Week 4 Term 4- 3 November 2023
- Principal's Message
- Bushfire Planning
- Bushfire Communication from the Catholic Schools Office
- Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
- Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing
- Ministry and Evangelisation
- Curriculum
- Pastoral Care
- Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza 2023
- Student Focus - Bailey Rogan
- Interschool Horse Extravaganza
- Socktober 2023
- P & F Meeting
- Weekly Mass at the College
- Term Dates
- Year 7 2024 Orientation Day
- Save The Date - Year 6 2024/Year 7 2025
- Vaccination Dates 2024
- 2024 School Travel Applications Now Open
- Free Suicide Prevention Training for Parents/Carers
- Parenting Webinar - Parenting Your Video Gamer
- Child Safeguarding Website
- Cadet and Apprenticeship Opportunities - Kempsey Shire Council
- 2023 School Leavers - Local Jobs, Free Training and Career Advice opportunities
- Trial Bay Triathalon
- Newsletter Sponsors
The greatest among you must be your servant. ‘Whoever exalts themselves will be humbled; but whoever humbles themselves will be exalted.”
Currently it is impossible to go about our daily lives without receiving information about what is taking place around the world. The loss of life, continued violence and a broken sense of hope and meaning continues to be observed within the groups affected. It is almost paralysing when you consider how to respond, how to make a difference. It could be stated that while we are limited in assisting others who are far away - we have capacity to respond to what is happening around us.
It has been reported that the extent of domestic violence, especially directed toward women has been increasing. Violence and related poor behaviours in all its forms appears grounded in what is observed and accepted on social media, and at times on television and in movies. The failure to call ‘poor’ behaviours out as they occur – presents a sense that it is acceptable – and this is certainly evident, at times, when we manage student behaviour in our classrooms.
Across the next few weeks, we will be further challenging our students to reflect on how they interact with one another and their teachers in determining how these interactions build relationships and make us all feel valued. The use of mobile phones, the wearing of school uniform and appropriate jewellery, attendance at school liturgies and related activities along with following academic expectations are all critical to a safe and successful school.
We are fortunate that at St Paul’s our students, on the whole, do what is expected. I would love to get to the point where students understand that our expectations and standards is all about valuing themselves and each other. A wish to do the right thing, not because if it is not done there will be punishment, but rather because it builds a safe, caring and respectful community which is inclusive.
St Paul’s College has a long, proud history of providing this community with foundational spiritual, pastoral and academic needs that have enabled many to succeed at so many levels. We can all be challenged when it seems as though the world around us is dropping standards and expectations. Our College community is precious and as a result we must continue to be confident that with strong family partnerships, links to our parish and community, we will remain a College with strong Catholic values and an enduring desire to build within our student’s high aspirations.
This week we celebrated All Saints Day and the Feast Day of our local parish church, All Saints Catholic Church, Kempsey, with a special Mass celebrated by Fr James at the College. This was a wonderful celebration within our community which brought together our students, staff, parishioners and invited guests from Vincent Court. Special thanks to all who contributed towards this celebration.
I would like to acknowledge Year 11 student, Jorja Barnett for her fantastic achievement at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza last week where she won the Waverley Station Angus Scholarship for 2023. Close on 50 applications were submitted with only two winners being awarded this inaugural scholarship which will allow Jorja to travel to Waverley's iconic King Island Station for a week of work experience.
Kind regards
Mr David JOHNS B.Ed., Cert. Gifted Ed., Grad. Cert. Adol. Health and Welfare, M.Ed. (Ed Lead), M.Ed. (Theol)
Principal
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.
2023 HSC
The HSC has drawn to an end this week and we congratulate those students for their persistent efforts in making it to the end! The exam invigilators have communicated that the students have all been working incredibly hard. They also said that they were very polite and considerate which is worth passing on. Well done Year 12 2023!
2024 HSC Information Evening - Held on 23 October
Thank you to all who attended this evening. We had some positive feedback from parents which was much appreciated. If anyone could not be there for the event, please find the slides linked here.
ATOMI
This is a reminder that Year 11 students have been transferred into their Year 12 classes for Atomi. We encourage them to be using this platform for study in the lead up to their assessments later this Term. Students: Please come and see Ms Fullbrook if you cannot access any of your classes.
