Term 3 Week 2 - 28 July 2023
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
- Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing
- Ministry and Evangelisation
- Sport
- Pastoral Care
- An Afternoon with Bishop Greg - 8 August
- Macleay Careers Expo
- Parents and Friends (P & F) Association
- Student Focus - Andi Kennedy
- St Paul's Alumni Successes
- Vaccination Catch Ups
- Year 7 2024 Orientation Day
- Evangelisation - Preach the Gospel always, everywhere
- Online Relationships and Consent Webinar
- Coastline's Art Hub - Art Exhibition
- 2023 Non-Government Schools Census
- Be a Sponsor for St Paul's Major Awards Ceremony
- Vinnies Kempsey - Volunteers Needed
- Vinnies Kempsey - Now open on Saturdays
- Newsletter Sponsors
Welcome to Semester 2, 2023! I hope that the break was well enjoyed and that families had the opportunity to share some time with each other to talk about and value the efforts that led to student community success throughout Term 1 and Term 2.
The College reports released at the end of last Term represented a collection of strong results that illustrated hard work from our students, well supported by our staff. Early this Term we were visited by a School Review and Improvement Team who journeyed with us for three days speaking with members of our College community and looking over our documentation. The initial report we received was incredibly pleasing and reflected well on our staff and the work they do everyday in our classrooms. It also identified areas that could be further developed and this represents a significant opportunity for continued conversation with students, families and staff. Over the next few weeks, I will be releasing information from the review panel and opening up opportunity for parents/carers to comment on these findings.
I acknowledge the work of Mrs Hayley Cook, our Enrolment Officer, and the Administrative team who have coordinated the process of interviewing and facilitating the release of student places for Year 7, 2024. We have offered places to over 140 students and these have been accepted with students most excited about becoming a part of the St Paul’s community. We will be using time between now and the end of the year to obtain information about all our new students and we will be welcoming them to their compulsory Orientation Day on Wednesday 15 November.
At the end of last Term, we celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a series of activities, including St Paul’s Feast Day. It was a wonderful week and I acknowledge the tremendous work of many staff and students who brought their energy, motivation and creativity to the activities. I make reference to our NAIDOC celebrations and how this was acknowledged. While aspects of this event were pleasing it was noted that students felt that it needed to display more ‘student voice’, around its organisation and delivery. Together with the SRC and the Reconciliation and Inclusion Group, we look forward to developing a NAIDOC event in 2024 that further recognises the voice of our Aboriginal students. I thank the P & F for their financial contribution to the fairy floss and popcorn machines which were well enjoyed.
This week we have also received our NAPLAN results for 2023. Students in Years 7 and 9 have taken their personal results home to their families and over the next few weeks we hope to have collated summary information of how our students performed that we will be able to share with the College community.
St Paul's was visited by a Vocational Education Advisory Group this week, made up of over 30 members representing various jurisdictions across NSW/ACT. It is to be remembered that St Paul’s College offers an enormous variety of subjects including VET courses and many see the College as an example of ‘best practice’. The VEAG members were most impressed with what they saw and I thank the continued work of Mr Graham Bramley and his team who continue to respond to the needs of our students and that of the local community.
Our Athletics Carnival took place across this week and we noted significant attendance and involvement across all track and field activities. I thank Mr Heath Needs and the PDHPE team who again coordinated and implemented a tremendous event for all students and staff.
Finally, I would like to recognise the progress of our building programme. The Edmund Rice Centre (J Block) is now in complete operation with all rooms in use! This facility is tremendous and the flexibility in rooming configurations, allowing for assemblies and team teaching is an enormous asset for our students. Our Pastoral Care coordinators are now stationed together in the corner of this new facility and the ease of access is seen as valuable for both students and staff. We have sourced a local building company to continue the work involved in completing our new hall (P Block) and this will recommence across the next few weeks. I thank the Catholic Schools Office and the Parish (Fr James) for their ongoing support for our building project and I am excited about how these facilities will be enjoyed by all in our community upon completion.
