding back to you regarding our findings and what we plan to do as a result. Watch this space!

Please reach out if you have any questions about the learning for your students.


Ms Kate Fullbrook - Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

kate.fullbrook@lism.catholic.edu.au

Families are asked to ensure that their child/ren are equipped throughout the school year with the listed equipment. 

Required equipment lists for students in 2025 can be found here:

• Year 7 and 8 Compulsory Equipment
• Year 9 and 10 Compulsory Equipment
• Year 11 and 12 Compulsory Equipment

The required equipment lists are also available via Parent Resources in Compass School Documentation.

As we mark the Jubilee Year of Hope, a time meant for renewal, healing, and unity, our community has been living out those values in the most powerful way imaginable.

We have just experienced devastating floods that swept through our community, leaving behind damaged homes, broken roads, loss of animals, and hearts weighed down by loss. Yet amid the chaos, something extraordinary happened. Hope - true, living hope - emerged from the floodwaters.

In the face of destruction, our community came together with compassion, strength, and purpose. Parents, students, staff, and local residents have come together in truly inspiring ways. From sandbagging efforts and food drives to emergency shelter support and neighbourhood clean-ups, we have witnessed firsthand what it means to care for one another.

These acts of generosity remind us of the spirit at the heart of the Jubilee Year: restoration, mercy, and love for our neighbours. We have seen hope - not as a distant idea, but as something real and active, alive in every gesture of kindness. Rebuilding won’t happen overnight, but we are making progress - together. As we transition back to normal routines, we encourage families who need continued support to reach out.

This sacred year invites us to reflect, to rebuild, and to reach out. While the flood brought devastation, it also uncovered the strength of our shared humanity. From the smallest student to the most seasoned volunteer, each person played a vital part in lifting one another up. We would love to collect some of these stories and share them with our community through the newsletter and the College yearbook. If you have something to share, we would love if you could email us your stories.

We are deeply moved by the way our College community has embodied the Jubilee message. We’ve seen:

• Forgiveness and understanding as neighbours rallied together across differences.
• Joy and renewal in classrooms that welcomed students back with open arms.
• A rekindling of hope as families began to rebuild, supported by the love around them.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, may we continue to be bearers of light in difficult times, builders of peace in a shaken world, and voices of hope for those who need it most.

The Diocesan Jubilee Boat docked at the College Chapel from 27 May to 30 May.

This year’s theme of Reconciliation Week was, 'Bridging Now to Next', calling on all Australians to think about how we move forward together by acknowledging our shared history and working towards a more just, equitable future. May this Reconciliation Week remind us that every act of understanding brings us one step closer to a nation where all cultures are valued and all voices are heard.


Mrs Lesa Morrison - Assistant Principal - Mission 

lesa.morrison@lism.catholic.edu.au

We know that many families in our College community have recently been impacted by the severe flooding across Northern NSW. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those experiencing hardship and loss during this difficult time. If your family has been affected, we want to ensure you have access to the support you need.

• For up-to-date information on services to help with wellbeing, recovery, housing, financial assistance, and more, please visit the NSW Council of Social Services website.  This is a trusted and comprehensive hub with links to practical support for families and communities navigating flood recovery.
• For information about how to look after your own and your families wellbeing please access our Parent Resource Centre.

The College is committed to providing support to our affected students and their families:

• Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Support: Our dedicated pastoral care team, including our counsellors and pastoral care coordinators, are available to provide emotional and spiritual support. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you or your child needs someone to talk to.
• Academic Considerations: We understand that the current situation may impact students' ability to focus on their studies. If there are any issues regarding assignments or assessments, please communicate with your child's teachers or subject coordinator to discuss any necessary adjustments.

Students at the College have the opportunity to attend the following retreats:

G.O.A.T Retreat
G.O.A.T. is a gathering for Year 10 male students from parish secondary schools in the Diocese of Lismore to celebrate their faith at a Diocesan level.

The overnight experience involves activities that focus on inspiring young men to embrace their purpose and passion as young Catholic men. G.O.A.T. is designed to provide students with a transformative faith experience as they embark on their journey through manhood, guided by the life of Jesus, the saints and the teachings of the Catholic Church. The retreat will emphasise their capacity to become a gift of service to others by living out a radical adventure as a young Catholic man. If you are interested please contact Mr Clay.

SHINE
Our Diocesan youth ministry gathering, SHINE, offers a unique opportunity for students to encounter Jesus Christ and the Church, experience dynamic faith, gain tools for Christian living and ministry, and be empowered to make a difference. It's also a wonderful occasion to connect with peers in faith.