Year 7-10 Assessment Period
Students will be moving towards assessments for some of their subjects in Week 5 and 6 of this Term. Many students have been working all Term towards these assessments and they should not be worried about this period. This is a time for teachers to be able to gather information so we know what to work towards for next year.
PAT Testing
Students in Year 7-10 will be undergoing PAT testing which is designed to show the school benchmarks for reading, numeracy and science. These tests inform us of the levels our students are working at and what we need to do to support them moving forward. This is not something the students can study for or work towards - just a snapshot in time.
Please reach out if you have any questions about the learning for your students.
Ms Kate Fullbrook - Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Feast of All Saints - Wednesday 1 November
St Paul’s College was honoured to host a wonderful Mass on Wednesday this week celebrating the Feast of All Saints. All Saints Day emphasises the belief in the communion of saints as well as the spiritual connection to those who have died in faith. Father James led our Mass and his message towards All Saints Day was that this day provides us all to consider that we have so many opportunities to help others as did the thousands of saints recognised in the Christian church. Our celebration was made extra special with the visit of 10 residents of the Vincent Court community and that our Catholic church in Kempsey was named All Saints, 101 years ago, in recognition of the Christian saints.
The Vincent Court residents were a joy to welcome and great conversationalists as they enjoyed a lovely lunch prepared by our Hospitality staff and students with our school leaders. There is a tremendous link between the residents of Vincent Court and St Paul’s College, with many resident families having links with students at the College for many years including 2023 and beyond. A special mention must be made of Sister Cabrini who was in fine form throughout the visit. Sister Cabrini has the deserving reputation as an outstanding educator within the Macleay Valley across many years, and her positive support of our students preparing for their reading duties prior to the Mass on Wednesday, emphasised her continuing interest and kindness towards our St Paul’s students.
The Mass conducted on Wednesday was an inspiring gathering. Beautiful music provided by our students under the expert tutelage of Mrs Leonie Capararo and reverent participation of the staff and students of our College within our fantastic new Edmund Rice Centre. In particular, the support and leadership of Father James during our celebration was much appreciated as our community could reflect on the importance of this day within the context of our Parish church - All Saints Catholic Church, Kempsey.
Mr Geoffrey Melville - Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing
Celebrating All Saints Day and our Local Parish Feast Day
On Wednesday St Paul’s College celebrated All Saints Day with a whole school Mass. The Mass not only commemorated the Saints who have inspired us throughout history but also marked the feast day of our local parish church in Kempsey. It was a beautiful and spiritually uplifting event and we are thrilled to provide you with a recap of this memorable occasion.
The Mass was a profound moment of spiritual unity for our College community. We saw the Edmund Rice Hall filled with students, staff, parishioners and guests from Vincent Court who came together to pay tribute to the Saints who have illuminated our faith and our lives. The sense of togetherness and shared reverence was palpable, creating an atmosphere of peace and grace.
The Mass was presided over by Father James, who delivered an inspirational homily that touched the hearts of all present. He reminded us of the Saints' remarkable lives, their commitment to serving others, and the everlasting impact they have left on the world. His words encouraged us to reflect on the qualities of the Saints and how we can incorporate them into our daily lives.
Our College choir, under the skilled direction of Mrs Capararo, provided a moving backdrop to the Mass with their angelic voices. Their hymns and songs added a deeply spiritual dimension to the celebration, enriching the experience for everyone in attendance.
The All Saints Day Mass served as a reminder of the strong bond we share with our local parish church in Kempsey. It was a testament to the harmony and unity that exists between our College and the broader Christian community. Together, we celebrated our shared faith and commitment to living virtuous lives.
As we reflect on the success of this special Mass, we are reminded of the importance of coming together as a community to celebrate our faith and heritage. We look forward to future events that will further strengthen our bonds with our local parish and promote a sense of unity among our students, staff, and all members of the St Paul's College family.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a role in making this Mass a memorable and spiritually enriching event. It is through the dedication and enthusiasm of our community that we are able to continue these cherished traditions.
We hope that the All Saints Day Mass has inspired students and staff to live lives of faith, compassion, and virtue. We look forward to more moments of spiritual connection and unity as we move forward together as one community.
