Term 4 Week 2 - 20 October 2023

Dear Parent/Carer

‘And Jesus said to them: Whose image and inscription is this? They say to him: Caesar’s. Then he said to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God, the things that are God’s.’

Matthew 22: 15-21

Welcome to our last Term of the 2023 academic year! We are currently observing our mighty Year 12 students undertaking the Higher School Certificate examinations and our Year 11 students transitioning into their Higher School Certificate programme. Both groups are managing well and I thank College staff and families for supporting this.

The bushfire season has certainly made its presence felt within our region across recent weeks. I am aware that our community has experienced loss of life and damage to property. Our collective thoughts and prayers are with those families at this time. The impact of the recent bushfires can affect people in different ways and I would encourage community members to reach out to the College for support if required. We have a number of services we can direct you to that would be able to assist in a variety of ways. It is critical that we continue to be conscious of having a clear bushfire response plan and how this may impact your children and their travel to and from school. We continue to work with the Catholic Schools Office and local services in developing a clear and coherent response in managing our College community during natural disaster related events.

I am most conscious that the cost of living appears to be increasing and many of our families would certainly be feeling this. It is critical as we approach the end of year that communication is made to the College from families who may be struggling in paying fees. This communication is strictly confidential and is encouraged to ensure that decisions are made that do not create discomfort or embarrassment for families. School fees fund resources for the College and if not paid, place enormous pressure on how we run the school.

An increase has been noted of families informing the College of an intent to take their children out from the school during Term time for ‘holidays’. It is important to be reminded that ‘holiday’ related absences from the College is not seen as an acceptable reason for absence and as such is not approved leave. I am aware that family situations can be complex and leave can be sought for a variety of reasons. This is why any extended leave requires discussion with the Principal through an appointment. Attendance at school impacts learning. Absences across the Term, partial or otherwise, can be detrimental to what is learnt and understood. The College will continue to challenge student absence and family support of this would be greatly appreciated.

Finally, we pride ourselves on being a Catholic College, having standards that value students, staff, as well as strong educational outcomes. As a Catholic College we place additional expectations on student engagement with Liturgies, Retreats and other related events. Upon enrolment, families agreed to this. The College records absences on such occasions and this information will be used to ask questions of students regarding commitment to the St Paul’s community. This data may impact on a student’s ability to represent the College in sporting or other related experiences. Enrolment to the College requires a complete investment in all spiritual, academic and cultural experiences - this is community building, sets standards and matters a great deal.

Wishing you all a safe weekend.

Kind regards


Mr David JOHNS   B.Ed., Cert. Gifted Ed., Grad. Cert. Adol. Health and Welfare, M.Ed. (Ed Lead), M.Ed. (Theol) 

Principal

kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au

As summer is approaching the College has commenced preparations for the upcoming bushfire season. We are developing a plan should a fire emergency occur in our area during school hours. Our bushfire plan takes into consideration the safety of students and staff while at school as well as families needing to collect their children from school and make their way home safely.

In general terms, should the Rural Fire Service or relevant Authority escalate a Fire Alert Level to ‘Watch and Act’, our College leadership team, in consultation with the Catholic Schools Office, will determine if it remains safe and viable for the College to remain open. Please be assured that our Bushfire Management Plan will always err on the side of caution.

Should we need to change the opening status of the College, you will be advised via Compass and/or text message. We ask that all parents or adults in a household download Compass and have their phone on and available throughout the summer bushfire season. This message will clearly state that if the College will be open or remain closed for the next day, or if the College is closing and the request and instructions to collect your child/ren.

Should the opening status of the College change, this will also be posted on the College's website and Facebook page. I take this opportunity to remind you during this time to avoid calling the College to ask if it is open or closed as we must remain easily contactable to fire authorities. Please rely on the information distributed via Compass/text message, College website and College Facebook page.

It is strongly recommended that you and your family consider developing your own plan of what you will do in a bushfire event. Please talk to your children about what to expect if there is a bushfire near your home or the school. The Rural Fire Service has resources available to help you with your family bushfire plan.

We are confident in our planning and also hopeful we will not need to action it this coming season.

David Johns
Principal

Many Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lismore are currently impacted by smoke haze due to bushfire events. Bushfires can result in a large amount of smoke particles in the air even when fires may be many kilometres away. Please monitor your young person for any potential health implications.