Kind regards
Mr David JOHNS B.Ed., Cert. Gifted Ed., Grad. Cert. Adol. Health and Welfare, M.Ed. (Ed Lead), M.Ed. (Theol)
Principal
Welcome back to Term 3 - a very busy one for learning in the College!
Year 7-12 Parent Teacher Interviews - Monday 31 July
I hope you have all managed to book in to see the teachers on Monday afternoon. This is a valuable time to gain insight and feedback from teachers as to how your children are progressing with their learning. We welcome you all to the Edmund Rice Centre on Monday.
Year 10 Subject Selection interviews - Monday 31 July
Families of Year 10 students will have been booking in meetings to see myself, Mrs Tovey, Ms Littlejohn or Mr Hancock on Monday to continue their subject selection process. These meetings are of vital importance as we start the rigorous process of HSC learning. We want to make sure we get the students' subject selection right - so we can set them up to succeed in their next two years at the College. Please make sure you bring your subject selection form filled in to the meeting. If any families cannot make this time - please call or email me and we can organise another time for you. I look forward to meeting many of you on Monday!
Atomi - Learning Tool for Stage 6
The College has started a trial with Atomi - an online learning platform to help our Stage 6 learners in many of their subjects. The students all have logins and have been shown how to use the platform. Please encourage your children in Year 11 and 12 to make the most of this tool. When it comes to studying, many of our students don’t know where to start which is why a tool such as this can be very powerful.
Year 12 - Trial HSC Examinations
The Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations are fast approaching. The students will be sitting their exams in Weeks 5 and 6 this Term (14-25 August). Please see the timetable HERE. Please ensure all students are at school at least 30 minutes before their examination. Year 12 students are not required to be at school over this two week period, unless they have an exam.
Please reach out if you have any questions about the learning for your students.
Ms Kate Fullbrook - Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
The importance of student attendance
St Paul’s College underwent the informative process undertaken by each Diocese of Lismore school to experience the review of the ACER National School Improvement Tool during the first week of Term 3. This process was a very positive opportunity for the College's practices to be considered by external educational experts. Important feedback from the group included the need for the College to continually liaise with families regarding student attendance. The impact of COVID has been significant for schools across an extended period of time, and student attendance continues to be an area of critical importance for all schools, including St Paul’s. Since I have begun my time at St Paul’s one of my reflections to students and families is that every minute in the classroom counts, so if you aren’t in the classroom that is a problem that we need to solve together. The College has an important process that students and families must follow regarding attendance.
All classes must have their roll taken and marked by the teacher in Compass within the first 5 minutes of the class commencing. It is particularly important that the roll for Period 1 is completed at 9.00am in order for the College to ascertain student daily attendance and meet its duty of care towards students. Late arrivals sign in at Student Reception as soon as they arrive at the College. All students who are marked absent in Period 1, without parent/carer explanation, and who have not signed in late, will have an SMS query sent to parents/carers by the CSO via Compass inviting an explanation for the absence.
As the College day for all students officially begins at 8:55am, all students who arrive after this time will be recorded as a partial attendance. There are consequences for students being late to school without explanation:
1st time - COMPASS records late to school and noted by PC teacher.
2nd time - PC teacher informs the House/Year Coordinator who informs the student that there is a pattern and asks for reason and offers help.
3rd time - PC teacher in consultation with House/Year Coordinator phones parents/carers to discuss concerns and outline the consequences of any future occurrences.
4th time and ongoing - a lunch time detention is issued by the Leader of Pastoral Care, the length which comprises the school time that the student has missed (calculated from 8:55am).
Across the next few weeks I will be outlining further opportunities the College and families can work together to improve student attendance, so all students at our College can guarantee that every minute in the classroom counts.
Mr Geoffrey Melville - Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing
Catch the Wave - A Year 9 Retreat Experience
Last Friday, an exciting and spiritually enriching event, "Catch the Wave," took place at Our Lady Star of the See Church in South West Rocks. This Year 9 retreat proved to be a memorable day filled with reflection, exploration of faith's relevance in our lives, and a deeper dive into the world of youth ministry. Led by our remarkable Year 11 and 12 Ministry Leaders, the day was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on our young participants.