Mr Matthew Mitchell - Leader of Evangelisation
Year 7-10 Assessment Weeks
Year 7-10 will be completing Semester 2 examinations and assessments beginning Friday 10 November (week 5). They will continue across Week 6. The assessment schedules are found below - please download the PDF in order to open the hyperlinks to the study guides for each of the exams/assessments.
Year 7:
Year 8:
Year 11 Assessments will be held from Friday 24 November (Week 7) across all of Week 8. The Year 11 assessment schedule and assessment notifications can be found here.
Please remember that it is essential for all students to be in attendance during these assessment periods. If you know your child will be away due to illness or other accepted leave, please communicate this to the class teacher and to the College office on 02 6562 7200.
Mrs Amy Tovey - Leader of Curriculum
Late to School SMS
In the coming days we will begin to trial a new function in Compass to better communicate with families when their child is late to school. Parents/carers will receive an automated SMS at approximately 10.00am stating that their child has arrived late and requesting that an explanation is given for this via a link. If an explanation has already been given to the College then no further action will be required.
Example SMS: Jane was late to school today. Please confirm reason using this link {attendanceUrl} or ignore if already explained.
If you receive this SMS and have any concerns, please contact the College so that these can be resolved as soon as possible.
Thank you for your patience as we trial this function.
Ms Fiona Stuart - Leader of Pastoral Care
Last weekend, St Paul's Agriculture Team students travelled to Scone in the Upper Hunter Valley to attend the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza. The team consisted of 25 students and 16 head of cattle and were well supported by a contingent of parents and grandparents.
The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza is attended by students across NSW, from as far afield as Yanco, Moss Vale, Dubbo, Gunnedah and Kempsey. Participants were able to attend workshops on various topics, such as clipping, grooming washing, nutrition and careers in the beef industry.
Our older students attended a careers information night at the Scone RSL club and the interactive judging competition at the Scone Sale Complex. We also had a team of 5 students compete in the ICMJ at Scone Abattoir. This was a judging competition where students were to judge and place, identify and answer questions on beef carcasses as well as retail and primal cuts of beef.
St Paul's Year 11 student, Jorja Barnett, applied for the Waverley Station Scholarship, which received close on 50 applications this year. This scholarship is the Beef Bonanza's highest award. Jorja had to submit a video and written application and was shortlisted for an interview. We are very proud to announce that Jorja was selected as one of the two winners of the Scholarship which will allow her to travel to Waverley's King Island Station early next year to spend a week working with the staff on the property - a truly amazing opportunity. Jorja is an exceptional leader of the Ag Team and always puts in an enormous amount of effort into the Team as well as her studies and sport. She is a true all rounder and a great role model for the younger students in the College.
Our students achieved the following results whilst at the show:
Waverley Station Scholarship
Jorja Barnett
Paraders Class
Tess O’Sullivan - 2nd
Aiden Rudder - 3rd
Mackenzie Sutherland - 3rd
Rylee Barbour - 3rd
Pippa Smith - 4th
Maci Clarke - 5th
Ava McCarthy - Highly Commended
Brianna O'Donnell - 1st
Isabelle Preston - 4th
Issabella Sutherland - 5th
Annie Sutherland - 5th
Junior Judging
Brianna O'Donnell - 3rd
Hoof Competition
Trumby 4th Heavyweight
We would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who helped over the weekend. In particular the Weismantle Family and O’Donnell families for trucking our cattle, The Argue family for the loan of their semi trailer, Colin and Lorna McGilchrist from Back Creek Limousin stud, Nether Grove and Luja Speckle Parks, Paul Lawrence and the Sutherland Family for donating steers and heifers to the program.
There were so many parents and teachers who helped out in various ways, by either travelling to the event or helping with cattle training on a Thursday afternoon.
The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza is a great opportunity to learn new skills and Ms Frewen and Mr Bramley are very proud of the students for the way they conducted themselves over the weekend.
From Senior Student, Jorja Barnett
I would like to thank Mr Bramley and Ms Frewen, Ashley and the families who gave up their time and resources to make this weekend possible. Our teachers put a lot of effort and dedication into this program throughout the year and without them, our team would not have the opportunity to attend amazing events like the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza.
