Term 4 Week 8 - 1 December 2023

Dear Parent/Carer

“Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come”

Mark 13:33-37

The end of year assessment and reporting for our Year 7-10 students is now being finalised and I will be reading through these across the next few days. My initial observations clearly identify tremendous work from many of our students and the thoroughness of our teachers in delivering strong academic care for all our students. Our ‘new’ Year 12 students were well engaged in their assessment block across this week and I am sure are looking forward to the holiday break, having worked so consistently across the year!

Many in our community would have noticed an increase in media interest associated with the move from single-sex to coeducational schools. Having taught in schools that cater for each variation - we could write books on the suggested benefits and limitations! For me, the success of a school does not so much lie in who attends, their gender, cultural background or religious affiliation. Rather it is more about what the parent/carer and student understand about what they are signing up to. It always has to be about the relationship that exists between the family and the school. If there is a mis-understanding that leads to a breakdown in this alignment, the student may not experience the true value of learning, being challenged to learn, understanding how this learning can impact on their own lives and ultimately how this learning will enable them to make a significant difference to those they encounter in their lives.

St Paul’s College has values that are understood and embraced by students, staff and families. While some of these values may not align to what takes place outside of school, a family accepting a position at the College means that there is an understanding that this is what the College expects and we will be unrelenting in ensuring all on our community aspire to these.

As we approach the end of the year, time will be provided for students to carefully consider their efforts across the 2023 academic year. What they could be proud of and what they could have done better? The staff at the College are firm in their determination to teach students well and to develop within them a thirst to be highly aspirational. While at times this can be challenging, there is comfort in the knowledge that parents/carers continue to journey with us knowing that the College has standards that are understood and embraced.

Wishing all in our community a great 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

The safety of our students, families and staff is our highest priority. In order to best ensure this, the St Paul's College leadership and staff, supported by the Catholic Schools Office, plan for a number of possible incidents, emergencies or natural disasters that could take place at school or during the school Term. The events of recent years have reinforced how important this planning is and we all have a role to play when it comes to emergency management, including families.

Our students participate in various safety drills and staff participate through training and safety drills. We’d like to share with you the role of parents and families in emergency management.

School Lockdown
A number of the situations we plan for include a school lockdown as one of the immediate safety actions to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We understand that some may understand the word ‘lockdown’ to mean there is an immediate safety risk to all students. It is important to understand that when a school initiates a lockdown this may not be the case.

Depending on the situation, the purpose of a school lockdown will differ. A school lockdown may be a preparation step for an evacuation, or a school lockdown may allow emergency services access to an area of the school without having to navigate past students. Regardless of the purpose of a school lockdown, no one can be admitted to the school grounds other than emergency services.

Should we initiate a school lockdown, parents and families will be informed via text message and/or Compass notification. We will also inform parents and families as soon as the school lockdown has been lifted or if there are any actions required of parents and families. It is important that you do not attempt to attend the school during a school lockdown. We understand that you may be concerned however attending the school may also add risk to a possible emergency situation, block emergency services or impede an evacuation.

Natural Disaster
In the event of a natural disaster, such as flood or bushfire, the school leadership, supported by the Catholic Schools Office, will determine if it is safe for the school to open. If there is a probability the school may have to close part way through the day, the school will not open for that day as it is extremely difficult to evacuate a school site and ensure all students are able to go directly home safely.

In a bush fire or flood event it is important that parents and families have a plan to get your child/ren home from school, or into your care, at short notice. Please be aware that school buses may not be running and the school can not allow your child/ren to go home to an empty house or home with another parent without your permission.

Family Preparedness
How can you help us prepare for emergency situations? Please ensure that:

• You have downloaded Compass and have allowed notifications.
• Any changes to your contact details or custodial arrangements have been updated with the school.
• You have a bush fire/flood plan in place that all members of your family understand.
• In the event of a school lockdown or evacuation, directions in the parent notifications are followed.

It is always our hope that these measures will never be needed but it is also our responsibility to ensure our school community is prepared and informed should the need arise. We thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.

David Johns, Principal, St Paul's College and Nigel McIntyre, Work Health and Safety Manager, Catholic Schools Office

Year 11/12 Assessment Period
Congratulations to all of the HSC 2024 cohort for completing their assessment tasks this week. The teachers have been incredibly proud of your commitment to these tasks and we know we will continue to see growth in this year group.

A reminder to all students and families that now we are in the HSC year we require medical certificates from a doctor if you cannot fulfil the requirements of a task. No holidays should be booked during these periods (or Term time at all preferably) and all sickness needs to be documented correctly through Mrs Tovey. We do not have the flexibility of making school based decisions like we did in Years 7-11, we must adhere to NESA guidelines on this.