This retreat is designed for the Year 9 and Year 10 Youth Ministry classes, with some Year 11 helpers included. A COMPASS notification has been sent through to parents - if you have any questions please contact Mr Clay.

Jubilee Boat
Every 25 years the Catholic Church celebrates a ‘Year of Jubilee'. Currently we are celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope, titled ‘Pilgrims of Hope'. Throughout the year various smaller Jubilee celebrations occur throughout the Catholic world which we are encouraged to participate in. Our Diocese has a Jubilee Boat, which is travelling throughout every parish and bears plaques for every school and parish. The image of a boat was chosen as our Diocese is built around so many waterways which connect us all. As people visit and pray at the boat it will also carry our prayers throughout the Diocese, uniting us all further in our Hope.

St Pauls enjoyed hosting the Jubilee Boat last week and many students were able to engage and experience it, before it docked at the All Saints Catholic Church for the weekend.

Mr Adam Clay - Leader of School Evangelisation

adam.clay@lism.catholic.edu.au

PENTECOST (Sunday 8 June)
As the Easter season comes to a close this weekend, we reflect on an eventful period of time for the Church, both globally and locally. In Christianity, Pentecost is the celebration of the Holy Spirit descending on the Apostles fifty days after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Pentecost means ‘fiftieth’, as in the fiftieth day. Pentecost was the fiftieth day after Passover. It occurred during the Jewish Festival of Weeks, which was seven weeks after Passover. 7 weeks x 7 days = 49 days. The 50th day marked the celebration of Pentecost.

Here is what happened to the Apostles on Pentecost according to Acts 2:
“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.” (Acts 2:1-4)

As we prepare to leave the Easter season of the Church, may we pray for an increase of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds. May God Bless all of our staff, students and their families. In our prayers, we also offer up all members of the Macleay and Nambucca valleys who continue to recover from the recent flood events.

Mr Brendan Goswell - Leader of Catechesis

brendan.goswell@lism.catholic.edu.au

Maintain Momentum
Regular attendance helps maintain academic momentum. Missing the last days of a term can disrupt this flow, making it harder for students to re-establish their learning routine after a break. Communicating high expectations for school attendance right up to the end of each term shows that you value the importance of regular school attendance.

Each day your teen attends school, they’re shaping their future success.

Vaping: Why is it attractive?
Young people can be drawn to vaping for a number of different reasons including peer pressure, accessibility and affordability, the belief that vaping is harmless and curiosity. Sometimes a family member who vapes can also influence children and young people to try vaping.

This short video provides some insights into why vaping is attractive to young people and is important viewing before parents and carers use the conversation starters at home.

Conversation Starters
Be ready to have these conversations with your child with a sense of calmness and interest in what they have to say. Be ready to listen to their responses without jumping in too quickly to correct them. Choose your timing wisely, perhaps during a relaxed moment at home, when driving somewhere together, or when no other stress or distractions are present.

• Why do you think more children and teens are vaping? Listen to understand. Your child may mention one of the reasons listed above or have another opinion. This conversation starter opens the door to healthy dialogue.
• Could you confidently say no if you were offered a vape? How could you do this? Help your young person create an ‘exit plan’ if they are offered a vape.
• How do you think the person offering you the vape would react to you saying no? How might that make you feel about this friendship?Now might be a good time to talk about what your child values in their friends.

Peer pressure can be powerful, so coming up with realistic action steps and practising them together in a safe environment will prepare and empower your child to make good choices when it matters. Remind them that not everyone is vaping. There are many young people making healthy choices to say no.


Mrs Krystal Brady - Leader of Pastoral Care

krystal.brady@lism.catholic.edu.au

As everyone knows the weather has had a major impact on sport in the Macleay Valley and surrounding areas over the past two weeks. Sport at St Paul’s has faced the same hurdles as the rest of the community with internal sport confined to the Hangar and the Mercy Centre. Soccer is the only sport that has been able to utilize artificial playing surfaces in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour and our Bill Turner Cup and Trophy teams have made two trips to Port Macquarie with mixed results.

Let’s hope that the weather improves and many of the external sporting opportunities listed below can be completed throughout the coming fortnight.

NSWCCC Football (Soccer)
Congratulations to St Paul's students, Emma Dowdle, Tylah Rixon and Chelsea Stringer, who represented the Lismore Diocese at the NSWCCC Football (Soccer) Open Girls competition held in Sydney last week. We are very proud of your achievements in this high level of competition! Thank you to Ms Shannon Thomas (Team Manager) for her support of the team and accompanying the students.