The theme "Catch the Wave" perfectly encapsulated the essence of the retreat. Just like waves in the ocean, faith can have a profound impact on our lives, guiding us through the ups and downs and connecting us to something greater than ourselves. The retreat aimed to help our Year 9 students understand and embrace this concept.
Throughout the day, students were divided into small groups, where they engaged in discussions, activities, and reflections on the role of faith in their lives. These intimate settings allowed our young participants to open up and share their thoughts and experiences with one another. The Year 11 and 12 Ministry Leaders deserve special recognition for their exceptional guidance and mentorship during these small group sessions. Their passion for youth ministry and their dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of their peers truly shone through.
The retreat provided a nurturing environment for students to explore their faith and to ask important questions about its relevance in their daily lives. From discussing personal experiences to learning about the teachings of the Church, students were encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of their spirituality. The "Catch the Wave" retreat also emphasised the importance of community and how faith can bring people together in times of joy, sorrow, and everything in between.
Feedback from the participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Many students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such a transformative experience. Some mentioned how they had gained a newfound appreciation for the significance of faith in their journey through adolescence. Others felt inspired to consider pursuing roles in youth ministry in the future, following in the footsteps of our outstanding Year 11 and 12 Ministry Leaders.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in South West Rocks for generously hosting the retreat. The serene surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for moments of introspection and connection with one another.
As educators and members of the St Paul's College community, we are immensely proud of our Year 9 students for their active engagement and enthusiasm during the "Catch the Wave" retreat. We firmly believe that experiences like these contribute to their personal growth and well-rounded development as young individuals.
Let us continue to support and nurture the faith journey of our students, recognising that faith is a dynamic and ever-evolving aspect of their lives. With events like "Catch the Wave," we can empower our students to embrace their spirituality and make a positive impact on the world around them.
We look forward to more enriching experiences like these in the future and are grateful for the dedication and commitment of our Year 11 and 12 Ministry Leaders.
Year 10 CYM Class Brings Joyful Retreat Experience to St Patrick's Primary School
We are delighted to share an inspiring and heartwarming story of how our Year 10 Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) class spread joy and faith at St Patrick's Primary School, Macksville this week. The CYM students had the privilege of assisting in a special retreat for the stage one students, titled "My Friend, Jesus." This remarkable event introduced young learners to the life and teachings of Jesus and left an indelible impression on all who participated.
On Monday morning, the Year 10 CYM class embarked on a journey to St Patrick's Primary School with enthusiasm and excitement. The retreat, "My Friend, Jesus," was thoughtfully designed to introduce the stage one students to the central figure of Christianity and help them understand Jesus' role in their lives. The goal was to create a warm and welcoming environment where the younger students could learn, reflect, and have fun while connecting with their faith.
The Year 10 students stepped into their roles as leaders with grace and charisma. Throughout the day, they ran engaging games that not only entertained the children but also subtly conveyed essential Christian values. Laughter filled the air as the students played and bonded with their peers, forming connections that transcended age and grade levels.
Small group sessions were a highlight of the retreat, providing an opportunity for deeper conversations and reflections. The Year 10 CYM class skillfully led these discussions, encouraging the stage one students to share their thoughts on Jesus, friendship, and what it means to have a friend in Jesus. Witnessing the sincere and heartfelt exchanges between the younger children and their mentors was truly touching.
In addition to games and small group discussions, the Year 10 students brought an unexpected surprise to the retreat - dance! They took the stage and taught the stage one students some fun and lively dance moves, infusing the day with even more joy and energy. It was a wonderful sight to see the school hall filled with laughter and dancing, truly embodying the spirit of community and friendship.