Signs and symptoms students may experience include runny nose, itchy or burning eyes, headaches, coughing, throat irritation, and shortness of breath. For families of students with Asthma, respiratory illness or heart conditions, please be reminded to consider your young person 's current health condition, ensure they carry relieving medication with them. Please contact the school if you have any concerns about your young person being at school.

Communicating with your young person during this time is important. Discussing being prepared for natural hazards, such as bushfires, is not harmful to your young person but avoiding conversations can leave them to worry on their own.

Emerging Minds provides the following tips:
● Your young person may have already been exposed to media coverage or heard
conversations about the bushfires. Finding out what they already know will help you to address their specific worries and concerns.
● Tell your young person that disasters can happen and if all members of the family know what to do, it will help everyone keep safe. It’s important for adults to stay calm and speak with confidence when discussing the family emergency plan. This will help to reduce your young person’s worries.
● Allow your child to ask any questions or make any comments they may have about disaster preparedness. This will help you to understand what needs clarification and dispel any misconceptions they may have.
● Assure your young person that with preparedness, things will be less scary and a lot safer. 

Involving your young person in the planning can make your young person feel more able to deal with a bushfire threat and feel safe and secure in knowing that you have a plan. Your young person will know that even if they are affected by a disaster, you and your family will use your resources to work together. For information on how to make a Bushfire Family Plan go to NSW Rural Fire Service.

For more information on how to support your young person go to ReachOut Helping your teen deal with the stress of a natural disaster and headspace Coping with the Stress of Bushfires.

Term 4 has started strong in the area of learning and teaching. The HSC exams are well and truly underway and the students have been very positive so far.

YEAR 12 2024 and HSC Information Evening
On Monday 23 October all Year 12 for 2024 and their parents are invited to attend the Year 12 2024 and HSC Information Evening in the Edmund Rice Centre at 5:30pm.

Year 12 can be a year of excitement, confusion and growth. We want to support you and your child throughout this time.

This evening will provide information on:

- How to support your child during Year 12
- The make-up of the HSC
- Pathways
- HSC assessment program and understanding grading
- Attendance and its importance
- Study habits - what you can do to help
- The senior retreat
- VET work placement program
- Pastoral care mentoring program

You are welcome to ask the staff any questions, no matter how big or small, after the presentations. Your child's Pastoral Care teacher will be present as well as Ms Megan Dunbar, Year 12 2024 Pastoral Care Coordinator, and members of the College Executive.

This evening is a crucial part of your child's academic and pastoral journey and therefore attendance is compulsory. If you have any queries or concerns please email me kate.fullbrook@lism.catholic.edu.au

ATOMI
Year 11 students have been transferred into their Year 12 classes for Atomi. We encourage them to use this platform for study in the lead up to their assessments later this Term. Your teachers will set you some work on this but you can independently use the platform as well to study.

Years 7-10
Students will be moving towards assessments for some of their subjects in Week 5 and 6 of this Term. Encourage your children to plan and prepare for these tasks by being organised in their learning and speaking to their teachers for help.

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

Mission events in Term 4 for the St Paul’s College community
2023 has been notable at St Paul’s for so many reasons. One of the central opportunities that provide our staff, students and their families with great joy are many events supported in the Mission space within the College. During Term 4 there are a number of exciting events that support the Mission of St Paul’s College, where the community can come together and celebrate our Catholic values and support for each other:

• The beautiful Mass celebrated by Father James in the St Paul’s chapel each Tuesday beginning at 8.30am.  However, please note that Mass on Tuesday 24 October has been cancelled.
• Our Socktober appeal for Catholic Mission on Friday 27 October.
• The Feast of All Saints Mass celebrated by Father James at St Paul’s College beginning at 12.45pm on Wednesday 1 November.
• The HSC class of 2024 annual retreat at the Francis Retreat Centre at Bonny Hills from 8 to 10 November.
• The CSO G.O.A.T gathering for Year 10 males from 8 to 10 November.
• Our Orientation day for Year 7 2024 at St Paul’s on Wednesday 15 November.
• The McAuley Feast Liturgy on Wednesday 29 November in the All Saints Church Kempsey.
• Our Year 8 retreat day, Catch the Wave, held at South West Rocks on Monday 4 December.
• Our Christmas St Vincent de Paul Society appeal culminating during Week 9 Term 4 with hamper packing and delivery throughout Kempsey.
• Our Christmas Mass celebrated at All Saints Catholic Church, Kempsey at 10am on Wednesday 13 December.

