St Paul's Bulletin Term 3 Week 5 2024

Principal's Message

"For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Hebrews 4:15

Dear Parents and Carers,  

As we celebrate Book Week, did you know that the Bible is the highest-selling book of all time! This incredible record shows just how much our sacred book means to people all over the world. As we open the scriptures with our children each day, let's remember that the Bible is more than just a historical text, it's the Word of God that continues to inspire, nourish and support us. I would encourage every family to have a Bible or Children’s Bible in their home. 

What an amazing day it was on Monday with our annual Book Week Parade! It was lovely to see so many parents and grandparents joining the fun! Pre-schoolers from Goodstart also joined us. Everyone’s costume was brilliant, getting into the spirit of the day. Many thanks to Mrs Candice Gibson, our Teacher Librarian, and her library team for organising the day, including the Good Fair, which raises money to purchase more books for the library. 

There has been much media attention with the 2024 NAPLAN results recently being released. Each year these results seem to be an opportunity to denigrate teachers, rather than looking at the root causes of some of these results. Some interesting points to note with these latest results: 

• St Paul’s continues to implement the ‘science of reading,’ use explicit instruction, and teach phonics. We have always used phonics to teach reading.  

• The current Year 5 cohort across Australia missed a sizeable chunk of learning during the Covid lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. During this time children of more wealthy family were not disadvantaged, whereas children of less wealthy families were highly disadvantaged. 

• Recent budgets restraints have made it more difficult to support all children to the extent that we would like, especially children with learning challenges. The Gonski Report of 2011, giving appropriate funding for children with higher needs and schools in less advantaged areas, is yet to be fully funded. 

• The NAPLAN tests were 6 months ago! The results are too old to be very useful for teachers as we have instantaneous results with comprehensive online tests such as PAT and Essential Assessment. If you want more recent learning data on your child, please see your child's teacher. 

• Australia is ranked fourth in the world in a recent PISA test for creative thinking in Australian fifteen-year-olds. Unfortunately, this amazing result did not make the news! “Australia’s other PISA results also climbed: We now rank 10th for mathematics and 9th for both reading and science. Australian teachers are clearly doing great work and deserve recognition and praise for it.” (EduResearch) 

Yesterday we were privileged to host a visit from Professor Peter Sullivan, emeritus professor of Mathematics from Monash University. Peter is the author of many books on Maths education and also one of the designers of the new NSW Maths Syllabus. Peter worked with our teachers to plan and review Maths pedagogy, as well as modelling Maths lessons in Year 1 and in Year 3. We learnt much from him as we continue to implement the new Maths syllabus and refine our Maths pedagogy at St Paul’s. 

Parents have now been sent an alert through Compass regarding our upcoming school photos. Photos will be taken next Monday, 26th August. Children should be dressed in their full winter uniform. I would especially ask that school shoes be polished. If you didn’t receive the Compass link to order the photos, please contact MSP on 49668292. 

All parents recently received a message in Compass about an upcoming free parent information session at St Paul’s called, Biohacking Learning. I highly recommend this session, conducted by renowned clinical psychologist, author, speaker and creator of Learning Strength, Andrew Fuller. Andrew will guide parents on ways they can identify their child’s learning strengths and why this is important in supporting young people to engage, increase performance, gain new skills and discover pathways to success. The session will be held in The Josephite Centre on September 2, 6-7 pm. All welcome! 

In staffing news, Mrs Lisa Badior will be taking leave from September 2 until the end of the year. I am pleased to announce that Mrs Madeliene Clemenson will be teaching 4Blue for this time. Mrs Clemenson is an experienced teacher who taught Kinder earlier this year when Mrs Whitbread was on leave. Lisa and Madeleine will be spending time together to ensure a smooth transition between the two teachers. We wish Lisa well during her time on leave. 

With every blessing,  

Greg Cumming  

Principal 

Important Dates

Assistant Principal's Message

Emeritus Professor Peter Sullivan Visits St Paul's 

On Wednesday 21st August we were fortunate to be visited by an Australian leader in Mathematics Education, Professor Peter Sullivan. Peter has provided professional learning to Catholic Schools in Maitland Newcastle as part of the LIFT Numeracy initiative for the past two years. 