Bill Turner Cup and Trophy
On Friday 30 May, St Paul's boys team played MacKillop College on the hockey field artificial surface at Port Macquarie. The goals were the small hockey goals, so goals were hard to come by. Added to this, MacKillop College are our traditional rivals and there’s nothing better than beating them. In the first half, MacKillop College dominated the game, as their number ten player was shredding our midfield. At half time we altered our formation and sat one of our players on him to not let him move. St Paul’s then dominated the second half. At the end of ordinary time the score was still locked at 0-0 despite both sides having chances on goal. In extra time the game was end to end. Unfortunately, a defensive mix up by us let in a soft goal that ended the game. Despite this, the boys can hold their heads up high as they did themselves proud and represented the College well. The referee commented that we were extremely unlucky not to progress. The boys can be commended for their excellent team spirit. We are now looking towards next year, when the boys will form the basis of the Year 7 -10 team, and hope to go at least one better.

Mr Conrad Tamblyn - Coach

Our Bill Turner Trophy (Girls) soccer team faced a tough challenge last Friday, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to St Columba in a fiercely contested match. Despite a determined performance and showing great spirit on the field, our team was unable to find the back of the net. St Columba managed to secure the decisive goal, ultimately clinching the victory. The team displayed excellent teamwork and resilience throughout the game, and while the result was not what we hoped for, their effort and sportsmanship throughout the Bill Turner competition was commendable.

Lismore Diocese Junior Soccer Gala Day
Sixteen Year 7-10 boys travelled to Coffs Harbour on Wednesday 4 June for the Junior Soccer Gala Day. St Paul's competed against other teams from the region, to see who would progress to the next round. The team didn’t have much preparation due to the flood, however they played like legends, with resilience and determination. The first game against St Joseph's Regional College was very tight with St Joseph's taking the win at the end. The team then played St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour, who won 3-0. In the final game the team played MacKillop College in another tight game. Wolfe Hudson scored a cracker of a goal but we went down 2-1. MacKillop College were successful to progress to the next level. There is a great deal of football development taking place in the Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour regions, beyond the club level, relative to Kempsey, so it is a significant achievement for the St Paul's boys team to play so well. It was a pleasure to coach such a fine group of young men. We also congratulate the Year 7-9 girls team whom we supported. They played some great football and were fine ambassadors for the College.

Mr Conrad Tamblyn - Coach

Diocesan Cross Country
St Paul’s had a highly successful day at the Lismore Diocesan Cross Country Championships in Woolgoolga yesterday, where the College was represented by a team of 25 students. The weather was magnificent and so were our athletes, three of whom won their age division.

All the students listed above now have the opportunity to represent the Lismore Diocese at the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Cross Country Championship. These championships will be held next Wednesday 11 June at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. Good luck to all students who enter this event, you will be great ambassadors for St Paul’s College and the Lismore Diocese. A big thanks also to Mr Peter Hill and Ms Shannon Thomas who supervised the students for this excursion.

Upcoming Events:

• NRL Country Cup Boys Gala Day - Wednesday 11 June
  
• Lismore Diocese Senior Soccer Gala Day - Thursday 12 June
  
• AFL Junior (Years 7 - 9) Schools Cup - Friday 13 June
  
• NRL Country Cup Girls Gala Day - Rescheduled for Wednesday 18 June
  
• NRL Cochrane Cup Gala Day - Rescheduled for Tuesday 24 June

Mr Leon Robinson - Teacher and Sports Coordinator

leon.robinson@lism.catholic.edu.au

All parents/carers and friends of the College are warmly invited to attend the St Paul's College School Community Forum meeting on Wednesday 11 June at 5:30pm in the staff lunchroom.

The 2024 St Paul’s College Yearbook is now available!

Printed and bound copies are $30 each and multiple copies may be purchased. Please contact the College Office on 6562 7200 to order and pay for your copy by 3pm Monday 23 June. We anticipate that copies will be ready for collection from the College at the start of Term 3 (please note that we are unable to offer postage).

A free digital copy is available for students, families and staff to download.

Congratulations to St Paul's Year 11 Drama students, Kaitlyn Chadwick, Gracie Campbell and Sam Farrell, who performed brilliantly at the State Shakespeare Carnival held over the weekend at the Seymour Centre in Sydney. They have been announced as the Runner Up State Champions in the Group Devised performances.