The upcoming Year 12 and Year 8 retreats are compulsory events with the College expectation that all students will attend, any questions regarding these activities please contact me.

As outlined above, there are so many wonderful opportunities for our whole College community to celebrate our Catholic Mission throughout Term 4 2023 and I look forward to reflecting on these gatherings throughout this Term.


Mr Geoffrey Melville - Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing

geoffrey.melville@lism.catholic.edu.au

Year 11 Retreat - Legacy
WHEN: Wednesday - Friday, 8-10 November
WHO: All of Year 11
DESCRIPTION: Legacy, the Year 11 Retreat, is where students will embark on a transformational experience designed to equip them with the skills, insights, and values needed to become effective Year 12 leaders and leave behind a lasting and positive legacy.

The retreat will focus on:

• Skills for Leadership: An exploration of the practical aspects of leadership. Engage in large group presentations and interactive workshops to develop essential leadership skills, including effective communication, problem-solving and time management.
• Building Bonds and Teamwork: Teamwork is at the heart of leadership. Through a series of team-building activities and small group work, you will foster strong bonds, learn the power of collaboration, and enhance your ability to work together as a cohesive unit.
• Reflecting on Values and Spiritual Engagement: We will delve into the core values necessary for creating a positive legacy. Engage in thoughtful discussions and self-reflection exercises to understand how their personal values align with their goals as future leaders.

Details are on Compass.

Year 8 Retreat - Catch the Wave
WHEN: Monday 4 December
WHO: All of Year 8. Year 10 & 11 Ministry Leaders.
DESCRIPTION: 'Catch the Wave' provides an opportunity for students to deepen their own understanding and experience of the foundations of the Christian faith. This program also provides an insight into the Catholic Youth Ministry class that students may select for Year 9.

It will be conducted at South West Rock Surf Club and will include a swim at the beach and a BBQ lunch. Details are on Compass.

CSO: G.O.A.T Retreat
WHEN: Thursday - Friday, 9-10 November
WHO: Four Year 10 Boys
DESCRIPTION: 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 two-day retreat 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.

The retreat will be an overnight experience which will allow relationships to be built with other young men throughout the Diocese, as well as a chance for students to talk and share about their faith journey.

Feast Day of Catherine McAuley
WHEN: Wednesday 29 November
WHO: All McAuley House Students
DESCRIPTION: A celebration of the works of Catherine McAuley at All Saints Catholic Church, Kempsey.


Mr Matthew Mitchell - Leader of Evangelisation

matthew.mitchell@lism.catholic.edu.au

Book Chat – Celebrating HARRY POTTER BOOK DAY
Last Thursday, 12 October, was officially Harry Potter Book Day and coincidentally the date of our weekly Book Chat. So on this day of days, the worlds of our Book Chat enthusiasts and Harry Potter fans collided! To celebrate this iconic series, the focus of the meeting was on all things Harry Potter, which ignited some very lively conversations, discussions and debates. Topics of conversation included: which book in the series was the best - with two favourites being Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Prisioner of Azkaban; who were the best heroes; and of course who were the worst of the villains. For those who had read the series multiple times, Emilia Pankhurst took out the honours of having read Harry Potter 7 times!

A special mention to Chelsea who shared with the group her treasured and much loved Harry Potter pop-up edition. The lunchtime chat culminated in a beautiful rendition of the Harry Potter song - a fitting tribute to this epic series.

If you are a Harry Potter or J.K. Rowling enthusiast, you may be interested in visiting J.K. Rowling’s website about this day. This includes a brilliant section for younger readers and a section for those who would like to delve into the world of the author and her writings. Her latest October releases also feature on this site which may pique the interest of any past or present J.K. Rowling fan, particularly with Christmas and the ‘magical’ season of gift giving just around the corner.

Retro Games Tuesday
Thank you to the Collins family for recently donating some of their personal board games they no longer use. We are always happy to receive any pre-loved board games, in good condition and intact.