All teaching staff were able to meet with Peter along with some Education Officers from the CSO to plan and discuss a lesson and then were able to observe the lesson in action in either Year 1 or Year 3. It was a great opportunity to reflect on best Mathematics practices with a real expert. 

St Paul's has a targeted focus on Mathematics this year as part of our Strategic improvement Plan and teachers have been engaging in several opportunities to learn more about current research in the area. 

School Photos 

Please be reminded that School Photos will be taken on Monday 26th August. MSP Orders are available through the COMPASS portal.

Students are asked to wear FULL WINTER SCHOOL UNIFORM. This includes a tie. 

Students will be able to transition to Summer Uniform from Tuesday 27th August. Please no mix and match of the uniform types eg Shorts and Long sleeve shirt or long pants and short sleeve shirt. 

Jessica Moulder

Assistant Principal 

Catholic Culture at St Paul's

The last week of our Winter Appeal...

THIS Friday will be the last week for our Milo Mornings!

Remember to bring your mug and $2.

Spotlight on Religious Education in Kinder Blue!

This term, our kindergarten students are excited to learn about God the Holy Spirit, exploring this important aspect of the Trinity alongside God the Father and the Son. 

In their latest lesson, Kinder Blue discovered how the Holy Spirit is present in their own lives and how it came to the Apostles at Pentecost. In learning about the symbols and signs of the Holy Spirit and the special gifts it gives to help us grow closer to God, they are gaining a better understanding of the Holy Spirit’s important role in their life and faith.

Kinder Blue

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Feast of the Assumption of Mary

Last week, we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, recognising Mary as a key link between Jesus' humanity and divinity. As our heavenly mother and a model of faith, she inspires us to trust in God’s plan.

To mark this special day, MacKillop Parish, joined student in year 3, 4, 5 and 6 for Mass. This not only strengthened our bond with one another but also allowed us to reflect on Mary’s role in our spiritual lives.

As we honor her, let us unite in prayer, embracing her example of trust and devotion. May we continue to trust in God’s plan and seek inspiration from Mary as we journey in faith.

“Heavenly mother, filled with God's grace, pray for us today and all days, that we may strive to trusting, patient, and faithful, as you were, so that we may one day join you and all saints in heaven. In Jesus' name, we pray. Immaculate Mary, assumed into heaven, teach us to trust in God's plan the way you did. Amen”

Season of Creation

“To hope and act with Creation”

Each year from September 1 to October 4, the Christian family unites for this worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home.

It is a special season where we celebrate God as Creator and acknowledge Creation as the divine continuing act that summons us as collaborators to love and care for the gift of all that is created. As followers of Christ from around the globe, we share a common call to care for Creation. We are co-creatures and part of all that God has made. Our well-being is interwoven with the well-being of the Earth. We rejoice in this opportunity to safeguard our common home and all beings who share it.

This year, the theme for the season is “To hope and act with Creation”. 

Throughout the Season of Creation, St Paul's students and families will be prompted and encouraged to make small changes to their everyday choices which could lead to lasting change. 

Season of Creation: A Five-Week Sustainability Challenge

As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, we are excited to launch a special initiative for the Season of Creation at St. Paul’s. Over five weeks, we’ll be focusing on different aspects of sustainability with practical, family-friendly activities designed to make a positive, lasting impact on our planet.

Each week will spotlight a key area: Sustainable Transportation, Sustainable Food, Renewable Energy, Waste Reduction, and Water Conservation. We encourage all families to participate as much as they are able by adopting new habits and making eco-friendly choices... making lasting change.

Check out our timeline for weekly tips and activities to help guide your family’s efforts. Together, we can make a difference and celebrate our role in caring for God’s creation. Let’s embrace this challenge and work towards a more sustainable future!

Creation Sings

The Diocesan Liturgy Council will be hosting Creation Sings. The afternoon will be an opportunity to come together for the whole of the Newcastle, Hunter and Manning community to sing in support of creation. Let us then come together and sing for creation and stir in our hearts, through song and one voice, a reconnection and love of the gift that has been given to us from God.

Saturday 21 September | 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Sacred Heart Cathedral
Bring a plant cutting for someone to propagate in their garden
The day will be in 3-parts: learn a song, time of prayer, afternoon tea. 