Being at Scone and a range of other agricultural shows allows us to talk to and build our connections with people who are involved in the agricultural industry. I am very grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have been given through this team and will always appreciate the belief they have in me and the encouragement I have received from both Mr Bramley and Ms Frewen.
Congratulations to St Paul's Year 8 student, Bailey Rogan, on being awarded the Kempsey Macleay RSL Club Sportsperson of the Month for October. Bailey played in the under 14's division with the Smithtown Tigers in the 2023 Group 2 Rugby League season and was awarded the Cocky Bennet Players Trophy at the Smithtown Tigers Junior Rugby League Club presentation ceremony. Well done Bailey!
Congratulations to the St Paul's students who competed in the Tamworth Interschool Horse Extravaganza (ISHE). The students competed in 8 of the 9 disciplines offered, including Combined Training, Dressage, Show Jumping, Showriding, Working Horse Challenge, Campdraft and Sporting. Well done on your fantastic achievements!
Thank you to St Paul's students and staff who showed their support for Socktober by wearing their craziest socks last week. 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. This year the focus projects are in Timor-Leste.
Additional donations are most welcome via the link here.
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.
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.
If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 this year, 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 a free vaccine for meningococcal ACWY.
Please note - Year 8 and Year 11 students who have an online consent/signed consent form from 2023, will be offered catch up vaccinations in 2024.
If parents/guardians consent online they will receive a reminder text 3 days prior to the clinic date.
Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.
Term 1 - Wednesday 27 March
⦁ Year 10 Nimenrix (Meningococcal ACWY)
⦁ Year 11 Nimenrix (Meningococcal ACWY) - (Catch up)
⦁ Year 8 HPV (Human papillomavirus) and Boostrx (Catch up)
Term 2 - Tuesday 4 June
⦁ Year 7 dTpa (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) and HPV (Human papillomavirus)
⦁ Catch up clinic if required
To provide consent for vaccination online, parents/carers will need to:
- Visit the online consent portal here.
- Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver's licence. If you don't have a ServiceNSW account, refer to ServiceNSW to create one.
- Enter Medicare details for yourself and your child and provide consent.
- If you consent online, you will receive a reminder text 3 days prior to the clinic date
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.
The benefits of providing consent online:
⦁ easily update your child's details
⦁ receive SMS and/or email notifications when vaccinations are given
⦁ faster upload of vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/
Students who need a travel pass for 2024 can apply HERE. A new application will need to be submitted if they are applying for the first time, or if they are requesting additional travel entitlement because of a new shared parental arrangement (e.g. joint custody). Students who change address, school (including starting at high school), have repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should renew or update their details before the end of Term 4. This will ensure that the College can endorse applications, and entitlements remain valid for the start of the 2024 school year.
We ask that parents plan ahead and make sure their child knows which service/s to use and has a valid travel pass from the start of the school year. For all enquiries please contact your nominated transport operator (Busways or Cavanaghs).
The start of the year is a busy period for local transport operators, and students travelling without a valid ticket make service planning and operations difficult.
Bus operators are flexible and understanding, particularly at the start of the school year, and will ensure students can travel safely to and from school. But to best support our operators we encourage all students to have a valid Travel Pass, as early as possible, from the start of the school year.
Students should receive their travel pass at the start of the new school year from their nominated transport operator. It may be given to the student by the bus driver or be sent directly to them at home. Students/parents should contact their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
Parents and carers are well-placed to observe suicide warning signs, encourage alternative coping strategies and help young people and adults access support. Empower yourself to have effective conversations with others by registering for this FREE 90 minute online training via this link.
The Parenting Your Video Gamer webinar is aimed at parents of 11-16 year olds and provides education about how to minimise the negative impacts of gaming and support safe and positive tech-based play.
To resgister please follow the link here.
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.
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.
How it works: Students complete the survey now, sharing information about their post-school preferences around work, education (VET) and career advice. Then, using the email address provided, they will be contacted post-school by the Department to link them to fee-free training options, local jobs and career advice based on their preferences.
Students can complete the free 2-minute survey now via the link here or the QR Code attached.