At the moment some of the students’ favourites include UNO, Monopoly and Chess, but we hope to add to this list as Retro Games increases in popularity. At the moment we are looking at adding the award winning word game, Pass the Bomb, and the 5 Second Rule game to our collection. If you happen to have an unused version of either of these games, we would be more than happy to recycle them for you!

YEAR 12 2023 PARENTS/CARERS
A quick reminder that your child’s library books need to be returned as they complete each of their HSC exams. If everything goes according to plan at the completion of their final exam they should be left with a clean borrowing slate. A perfect ending to this story!

To help reach this happy outcome, I have sent out an email this week to Year 12 parents listing what is still outstanding in your child’s name. If you can assist us by reminding your child of the items they need to return and that their last textbook is due on the day of their last exam. If there are any issues with the list please don’t hesitate to contact the library.

Thanks for your support in this matter.

Kind Regards


Mrs Patrice Martin, Mrs Cathy Whalen & Ms Karen Irvine- Library Assistants

All Schools Athletics
Congratulations to Wilton Townsend, Amelia Wilson and Flynn Edwards who competed at the All Schools Athletics Championships at Homebush, Sydney.

Wilton competed in the 800m, 1500m and 3000m events. He raced incredibly well, cracking a few personal bests across the event.

Amelia competed in the 800m and 1500m events and placed 13th in the 800m and 12th in the 1500m events. Well done!

Flynn Edwards competed in the 100m and 200m events and raced well.

Diocesan Volleyball
Congratulations to St Paul's volleyballers who achieved fantastic results at the Diocesan Volleyball Tournament in Port Macquarie last week. The student's behaviour, sportsmanship and conduct were exemplary throughout and as the day progressed their performances improved greatly.

The Junior Boys team were knocked out in the group stage and gained much from the experience. The Senior boys were knocked out in the semi finals by the eventual winners of the tournament and the Senior Girls were runners up, being undefeated all day, but losing the final.

Upcoming sporting events

⦁ Girls League Tag – 26 October
⦁ Berg and Downie Cricket – 31 October
⦁ Diocesan Golf – 13 November at South West Rocks Golf Course


Mr Heath Needs - Teacher and Sports Coordinator

heath.needs@lism.catholic.edu.au

Congratulations to our PBRS Winners and Placegetters for Term 3. These students have displayed a consistently high standard at school and regularly engage in positive behaviours. Well done to you all!

Helping your teen cope with bad world news
The current events in the Middle East are quite confronting. When bad news like this breaks, it can be hard to avoid being affected by it. It’s all over TV, and everyone is talking about it on social media.

For some tips on how you can help your teen learn about current affairs in a healthy way and what you can do if bad world news is getting them down, please click on the link here


Ms Fiona Stuart - Leader of Pastoral Care

fiona.stuart@lism.catholic.edu.au

Please be aware that due to circumstances beyond our control the College canteen will be temporarily closed on Monday 23 october and Tuesday 24 October.

Congratulations to St Paul's students from Year 8-10 who participated in the 'Let Your Voice Be Heard' writing program over the last 10 weeks. All their hard work culminated in an incredible evening performance of their individual scripts which was thoroughly enjoyed by parents/carers, families, friends, College staff and Catholic Schools Office Education Officer, Joanne Stuart.

The students worked closely with Teaching Artist and ex-student, Lachlan Bray, throughout Term 3 to develop their ideas into a script. The wide range of topics, from police procedurals to fantasy and dystopian worlds, period drama to a strangely surreal world where a playwright’s character comes to life, were brought to life through a staged reading of each piece, performed by the fellow writers. The night was an overwhelming success and the smiles on the students’ faces at the end of the night said it all.

We would like to extend our thanks to the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Office for the Arts Partnership funding which allowed us to run such a worthwhile project.

St Paul's English department extends their appreciation to the College community and the wider Kempsey community for the support they have demonstrated for the Year 7 picture book display. A special thanks to the staff at Kempsey Shire Library who created a fantastic display to present each student's picture book.

Through this project, students have gained a greater understanding of the importance of purpose and audience when creating written and visual texts. They have gained experience in the knowledge that all their work matters and it has inspired them to apply themselves in future units of work and to let their communication and literacy skills really shine.