The impact of the "My Friend, Jesus" retreat extended beyond the stage one students. Our Year 10 CYM students also had their faith enriched and their leadership skills strengthened. Taking on the responsibility of guiding their younger peers deepened their understanding of their own faith journey and the importance of leading by example.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to St Patrick's Primary School for warmly welcoming our Year 10 CYM class and allowing them to share in this meaningful experience. Collaboration between our schools fosters a strong sense of unity within the broader Catholic community.
Finally, we commend our Year 10 CYM students for their outstanding job in running the retreat. Their dedication, kindness, and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on the stage one students, and their efforts were a testament to the values we hold dear at St Paul's College.
As we witness the positive impact of events like "My Friend, Jesus," we are reminded of the power of faith and community in shaping the lives of our young learners. Let us continue to support and nurture these meaningful experiences, fostering a strong connection to our faith and the values it imparts.
May the lessons learned during the retreat guide our students on their journey with Jesus as their ever-faithful friend.
Year 10 Retreat “Above the Line" - Unleashing Our Unique Gifts for a Purposeful Life
We are thrilled to announce an upcoming transformative event that promises to be an unforgettable experience for our Year 10 students - the "Above the Line" retreat! This overnight retreat in week 5, is set amidst the serene and peaceful surroundings of Francis Retreat in Bonny Hills, is designed to help our young learners discover their unique gifts, embrace their true potential, and recognise their calling to serve others and glorify God.
At St Paul's College, we believe that each individual is uniquely gifted and possesses talents that are meant to be used for the greater good. The "Above the Line" retreat seeks to encourage our students to rise above self-doubt, limitations, and fears, and to step into their full potential, making a positive impact on the world around them.
The retreat will be a melting pot of engaging workshops, inspiring guest speakers, exciting games, and a deeply spiritual night. With a plethora of activities to choose from, our Year 10 students will have the opportunity to explore various aspects of their gifts and interests. The aim is to empower them to sign up for workshops that resonate with their passions, fueling a sense of purpose and direction for their lives.
Through these workshops, the "Above the Line" retreat will help students understand the importance of recognising and developing their unique gifts. Whether it be in the arts, academics, sports, leadership, or service, each talent holds the potential to make a meaningful difference. By aligning their passions with their gifts, students will be equipped to live a life that is not only fulfilling but also dedicated to serving others and bringing glory to God.
In addition to the workshops, guest speakers will share their personal experiences and journeys, inspiring our students to overcome challenges and embrace their individuality. They will highlight how embracing their gifts and using them for a higher purpose has enriched their lives and contributed to the betterment of society.
Of course, the "Above the Line" retreat won't be complete without moments of laughter and bonding. The retreat organisers have planned exciting games and activities that foster camaraderie among the students, creating an environment of support and encouragement.
The spiritual night will provide a sacred space for reflection, prayer, and connecting with God. This time of introspection will allow students to deepen their faith, seek guidance from the Divine, and discern the path that aligns with their unique calling.
We are immensely grateful to Francis Retreat for hosting this significant event. The serene and picturesque location offers an ideal setting for self-discovery and spiritual growth.
As we prepare for the "Above the Line" retreat, we urge our Year 10 students to approach this opportunity with an open heart and mind. Embrace the retreat's message of self-discovery, service, and purposeful living. We have no doubt that this experience will be a pivotal moment in your journey, equipping you to lead a life that brings joy to others and fulfills the purposes God has set forth for you.
To ensure that your child can participate in this life-changing experience, we kindly request you to complete the consent form on Compass as soon as possible. The consent form will provide us with the necessary information to make proper arrangements for the "Above the Line" retreat, including accommodation, meals, and transportation.
As parents and caregivers, your support is crucial in encouraging our students to embrace their unique gifts, explore their passions, and recognise the calling to serve others and honor God through their talents. The "Above the Line" retreat promises to be a memorable and empowering event, and we wholeheartedly believe it will positively impact your child's life.
May the "Above the Line" retreat be a stepping stone towards a future filled with compassion, dedication, and a deep sense of purpose.