The HSC year continues over the summer holiday so Year 12 students need to set themselves a timetable.

Reports
Years 7-10 will receive their reports at the end of Term to give families an idea of the progress of their children throughout the Semester. The reports will be released on Compass and we encourage you to spend time looking at the comments from teachers with your children.

Preparation for Successful Learning in 2024
Now is a good time to audit your learning materials moving towards the end of the year. If students arrive fully prepared for the beginning of 2024, they will be ready for academic success!

Use your Santa stockings to restock pencil cases! Make sure students have pens, pencils, calculators, glue and everything else they need to support their learning. The requirements have been shared via email and the College newsletter, this information is also available via the School Documentation section of Compass.

NESA Curriculum Reform
NESA have released new syllabuses that will be rolled out in English, Maths and Languages in 2024. This is the beginning of a whole curriculum reform that will gradually roll out in every subject from 2024-2030. We are excited by these changes and I have summarised some of them for you:

• Literacy - reading and writing has been mapped across all syllabuses as a focus for subjects moving forward.
• Explicit Teaching of Content - syllabus documents are moving back to teaching explicit content in each subject area.
• Hopefully we will all see the benefits of these changes in the years to come.

Attendance
The last two weeks of Term will provide students with a variety of religious, social and learning opportunities in which they can engage in the life of the College. Please ensure your children attend school right up until the last day to involve themselves fully in these experiences.

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

Vinnies Christmas Appeal
The Vinnies Christmas Appeal is a heartwarming initiative aimed at making a positive impact on families in need within our community. At St Paul's College, we believe in the spirit of giving, and we invite you to join us in spreading joy and goodwill.

This year, each Pastoral Care (PC) group at St Paul's has embraced the opportunity to make a difference by adopting a family through the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. We are encouraging our students to contribute to this meaningful cause by donating essential food items that will help create a festive and abundant holiday season for these families.

The suggested food items for donation include:

• Christmas pudding
• Long-life custard
• Tea and Coffee
• Milo
• Long-life milk
• Tim Tams
• Christmas lollies
• Fruit cake
• Tinned fruit
• Cordial
• Long-life juice
• Cereal
• Fruit mince pies
• Shortbread
• Biscuits – sweet, savoury
• Jelly
• Spreads – jam, Vegemite
• Pancake mix
• Tinned vegetables
• Gravy mix
• Soup
• Dried pasta
• Pasta sauce
• Bonbons
• Christmas Decorations
• Wrapping Paper

Additionally, each PC will be working towards donating a special gift to the adopted families. We have compiled a list of recommended gifts for different age groups to ensure that every member of the family experiences the joy of the season:

Your generosity in contributing to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of those less fortunate in our community. We encourage you to discuss this initiative with your child and consider participating in any way you can. Please send in your donations before Friday 8 November.

Let's come together as a St Paul's College community to make this holiday season brighter for those in need.

Year 8 'Catch the Wave' Retreat
The 'Catch the Wave' retreat 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.

Who: All year 8 Students. Also St Paul's College Year 11 Ministry Leaders
When: Monday 4 December
Where: South West Rocks Hall & Church. Students will travel by bus departing at 9:15 am and returning at 3:20pm.

What to Bring:

• Students are to wear sports uniform.
• Students are to bring a bag, pen, hat & water bottle.
• Students are required to bring morning tea. A BBQ lunch will be provided.
• Please make sure that any food allergies are indicated when providing consent.
• Swimmers & Towel. We have organise lifesavers for supervision to allow the students to have a swim at lunchtime.

NSWCCC U19’s Girls Cricket Team Trials and selections
Two Year 11 St Paul’s students, Phoebe Laws and Ava Ryan, travelled to Sydney last week to trial for the NSWCCC U19’s Girls Cricket team. Both girls had to submit an application to trial and were lucky enough to be successful in this application based on their experience and cricketing credentials.

After the trial, Ava was then selected as a wicket-keeper for the NSWCCC U19’s girls cricket team. A fantastic achievement and we look forward to hearing your results when the team plays next year. Well done!

Lismore Diocesan Touch Football Trials
If any students are interested in trialing for the U15’s and Open Boys and Girls Lismore Diocesan Touch Team they are to see Mr Heath Needs for further information. This is a high level representative pathway and should be considered by students who have significant experience and demonstrate a high level of skill in touch football.