Excursion to St Joseph’s Primary School
A group of Year 7 students spent the day at St Joseph's Primary School to share their picture books with an audience of Kindergarten - Year 1 students. This experience helped the students to consolidate their learning and understand the importance of creating texts for a specific audience in mind.

Each student was buddied up and proceeded to read their picture book, enjoy a leisurely lunch, reminisce about their time at St Joseph's and reconnect with friends. After lunch, students were escorted to the library to engage with their buddies and tell them about the process of writing for an audience. Their buddies verbalised their enjoyment of listening and viewing while the Year 7 students wrote their responses.

Once back at St Paul’s, the Year 7 students were asked to reflect on their progress throughout the unit and to reflect on themselves and their learning. Here are some of their responses:

“I loved sharing my work with the kids.”
“I did not know that I could do this and I am proud of my work.” 
“The most satisfying part about the process was that when creating it, it allowed me to use my mind and to really think about what I wanted.”
“I learnt that I should take more time to create my illustrations, instead of leaving it to the last minute and having to use emojis off the internet.”
“I can make a book that is cool and a story that everyone likes.”
“As I worked on this piece, I realised I needed to be more creative.”
“I learnt how fun it is to make something new.”
“I learnt that if I put hard work into my assignments, it will pay off with a good result.”

Congratulations to St Paul's Year 11 student, Taylah Moffitt, who has been appointed as a member of the Surf Life Saving Australia Youth Working Group. Well done Taylah!

Congratulations to St Paul's Year 9 student, Zander Browne, who competed in the NSW Rugby Union 7s State Championships at Forster in the beginning of October and achieved a fantastic result!

Congratulations to Year 10 student, Aden Mills for being awarded the Kempsey Macleay RSL Club Sportsperson of the Month for September. Aden is a volunteer lifesaver with South West Rocks Surf Lifesaving Club and was the Club’s and the Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast Branch’s Rookie of the Year for the 2022/23 season. An inspiring young man!

World Teachers Day 2023 is on Friday 27 October where we celebrate Australia's teachers for their skilled work in educating, inspiring and supporting our students.

We thank our incredible teachers at St Paul's who contribute to the growth of our students every day!

In a recent ABC Radio Quiz with Indira Nadoo discussing teachers who changed their lives, a caller rang in to mention Mrs Danuta Puzas, a long-standing member of staff at St Paul's College - "she was an exceptional teacher of Mathematics during my time at St Paul's in Kempsey - she inspired me and made me feel valued. Her influence was so great that I also became a Maths teacher".

The full audio recording can be heard by downloading the link to the podcast below:

Led by the Year 12 2024 student leaders, the College community is fundraising for Soctober on Friday 27 October. Students and staff may wear their craziest socks in return for a gold coin donation on this day.

Socktober is a program exclusively run by Catholic Mission, and raises funds for programs benefiting children around the world. Each year, a focus country is chosen to represent how the funds raised through Socktober will benefit children overseas. In 2023, the focus projects are in Timor-Leste. Additional donations are most welcome via this link

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.

Staff, students and their families are cordially invited to attend the weekly Mass celebrated by Fr James Foster, Parish Priest in the College Chapel. Mass is held every Tuesday at 8.30 am. Please note that the last Mass to be held at St Paul's this Term is Tuesday 12 December.

Parking is available for parishioners and families in the staff car park on Sea Street (please do not use the North Street car park at this time due to use by school buses). 

For emergency evacuation purposes all attendees are requested to record their details using the sign in sheet provided outside the Chapel. This information will not be kept after visitors have left the College site.

The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited (DLCSL) has launched a Child Safeguarding website as part of their commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. It contains information on Child Safe Standards, the Commitment Statement, a contact form for concerns or inquiries, and other useful links and resources.

The website can also be accessed through the 'Key Documents' tab on the College website. We encourage you to visit the website to understand our commitment to building a College where every child feels valued, heard, and protected.

Parent Assembly is hosting a webinar 'Nurturing Neurodiversity' on Monday 30 October. All parents/carers are warmly invited to register here to understand more about how to support neurodiverse children.

Kempsey Shire Council is currently advertising for a range of exciting cadet and apprenticeship opportunities. From engineering and surveying to environmental management, these locally based opportunities may interest Year 12 students just about to finish their HSC exams or those current students seeking to transition to a traineeship. Please see the Council's website for further information.