Mr Matthew Mitchell - Leader of Evangelisation
All Schools Cross Country
Last week four St Paul’s students travelled to Eastern Creek, Sydney to compete in the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships. These students represented the College and NSW Combined Catholic Colleges and should be tremendously proud of their efforts and success in this level of competition.
Pictured above is Wilton Townsend, Hamish Davies, Amelia Wilson, and Cleo Schubert. The students reported that the course was incredibly challenging but they dug in and did their best.
Wilton placed 15th, Hamish placed 15th, Amelia placed 13th and Cleo placed 30th. St Paul’s is extremely proud of our running crew and we look forward to the future in this sport.
Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to St Paul's Year 9 student, Cleo Schubert, who broke the 1500m record at the Athletics Carnival - this record was set in 1985 by St Paul's Co-Educator, Angela Bramley, pictured below with Cleo. Well done to those students who set new records - more details to follow.
Upcoming Sporting Events
Rugby Union 7’s - 7 and 10 August (boys and girls)
Junior Basketball - 7 and 8 August
Diocesan Athletics Carnival – 23 August
Netball Schools Cup – Regional Finals - 29 August
Diocesan Netball - 31 August
Harry Wells Shield (U16’s Boys/Girls Rugby League) – 16 September
Mr Heath Needs - Teacher and Sports Coordinator
Tell Them From Me Survey Feedback
A number of students who are disengaged suffer anxiety and depression. The College can play a role in reducing anxiety and depression by supporting programs designed to improve students' emotional resilience, by tackling issues concerning bullying and school safety, and by building effective family-school partnerships.
These measures can dramatically improve levels of social and institutional engagement.
Some of the programs we run include Seasons for Growth and another called Chilled Out. We have several artefacts around the College to support and guide students when tackling issues that may lead to anxiety and depression.
Who can I go to for help?
Ms Fiona Stuart - Leader of Pastoral Care
On Thursday 10 August, all Year 10 and 11 students will be making the short trek to the Kempsey Showground for the 2023 Macleay Career Expo. This free event organised by the Department of Education’s local Regional Industry Education Partnerships program, will give students the opportunity to interact with more than 35 different employers, organisations and universities.
This will be a great time for students to consider their future, ask questions and seek information about a variety of pathways. Please see Compass for more information.
As always the Student Directions website offers a location for students (and families) to stay up to date with current tertiary and career opportunities. Please follow the link HERE to see the two documents on the homepage for up to date information.
The next P & F meeting will be taking place on Monday 14 August at 5.30pm in the Edmund Rice Centre. Parents/carers and friends of the College are warmly invited to attend and to share their ideas for topics/presentations for future P & F meetings. We will be having a tour of the newly upgraded Edmund Rice Centre and the College Executives will be presenting the results from the 'Tell Them From Me' survey. We look forward to seeing you there!
St Paul’s College P & F has recently purchased a dryer to save Ms Shannon Thomas, Sports Administrator, from many hours of tediously pegging out College representative sports kits.
The benefits of the dryer will also extend to the Science, CAPA and Textiles departments.
Congratulations to St Paul's Year 10 student, Andi Kennedy, who achieved outstanding results in the Glowalman Junior Rodeo Championships held earlier this month in Gloucester and Nabiac.
Her achievements include:
- Point-Score Champion - 15 and U17
- Flag Race Champion - 15 and U17
- Bonfield Bounce Reserve Champion - 15 and U17
- Gloucester Fastest Barrel Race Time (17.44 seconds)
- Overall Fastest Barrel Race Time for the competition - All ages (15.60 seconds)
Former student success
St Paul's is blessed with exceptionally talented and high achieving students and we love to hear about their achievements after their days at St Paul's are over.
If you have any information regarding former students' successes, we would be grateful if you could email bernette.vankal@lism.catholic.edu.au with details and if possible, please include photos.
Each year, St Paul's College provides the venue for NSW Health to conduct the NSW Schools Vaccination Program. PLEASE NOTE: NSW Health has a new process for collecting consent for your child to receive their vaccination at school. Please read the information below provided by NSW Health.