NRL Rugby League 7's Gala Day - 28 November
The U14's girls Rugby League team fought out two tough drawn matches against Kempsey High School and Camden Haven High School. The final match for the day was up against MacKillop College, Port Macquarie, who were a very well-drilled and experienced team. MacKillop won this match convincingly, however, our girls never gave up and competed strongly until the final whistle. Thanks to Ms Shannon Thomas for organising the excursion - it was great to see so many students having a taste of Rugby League. The player of the day went to Stella Crilley, closely followed by Mia Tennyson.

- Coach Leon Robinson

The U16s boys had a tough break, falling short of victory in all three games, each decided by two tries or fewer. Despite the challenge of adapting to a different code for most of the team, all students showcased commendable performance. A notable shout-out goes to "Off the back fence John boy Clarke", who left a lasting impact both on and off the field. Coach Tom Moffit might want to revisit the drawing board to bring back more strategic plays next year. The students exhibited excellent behavior throughout the day and can take pride in representing the College admirably.

- Coach Adam Mascord

The U16's Girls Rugby League team played the first game of the day against Mackillop College and their commitment to lunchtime training in the weeks leading up to the event saw them hold their own in a tight game, only going down by one try right at the end of the game. They were dealt some bad luck with a late draw change and a large break between games, however, that didn't stop them from coming out firing and winning their second game against Chatham High School, despite it being unfortunately cut short. This win saw the U16's girls team play a semi final against an evenly matched St Clare's High School, resulting in a draw and only narrowly missing the big dance through an unfavourable count back. This is an exceptional result and the U16's girls should be very proud of their efforts!

- Coach Ashlea Moorehead 

Mr Heath Needs - Teacher and Sports Coordinator

heath.needs@lism.catholic.edu.au

Love Bites
St Paul's Year 10 students participated in the Love Bites program last week which is a respectful relationships education program for young people aged 15-17 years.

Students engaged in two interactive sessions which explored healthy relationships, domestic violence and relationships and consent. Thanks to the facilitators from Family Connect in Schools, Pathfinders Family Connect and Support, NSW Health Port Macquarie, Kempsey DV and Sexual Assault Team, Mr Dre Barker and Ms Beth Rennes.

The students also participated in a therapeutic art session to create artworks that can be used as a part of a community campaign to create awareness around domestic violence and sexual assault.

If you need any further support or assistance, please contact Ashleigh - Family Connect in Schools worker at St Pauls College 0448 526 777, or 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732 ), Kids Helpline- 1800 55 1800, or 13YARN (13 92 76) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line.

Second Hand or Unwanted Uniform Items
Could families please consider donating College uniform items that are no longer required. These can be handed in at the College Office to be used for those in our community who need them.

Ms Fiona Stuart - Leader of Pastoral Care

fiona.stuart@lism.catholic.edu.au

The College is currently planning classes for 2024. If your child is not returning to St Paul's next year please contact the College on 6562 7200 or kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au as soon as possible. Administration staff are available to assist until Wednesday 13 December.

Please note that students in Year 10 2023, who do not intend to return for Year 11 2024, are still required to complete departure documentation, especially if they are under 17 years old.

If you have communicated with staff regarding your child's planned departure, but you have not yet completed departure documentation, please contact the College as soon as possible.

Parents/carers are invited to join us as we acknowledge the academic, community and sporting achievements of our Year 7-11 students at the End of Year Presentation being held on Wednesday 13 December from 11:45am in the Edmund Rice Centre.

Families will be notified if their child is receiving an award by Wednesday 6 December.

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.

A group of St Paul's Agriculture students had the opportunity recently to make a presentation to the Kempsey West Rotary Club to showcase the opportunities that have arisen as a result of their participation in Livestock Shows. The club has had a long association with St Paul's and donated a purebred Devon Heifer to the College in 2004 - this provided the College with its first opportunity to experience cattle showing. Of note is the fact that our Ag Teacher, Ms Lisa Frewen, was one of the first students to exhibit this animal.

The presentation acknowledged the Kempsey West Rotary Club's commitment to St Paul's Agriculture program over the years and highlighted how one small action some 19 years ago has grown into what it is today. Thanks to the presenters, Jorja Barnett, Isabelle Preston, Dylan Hyne, Brianna O'Donnell and to Ms Lisa Frewen and Mr Graham Bramley.

A short video of some recent drone footage shot by Brianna O’Donnell was also shown to the audience, giving them a birds eye view of some recent operations carried out on Francis farm.

The video can be viewed here

St Paul's Agriculture Team and Senior Food Technology students participated in the Paddock to Plate Experience this week.