Well done to you all, we are incredibly proud of your achievements! Thank you to Mrs Amanda Jordan for her support of the students and for providing this opportunity for them to showcase their talents.

St Paul's Year 8 Science students are currently learning about the fascinating topics of sexual and asexual reproduction. Recently, the 8G Science class conducted a hands-on practical investigation focused on the sexual reproductive parts of a plant. During this engaging session, students meticulously dissected flowers to reveal their intricate internal structures. Using scalpels, they demonstrated excellent precision and care, making careful cross-sectional cuts to expose the reproductive organs. Following the dissection, the students skillfully pinned and labelled the various parts of the flower, effectively demonstrating their understanding of plant reproductive anatomy.

The effort and precision shown by 8G in this dissection task were commendable!

Congratulations to St Paul's ex-student, Ella Mainey, who is the new coordinator for St Joseph's Out Of School Hours Care service. Elly brings over six years of experience in childcare, holding a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care. She has worked in multiple long day care centres in the Macleay Valley and successfully managed a before and after school service in Port Stephens for three years.

Elly is deeply passionate about creating a nurturing and engaging environment where children can thrive. She values building strong relationships with both children and their families and looks forward to developing fun and enriching programs. We wish you all the best in your new role!

The Year 12 group photo and photos of the student leaders will be taken on Tuesday 10 June. All Year 12 students are required to wear full academic uniform including ties and meet the presentation expectations of the College.

Please refer to the College Uniform and Presentation Policy for information regarding uniform expectations.

Wednesday 12 November 2025
Please save the date if you have applied for a position at the College for Year 7 2026. This is a compulsory day for students who accept an offer of a position at St Paul's for Year 7 2026.

All current and previous students, staff and family are invited to save the date to join St Paul's 60th anniversary celebrations on Sunday 5 October 2025.
Mass will be held at 9:30am in the Mercy Centre at St Paul's College, followed by a BBQ picnic. More details to follow closer to the date.

A catch up clinic will be held on Tuesday 21 October for the following routine school vaccinations:

• Year 7 students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (Boostrix) and human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Year 10 students are offered a free vaccine for meningococcal ACWY.

Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.

To provide consent for vaccination online, parents/carers will need to:

• Visit the online consent portal here.
• Parents/carers will need their Service NSW log in details and Medicare details.
• Read a step-by-step guide on how to provide consent online. Translated guides are available online.

If you or your child do not have a Medicare card or you cannot provide consent online, please email the College Office kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au to request a paper consent form to be sent home.

Please ensure your child has eaten breakfast on the morning of the clinic, this helps prevent fainting.

For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination. If you have any questions regarding your child's school vaccinations, please contact the NSW Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.

Supporting your child through the HSC
Discover effective strategies to help your child navigate the pressures of the HSC. Learn practical ways to foster emotional wellbeing, encourage positive communication, provide essential academic support, and maintain a healthy balance throughout their critical final years.

• Wednesday 11 June
• 7pm - 8pm
• Click here to register

As a parent/carer, navigating a healthy relationship with your teenager can be challenging if you don’t have the proper tools to communicate. This presentation will offer parenting insights into the developing brain which will guide a discussion about effective communication, setting healthy boundaries, managing emotionally charged moments and championing strengths.

Topics explored:

• The stages of development that all teenagers experience.
• The role of the peer group and how to set realistic expectations.
• Ways to maintain connection with a teen who isn’t communicating.
• Establishing fair, healthy boundaries and tips for saying no.
• Managing mood swings and overwhelming emotions.
• The role of purpose, passions, and opportunity.
• What to do when they mess up.
• Mental health, and when to access support.

Details:

• Wednesday 25 June, 7pm - 8pm
• Register here

Understanding Screen Addiction in Teens is hosted by headspace Port Macquarie in partnership with Charles Sturt University. This free session is designed for parents, carers and those who work with youth including health professionals & educators, who want to understand the impacts that screen and gaming use can have on the brain, how it may look in teens and some practical strategies for support.

Facilitated by Dr Wayne Warburton, Professor of Developmental Psychology at Macquarie University and a registered psychologist. Dr Warburton brings a wealth of knowledge to this event. 

EVENT DETAILS

• Thursday 3 July, 6pm - 8pm
• Charles Sturt University Lecture Theatre, Port Macquarie
• Cost: FREE. Light refreshments provided.
• Booking is essential as theatre capacity is limited. For more information and to book for this session, please follow the link here.