Registration: https://forms.office.com/r/xKCr907ew6

Season of Creation photography

Do you love taking photos of nature and sharing these experiences of wonder and awe with others? If so, send you image(s) to rose.mcallister@mn.catholic.org.au by 16 September.

These images will be shown on 21 September at the Sacred Heart Beat - Creation Sings event at the Cathedral.

St Paul's Launches Laudato Si Action Plan with the help of Groundswell Collective

Anna Noon, Director of Groundswell Collective was successful in securing a grant to create a tiny forest, in the grounds of St Pauls' with strategically sourced and selected native plants. This tiny forest will protect biodiversity for plant and animal life in our school. Students are invited to join our Environmental Team who will care for our forest.

The Tiny Forest will start taking shape during the Season of Creation with planting during the last week of term. 

Type-1 Foundation

We are excited to announce the winner of our Jelly Bean Guessing Competition, held to raise funds for the Type 1 Foundation. Congratulations to Emmett Hitchman, who came closest with a guess of 769—just 2 jelly beans off the actual total of 767!

A big thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this worthy cause. Your support helps make a difference for those affected by Type 1 diabetes. Well done, Emmett, and thank you to all who took part in making this event a success!

Mary Davison

Religious Education Coordinator

Sports News

Polding Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to Abby Rice, Maeva Clifford, Katia Duenzl, Marli McDonell and Chase Carter who have been selected to represent our school and Diocese at the Polding Athletics Carnival. We are very proud of you all- congratulations!

Netball Gala Day

Our Lakes Region Netball Gala Day is to be held on Thursday 5th September. Those students wishing to attend have indicated this and have been added to a Compass Event. Please provide consent online ASAP for your child so that teams can be made. We have a large number of students attending which is great!

If any parents are willing and able to assist with teams and/or umpiring on the day, your help would be greatly appreciated. Please indicate this on the Compass Event also and I will get in touch with you. Please ensure you have completed the 'volunteer form' Parent Volunteers - St Paul's Primary School Gateshead (gatesheadsp.catholic.edu.au)

Under 10s Knights 9s

The rescheduled Under 10s Rugby League Knights 9s Gala Day is to be held on Wednesday 4th September. We are entering 2 teams on this day. Please provide consent online if your child is attending. Rugby League Gala days are organised by the NRL and are always a great day!

Abbey Edwards 

abbey-jane.edwards@mn.catholic.edu.au

Library News

Book Week Celebrations

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Student News

Public Speaking

Congratulations to the following students who represented St Paul’s at the Lakes Region Competition last week Stage 1 – Myles Willis, Stage 2 – Everly Sheppard and Stage 3 – Lara Milevski. We were very proud of them!

Lisa Badior

Creative Arts News

P & F News

P & F Meeting

Please join us at Club Charlestown next Wednesday 14th August 6 pm for our monthly P & F Meeting.

We will be planning for Father's Day and the Colour Run. All Welcome. 

Parish News

Children’s Liturgy is held every Sunday at 9:30am during Holy Mass. We have a beautiful, dedicated room at St Paul’s Gateshead where we hear and discuss the Gospel each week, working our way through the Liturgical Calendar.

There’s always lots of friendship and fun activities.

Safeguarding is our highest priority. Children’s Liturgy will only go ahead if there are two volunteers with current Working With Children Checks.

All are welcome, we look forward to meeting some new friends!

Jacqui Wilson (school mum at St Paul’s Primary) and the Children’s Liturgy Team. 

Please note, while St Paul’s Gateshead Catholic Church is undergoing renovations Children’s Liturgy is at St Mary Immaculate Charlestown 9:30am.

Office Messages

IMPORTANT - School Fees

Just a reminder that parents who pay annually need to finalise payments by 30th June, 2024

Thank you to the families who have commenced their regular payments. A reminder if you are paying by installments these payments need to have commenced to be paid in full by 30th November, 2024.

Anyone wishing to continue with a special Fee Agreement in 2024, please contact the office 4943 6369 to make an appointment with the Principal to discuss. It is necessary to reapply for an extension of the agreements into 2024

Complaints, Resolution and Feedback

St Paul’s Primary School, The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) and Schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are committed to providing a positive, safe environment for all staff and students. There are occasions, however, when members of our schools and wider community are concerned about something happening at a school that appears to be unsatisfactory or unreasonable.

If you have a complaint, please follow this procedure.