St Paul's Bulletin Term 3 Week 9 2024

Principal's Message

Noble Saint Vincent de Paul, 
beloved servant of the poor, 
may we follow your example and do good works 
among those whom society has abandoned, 
enslaved, or forgotten. 
Inspire us to feed the hungry, 
to love a child, 
to provide comfort and medicine to the sick, 
to clothe those whose garments are threadbare, 
and to offer hope and our Lord’s words 
to all who need respite. 
Pray for us to our beloved God 
that we may commit ourselves selflessly 
to doing the same charitable acts 
that you did all your life, 
and intercede with him 
that we may have the favour of his guidance 
and strength and love upon this important and meaningful work. Amen. 

Vincent de Paul | DAILY PRAYERS (daily-prayers.org) 

Dear Parents and Carers,  

Next Friday the Church celebrates the feast day of St Vincent de Paul. St Vincent de Paul was a sixteenth century priest who, after been sold into slavery and finally being liberated, dedicated himself to helping the poor and marginalised in France. Today his worldwide legacy is evident in the Vincentian order of priest and brothers, our parish Society of St Vincent de Paul, the Vinnies op shops, and our own school Mini Vinnies group. May God continue to bless this essential work supporting the poor and marginalised in our society. 

Our Colour Run is tomorrow! I hope all parents have registered their child and started to get sponsors. We are hoping to raise enough money to build an outdoor learning area on the eastern side of the field! What a difference it would make if each family raised as little as $20! Many thanks to parents, Tanya McCosker, Maria Fernandez and their team of helpers, for their work coordinating this fantastic event. Please pray for a fine day! The Colour Run will commence at 1.45pm on the field. Parents are most welcome to join us! 

Last Thursday we welcomed the newest members of our St Paul’s community as we held our first Kinder Yaama day for our 2025 Kinders. The excitement on the faces of the children was lovely as they embark on this journey we call ‘schooling’. ‘Yaama’ is an indigenous word that means ‘welcome’ and we trust that the children and any new families felt welcomed! The children and their families will come five times as they get used to ‘big school’, allowing for the smoothest transition we can provide. Our two Kinder classes for next year are not yet full so if you know of anyone looking to enrol for next year, please let them know that we still have space. 

Next term all children should be in full summer uniform. We seem to have a few children with incorrect sports socks, which should be white and not anklets. Also, a few incorrect school shoes are creeping in, which must be black and ‘polishable’. Girls need to be reminded that earrings must be simple sleepers or studs, not ‘dangly’ earrings. 

Please be reminded that the first Monday next term, 14th October, is a pupil-free day. The staff will be engaged in professional learning for the day in the pedagogy of Maths. OOSH is open with limited spaces at this point. The first day of school, therefore, for Term 4 is Tuesday, 15th October.

A big thank you to everyone who has now finalised their school fees for the year, unless you are on a payment plan. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, do not hesitate to see me to work out a plan. Year 6 parents are reminded that outstanding fees will compromise your child’s enrolment at St Mary’s Catholic College for 2025. 

In staffing news, I am pleased to announce that Miss Carly Whitbread will be returning from maternity leave next term to teach Year 3B for the rest of the year. Carly was recently married and will return as Mrs Floyd! I wish to thank Mrs Bec Sheehan for her dedication to the children and families of 3B over the past two terms. We hope to see Bec in a casual role next term. We also have a number of staff on leave until the end of the term. We always strive to backfill positions with our current staff, whom the children already know, so we can minimise interruption to learning programs. Thank you for your understanding where there have been casual staff instead of current staff. 

As this is the last bulletin for the term, I would like to thank the staff for their tireless work supporting our children throughout the term, as well as thanking the children for their determination in learning and beautiful manners. A special thank you goes to the P&F volunteers for their support of the school. Hard earned fundraising money is supporting the school, especially providing the best learning environment that we can. 

With every blessing,  

Greg Cumming  

Principal 

Important Dates

2025 School Dates 

Assistant Principal's Message

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) 2025

Here at St Paul's students in Years 5 and 6 bring their own computing devices to support their learning. It is the responsibility of parents to source these devices. I have been in communication with St Mary's Gateshead and they are looking at engaging a new vendor to support this process. Early next term further information will come to how St Paul's families will be able to purchase their device using this vendor. This will be optional.

In the meantime, please be aware that families in Year 4, 2024 will need to forward budget for a device in readiness for Year 5 2025. 

For next year student computers need to meet the below specifications

• The device needs to have Wi-Fi of at least 802.11n or better.
• The device's battery life should be capable of lasting 6 hours minimum of constant use without charge. Obviously, over time the battery life does decrease.
• Devices must have a minimum of 128Gb storage and 8Gb {however an already owned device with 4Gb would suffice}. Students have access to OneDrive which gives them a large amount of cloud storage.
• The screen size of the device (measured from bottom left corner to top right corner) should be greater than 10 inches.
• Device hardware specifications must meet the minimum (ideally the recommended) specifications of the operating system and all applications
• Microsoft Office 365 is supplied to all enrolled students free of charge so there is no need to purchase Microsoft Office separately. 

(Note: Microsoft Office 365 and other third-party software will be required to be installed on student devices. At this stage, chromebooks, tablets and devices using the Windows S operating system do not have the appropriate software available in the associated app stores and are not recommended).  

Jessica Moulder

Assistant Principal 

Catholic Culture at St Paul's

Kindergarten celebrates the Season of Creation

Our Kindergarten students have been busy exploring ways to celebrate the Season of Creation! This week, they presented heartfelt reflections on all the things we are thankful for, from the beauty of nature to the love of our families and friends. Through songs, art, and storytelling, they reminded us of our connection to the world around us and the importance of caring for it.

As we embrace this special season, let’s join our youngest learners in expressing gratitude for the gifts we receive every day. Thank you to our Kindergarten students for supporting this wonderful celebration of creation!

Sustainability Challenge for Season of Creation

As we come to the end of our journey through the Season of Creation, we invite our school community to focus on two critical themes: waste reduction and water conservation. This time, we’ll explore simple yet impactful ways to minimize our waste, from recycling initiatives to reducing single-use plastics. Additionally, we’ll emphasize the importance of conserving water—sharing tips on mindful usage both at home and school. Together, let’s embrace sustainable practices that protect our planet for future generations. Join us to commit to making lasting change to care for and protect our environment. Together, we can make a difference!

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.

Green Guardians & Tiny Forest

Last week, we saw a collection of our stage 3 Green Guardians don their hats and roll up their sleeves to prepare the space for our Tiny Forest project. The students worked tirelessly transplanting grass (which will stabilise the bank), then turning manure and mulch into the soil to prepare the way for over 400 individual trees and shrubs to have the best start at growing. This is an exciting first step in our commitment to rejuvenating our environment and protecting biodiversity.

Planting day is scheduled for Friday 27 October - where every student at St Paul's will plant at least one plant in the Tiny Forest. We can't wait to see our forest grow and biodiversity flourish.

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Sacramental Program Update

Catholic Mission Month - Socktober Launch

Our Year 6 Mission Ambassadors had the exciting opportunity to attend the Catholic Mission launch for Socktober at McDonald Jones Stadium! This year’s theme, “Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet,” inspired our students to think about how we can come together to support those in need.

We invite our students to connect with young people experiencing challenges in the developing world through education and the world game of soccer. 
In 2024, our collective fundraising efforts will support vulnerable children in Mongolia through the Don Bosco Caring Center. This project offer loving care for the most vulnerable children in Mongolia, who are orphans and at risk of missing out on education, or facing serious illness. 
As a school, we have the opportunity to contribute in a special way, but only if all of our stars jump onboard. I’d like to invite you to take a moment to help your child(ren) sign up for Socktober so they can join their friends on our team and make a difference for children. Setting up your child’s page takes only a few minutes. Use this link to register.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Crazy Sock Day on Friday, October 18, where students can wear their craziest socks for a gold coin donation! We’ll also share a special 'banquet' picnic on the field. Let’s come together as a community to celebrate and support this meaningful mission!

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Mary Davison

Religious Education Coordinator

Sports News

Polding Athletics Results

Congratulations to Abby, Chase, Katia, Maeva and Marli who represented our school, region and Diocese at the Polding Athletics Carnival last week. All students should be proud of their individual achievements and results!

An extra congratulations to Abby, who placed 1st in the 8yrs 100m, and to Maeva, who placed 3rd in the 800m and 1500m. Both of these students will now compete at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships in October. What a fantastic achievement!

Polding Cricket

We wish Amos Hunt all the very best at the Polding Cricket Championships tomorrow. We look forward to hearing about your experience!

Tennis

Congratulations to our tennis team consisting of Ryder, Maabo, Dante, Huxley, Eden, Lilith, Piper and Natasha who attended the Todd Woodbridge Cup recently. Mrs Peachey was very proud of their participation. Amazingly, they have progressed to the Regional competition. This will be held next Thursday 26th. We wish Ryder, Maabo, Eden, Lilith, Piper, Blaise, Halen and Everleigh the very best of luck at this event. Thank you to Mrs Gibson for preparing and accompanying the students. 

Rescheduled Stage 2 (year 3/4) Touch Football Gala Day

Congratulations to all Year 3 and 4 students who represented our school at the Touch Football Gala Day last week. Mrs Mayall and Miss Clemenson were both very proud of the way you represented our school. Once again, a huge thank you to those parents who were very generous with offering their assistance on the day- it is very much appreciated.

Stage 1 League Tag Gala Day

We have the opportunity to be involved in a Stage 1 league tag gala day. Unfortunately, it is a very popular event and all schools are restricted to entering 4 teams. I have gauged interest from students in Year 1 and 2 for the day, and it has proven to attract a lot of interest. Due to this, unfortunately, we will only be able to send those interested Year 2 students to the event this year at this stage. We have been placed on a wait list should any schools withdraw any teams. Year 1 students will get priority for the event next year (when in Year 2).

FINAL REMINDER: Summer Sports Trials

Summer sports trials will be held next term for the following sports: cricket, tennis and basketball.

Please note that these trials are not gala day events- they are for students with exceptional talent in these sports to apply to trial to progress through representation at a variety of levels (Representation at Diocesan, Polding level etc). These trials are for students in Years 4 and 5 this year (2025 Year 5 /6).

If you consider your child to have exceptional talent in any of the above sports, you may nominate your child for the trials by requesting a form to apply from Abbey Edwards. (Please note, a school trial may also need to occur as we are limited in the number of participants) 

These forms must be handed back by Monday 23rd September. Please get in touch if you require an application form or if you have any further questions. If the paperwork indicates performing at a high level, I will forward more details regarding each of the trial dates. 

Please enjoy some photos of our most recent sporting events and our St Paul's sport stars!

Abbey Edwards

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

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Koori News

This year, we continued the mural along Banjo’s Way. You will notice the mural reflects the 2024 NAIDOC theme, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud! with fire as a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The blue journey across the mural represents our waterways, including Lake Macquarie and local beaches. The Sign of the Cross highlights our special meeting place and our shared love of Jesus and one another. Last year, we launched our Catholic Community of Schools, Powaikaliko (Grow) Malang (Together), connecting with local schools within the Minimbah AECG footprint. Each school received a bird totem, with St Paul’s totem being the blue-faced honeyeater. The 60 footprints on the mural honour St Paul’s 60th Anniversary celebrated this year, while the handprints symbolise the teachers, students, and community of the school.

Dannielle Peachey 

Aboriginal Education Teacher

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All schools within the Powaikaliko (Grow) Malang (Together) Catholic Community of schools had the opportunity to take part in a Story Pole Workshop to create a school story pole that specifically centred around their bird totem.

In an inspiring project, visiting students immersed themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal art by planning, designing, and creating an Aboriginal story pole that reflected each school.

Guided by Mrs Peachey, the students learned to create traditional symbols and narratives into their designs, ensuring their artwork reflected the authentic stories and values of Aboriginal culture within their school.

This collaborative effort not only enhances their artistic skills but also deepens their understanding of the cultural significance behind each symbol, creating a meaningful and respectful tribute that will proudly stand as a centrepiece of their school community.

As part of their creative journey, the students’ designs for the Aboriginal story poles are being scaled up to be featured as larger installations in the grounds of the new ‘Tiny Forrest’. By integrating their designs into these larger story poles, the students’ work will become a lasting, vibrant testament to their cultural learning and artistic expression, inviting all visitors to engage with and appreciate the rich tapestry of Aboriginal storytelling and our connection to community.

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P & F News

Creative Arts News

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. 

Community News