One of the steers from Francis Farm was slaughtered at the local abattoir the previous week and brought to the College by a local mobile butcher. The students were then shown the entire carcass breakdown process. 

This experience allowed students to gain a better understanding of the origins of the various cuts of meat and students gained hands-on experience making mince, sausages and packing the product for sale. Some of the product will be utilised by our Food Technology and Hospitality students in their practicals.

St Paul's Year 9 Drama students showed off their creative flair in their monologue performances. Students were asked to choose a hat or a head piece and to write their own monologue. Some incredible stories were told!

Last week, forty Year 9 and 10 Science students attended a series of workshops at the Southern Cross University National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour. These sessions involved an in depth look at the science and economics of marine aquaculture, including a first hand look at crustacean and fish biology through dissections.

Students enjoyed a private tour of the Solitary Islands Aquarium and in particular enjoyed not only the beautiful aquariums but also the touching pool. The location of the Marine Science Centre was explained as a consequence of the incredible biodiversity of the Solitary Islands having 100 species of Coral and other species due to the intersection of the East Australia Current and the stable water temperatures around the islands.

After lunch in Woolgoolga they undertook a Rocky Shores Field study identifying a variety of unique specimens that inhabit the rockpools during low tide and developed an appreciation of the challenges that face life in extremes of temperature, salinity and the action of waves.

Students found sea cucumbers, snails and other molluscs, fish and crabs to name a few. This occurred under the close supervision of two Marine Biologists from the University, particularly as the Blue Ringed Octopus and Cone Snails (both highly venomous) are known to exist in the area.

Thanks to Ms Rayleigh Keith, Mr Doug Gately and Miss Jasmin Northey for accompanying the students.

A group of St Paul's Year 11 Textiles students travelled to Newcastle and Sydney. On the trip they visited Sisley manufacturing, attended two theatre shows, visited the Powerhouse Museum to see the fashion on display and participated in an illustration workshop.

This was an incredible learning experience for the students who left feeling inspired and enthusiastic for their HSC major projects. Thanks to Ms Sarah Nolan and Ms Emily Clarke for accompanying the students. 

A group of St Paul's Year 11 Physics students attended the Aero Club at Kempsey Airport last week. This was a valuable learning experience where the students heard a presentation on the physics and forces behind the operation of the aircraft, how to read weather maps and use that information to determine the safest flying variables when taking off and landing. Students also had the opportunity to closely view a Bell 214B helicopter, a Foxbat and a Cessna 172 aircraft.

A highlight of the excursion was having time on the Dynacon flight simulator where the students could put their physics concepts into practice. Thanks to Brian Chow, the Aero Club team and everyone who made this learning experience possible and to Ms Jade Tildsley and Mr Glen Northey for accompanying the students.

Congratulations to St Paul's Year 8 student, Leah Quinn, who has been selected for the 2023-2024 North Coast Academy of Sport Netball squad. Well done Leah!

Congratulations to St Paul's Year 7 student, Amelia Wilson and Year 8 student, Wilton Townsend who achieved outstanding results in the Mid North Coast Zone Athletics Championships held in Gloucester. Amelia and Wilton have qualified to compete in the Regional Little Athletics Championships to be held in Tamworth early next year. We wish you both the best of luck!

Congratulations to St Paul's Year 7 students, Sienna Allen and Tayah Duffy, who have achieved fantastic results at the State Finals of EP Physical Culture. They will be competing in the State Grand Finals held in Sydney on Sunday 26 November. We wish you both the best of luck!

Congratulations to Year 11 student, Jorja Barnett, who was selected from St Paul's to receive the Kempsey West Rotary Citizenship Award for 2023. She is pictured below with Mr Geoff Melville, Assistant Principal - Mission & Wellbeing.

Congratulations to former St Paul's College student, Patrick Lawrence, who has been awarded the Apprentice of the Year across Mavin Truck Centre's three dealerships in Kempsey, Coffs Harbour and Taree. Patrick is now in his third year of his apprenticeship with Mavin Truck Centre and was selected from the 1st to 4th year apprentices for this award. For more information about school based apprenticeships and traineeships on offer at St Paul's College, please visit the link here.

Required equipment lists for students in 2024 can be found here:

2024 Year 7 Equipment List
2024 Year 8 Equipment list
2024 Year 9 Equipment list
2024 Year 10 Equipment list
2024 Years 11 & 12 Equipment

This information, and many other items, are also available in the Family and Student Compass Portals under School Documentation. If you have any queries, including issues accessing Compass, please contact the College.

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.

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