Vaccination Program Date remaining in 2023:
Term 4 – 17 October 2023
· Year 7 catch up (HPV & Boostrix)
· Year 10 & 11 Nimenrix (meningococcal ACWY) catch up
Online consent for school vaccinations
If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 this year, or is in Year 11 and missed their Year 10 vaccinations in 2022, you can now provide online consent for their routine school vaccinations.
- Year 7 students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Year 10 students are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
Vaccinations will only be provided at school if consent has been received.
How to provide consent:
- To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school
- Click the login with ‘Service NSW Account’ button and log in using your Service NSW details. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you don’t have a Service NSW account, refer to Service NSW to create one.
- Update or confirm your personal details in Service NSW as required.
- Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:
⦁ Enter your child’s personal details
⦁ Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
⦁ Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement
⦁ Provide consent
If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper-based consent form (please contact the College office on 6562 7200 to ask for a hard copy form).
Read a step-by-step guide on how to provide consent online. Translated guides are available in Arabic, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese.
For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination or contact the Port Macquarie Public Health Unit on 02 6589 2120.
Wednesday 15 November 2023
We are very much looking forward to welcoming all our Year 7, 2024 students to their Orientation Day at St Paul’s College on Wednesday 15 November 2023. Please note that this is a day for enrolled students only.
PROGRAM COMMENCES - 8.55am
PROGRAM CONCLUDES - 3.25pm
Important Information:
Absence - This is a COMPLUSORY day for all enrolled students to attend. Please inform your child’s primary school that they will be absent on this day. If your child is unable to attend the Orientation Day please contact us as soon as possible to advise us of their absence (before 8.55am Wednesday 15 November 2023).
Transport - It is the responsibility of families to arrange transport for their child to and from the College for this day. Please note, your child's primary school will NOT be arranging transport.
Bus - Families will need to communicate with the relevant bus company regarding bus transportation to and from the College. Students travelling to and from the College by bus will use the College bus bay area. Staff/students will be there to welcome students and will assist students in the afternoon to ensure that they catch the correct bus.
Car - If transporting your child yourself please drop them off and pick them up outside the main Sea Street entrance. Staff/students will be there to welcome students and assist in the afternoon. Please DO NOT use the North Street entrance/car park.
Arrival - Students are required to be at the College by 8.55am. On arrival at the College students will be escorted to meet with staff who will be delivering the day's activities.
Uniform - Your child should wear their primary school sport uniform including hat.
Lunch - We will provide a sausage sizzle for lunch. If your child has special dietary requirements or requires additional food to satisfy their appetite at lunchtime please send alternative/additional food with them.
Your child should bring the following with them:
- school bag
- pen
- their own recess
- water for the day
- additional/alternative food if required
Medication - If your child would normally carry medication such as an asthma puffer or Epipen please ensure that they have these with them on the day. If they require other medication through the day please contact the College via email kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au to discuss arrangements.
If there is any information that you feel the College requires to ensure the health and wellbeing of you child during Orientation Day please email kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au
This is a very important day for all our Year 7, 2024 students. The program that has been prepared will be engaging and will provide activities allowing students to get to know their year group, their teachers and an orientation of College classrooms and related facilities.
We look forward to seeing your children at Orientation Day and getting to know them across the day.
The Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry has published a document on evangelisation, offering a scriptural and theological reflection on the proclamation of the Gospel through the lenses of encounter, discipleship and mission. It draws on seminal documents on evangelisation from recent decades, including the teachings of Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis.
The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT, in partnership with the eSafety Commissioner, is offering all parents, carers, teachers and support staff the opportunity to join a free webinar.
The 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in secondary school.
It will cover:
- The impact of sharing nude images without consent.
- Practical suggestions for starting the chat about respectful relationships, consent and pressure to send nudes.
- Where to get support for a young person who has experienced abuse.
- The impact of sharing nude images without consent.
Webinar details:
Tuesday 15 August 7.30 pm – 8.00 pm
Please register HERE.
Required notice regarding the 2023 Non-Government Schools Census:
