St Paul's Bulletin Term 4 Week 1 2024

Principal's Message

Loving God, we pray for peace in our world. 

Guide our hearts to stand up against the injustices of the world.

Strengthen us to stand in solidarity with all peoples experiencing injustices.

Give us the courage to build your kingdom, following in Christ’s footsteps to be the voice of the voiceless, acting when there is a need.

Amen 

Dear Parents and Carers,  

How sad is it to see the escalating violence in the Middle East, as we commemorate twelve months since the Gaza War began. Many thousands of lives have been lost and thousands of families are currently displaced. Please keep these people in your prayers and thoughts. We are also reminded that world peace starts with us, how we treat one another and find peaceful ways to resolve conflict in our lives. This month we support the work of Catholic Mission with Crazy Sock Day tomorrow. Please support this very worthy cause. 

The Catholic Schools Office are promoting Period Positivity. Sanitary products will be available to girls for free, via a dispenser in the girl's toilet block. A dispenser was installed over the school holidays in one of the girls' cubicles. It is not stocked yet as the girls get used to it being there. Once the novelty and fascination of the younger girls wears off, we will stock it. If students find themselves needing pads or tampons in the meantime, they will be available from their class teacher or the office. Students will still be able to use their own products, but there will be the option to use the free products provided for those who need them. The installation is complemented by an educational awareness program that will be taught to all children, age appropriately, K-6. Lessons will incorporate menstrual health content, information about periods and anatomy; thus aiming to dispel myths, break down taboo, promote understanding, ensure access to hygiene products, create gender equity and promote dignity of the person. If you have any questions, just ask. 

During the holidays new carpet was laid in both kinder rooms and in 2Gold. Many thanks to the Catholic Schools Office for funding this through the diocesan building levy, that all parents pay as part of their school fees. The carpet looks great! Drop in and have a look! 

The Colour Run was a wonderful success at the end of last term. The children had a fantastic time and, in the process, earned funds to support the school. Many thanks to Tanya McCosker and her team of helpers who made this day such a success! Our final total was $24484 which will go towards building an outdoor classroom/learning area in the northeast corner of the field.  Thank you to our whole community who made donations for this event. We are so lucky to have such a support community of families! Thanks!

The other amazing event at the end of last term was the planting of the Tiny Forest. Have you seen it yet? Over 400 plants have been planted, together with the indigenous story poles and the ‘Bintelong’ (Awabakal for Blue-faced Honeyeater) sculpture. Many thanks to the Groundswell Collective and their partners for funding this project and thank you to Mrs Mary Davison for coordinating the project. Huge thanks also to Mrs Danni Peachey for designing and creating the story poles. 

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. 

Next week is our second Kinder Yaama Day. We are very excited to meet our newest children for a second time. If you know of families looking for a Catholic education, please let them know that we still have limited spaces in Kinder for 2025. 

All children should now be in full summer uniform. We seem to have a few children with incorrect sports socks, which should be white and not anklets. Also, there are a few incorrect school shoes creeping in, which must be black and ‘polishable’. Girls need to be reminded that earrings must be simple sleepers or studs, not ‘dangly’ earrings. Ha=ir should be natural colour, not dyed or lightened.

In staffing news, we welcome back Mrs Carly Floyd (formerly Miss Whitbread) on 3B each Thursday and Friday. Mrs Sue Coull, EALD teachers, is continuing her long service leave, so we welcome back Mrs Dionne Mitchell. I will keep you updated throughout the term as we finalise staffing for next year. On Monday, 16th December, 9-10.30am, our children in Years 1-5 will meet their 2025 teacher and class for Step Up Morning. 

The end of year will be upon us in no time! Please note all the calendar events below, especially our Christmas Concert on December 11 at 6pm. Also, Year 6 Clap Out will be on the afternoon of December 17and Year 6 Graduation will be at 6pm on the evening of December 17 

With every blessing,

Greg Cumming  

Principal 

Important Dates

2025 School Dates 

Assistant Principal's Message

BYOD2025

This year, along with St Joseph's Charlestown and St Mary's Gateshead, we are partnering with Learning With Technology to help parents access affordable BYOD devices that meet our current specifications. This is an optional purchase option, but these devices have been carefully curated to meet our needs with the appropriate hardware and support. 

All students in Years 5 & 6 are required to have a working device each day to support their learning. 

Further information about our BYOD program can be found here. Information about Learning With Technology is below. 

Jessica Moulder

Assistant Principal 

Catholic Culture at St Paul's

Catholic Mission Month - Socktober

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 Crazy Sock Day is on TOMORROW - 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!

Spotlight on Learning in Religious Education in Year 3

Lasy term, students in Year 3 explored the module "Encountering God’s Forgiveness and Healing," deepening their understanding of God's unconditional love and the concept of sin as it relates to our choices and their impact on our relationships with God, others, and all creation. It is a bit like "missing the target". They learned how their choices affect relationships with God, others, and creation.

Through the study of the Sacrament of Penance, they discovered how this sacrament fosters a world rooted in love and healing. They explored practical ways believers can mend relationships with God and others, celebrating reconciliation in both personal and communal contexts. Additionally, students have expanded their understanding of prayer within the Christian tradition, focusing on prayers for forgiveness such as acts of contrition and the Penitential Act. They made important connections between Jesus’ healing ministry and the Church’s celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

As we reflect on these profound lessons, we encourage families to engage in discussions about forgiveness and healing at home, fostering a supportive environment for these essential values.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 10

Next

In Term 4, our Year 3 students will engage in the module "Encountering God’s Love". This enriching experience invites them to recognise God’s presence in their lives and explore the concept of prayer as a "mysterious encounter"—a dynamic dialogue between God and us.

Students will deepen their relationship with God and one another through prayer, learning how Catholics celebrate Jesus' presence in the Liturgy of the Eucharist. They will identify the words, actions, and symbols that communicate Jesus’ presence and significance in this sacrament.

The module will conclude with a focus on the liturgical season of Advent, highlighting it as a special time to prepare for the coming of Jesus into our world as Emmanuel—"God with us".

We look forward to a transformative term filled with growth in faith and connection!

News from MacKillop Parish

Sacramental Program Update

Families are reminded that the Sacrament of Holy Communion will take place this term for students who have completed the Sacrament of First Reconciliation and Confirmation.

The rehearsal is on Thursday 7 November 6pm

and Mass will be Saturday 9 November 6pm**

These events will be at St Mary Immaculate Church, Charlestown.

**please contact mary.davison@mn.catholic.edu.au if this change of date for the sacrament poses a problem for your family and we will make alternative arrangements.

St Paul's Church, Gateshead

Following the installation of a beautiful new roof and ceiling, we are thrilled to announce the reopening of St. Paul’s Church, Gateshead. Mass will resume at 9:30am.

Come and experience the renewed warmth and beauty of our church as we gather in worship and gratitude. Your presence will make this occasion even more special as we come together as a community for World Mission Sunday.

World Mission Sunday

This weekend, we will join together in celebrating World Mission Sunday at MacKillop Parish. We are reminded of our call to spread the Gospel and support our brothers and sisters in faith around the world.

We invite all families to participate in the Mass on Sunday, where we will reflect on our mission as a community and the importance of helping those in need. There will be opportunities to contribute to the mission efforts through special collections and activities.

Let us come together in prayer and action to support the vital work being done globally. Your involvement makes a difference!

Mary Davison

Religious Education Coordinator

Sports News

Year 2 League Tag Gala Day

We are very excited to be able to offer our Year 2 students the opportunity to participate in a League Tag Gala Day run by the NSW NRL on Tuesday 29th October. The families of Year 2 students have been sent information via Compass Events. Please confirm (or decline) the event for your child ASAP so that we can begin to organise teams for the day. We are looking forward to a fun, non-competitive day with our Year 2 students!

NSWPSSA State Athletics Championships

We wish Abby Rice and Maeva Clifford the very best of luck as they compete in the NSWPSSA State Athletics Championships next Wednesday. A wonderful achievement and we are very proud of you both.

Regional Sporting Trials

We wish the following students all the best as they trial for the following sports at the Lakes Region Sporting Trials:

Cricket- Halen Hackey; Fletcher Catterson 

Basketball- Zali Millis 

Tennis- Minnie Cooper-Stone; Crusoe Little; Ryder Tour-Mills 

Rescheduled Tennis

The Todd Woodbridge Tennis Cup postponed event is to be held next Wednesday. We wish Halen Hackney, Lilith McAuley, Maabo Reid, Everly Shepherd, Ryder Tour-Mills, Eden Watts, Piper Williamson and Blaise Woolley a fun day!

Swimming Carnival

Please note that our school swimming carnival is set down for Friday 6th December (Week 8). This event is for all students in Year 2 and above to compete in, with some 'novelty events' also for non-competitive swimmers. Students in Kindergarten and Year 1 will remain at school for a water play day. More details for both events will be communicated soon.

2024 NSW School Team Mountain-Biking Championships - Singleton

We have some students in our school who have indicated interest in attending the NSW Team Mountain-Biking Championships to be held in Singleton on the 1st November. If your child is an accomplished mountain biker and they are interested in competing in this event, more information can be found via the following website link: https://my.raceresult.com/308363/info

Please note that all entries into this event (including registration and entry fees) are the responsibility of parents, as are travel arrangements to and from the event. If you register your child, please inform the school as we are more than happy to endorse this day as attendance at a school sporting event, rather than being a school absence. 

Abbey Edwards

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

Koori & Gifted News

Congratulations to Claye Warner, who will be featured in the upcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Education Conference next week in Tamworth. Claye was chosen by Maree Karaka, Leader of High Potential and Gifted Education at the Catholic Schools Office, to share his rich cultural heritage and insights. His participation in the conference will not only highlight the importance of cultural awareness and reconciliation within Catholic education but also provide a powerful opportunity for attendees to engage with and learn from an Aboriginal perspective. Claye's contribution will help foster greater understanding and respect for Aboriginal cultures, enriching the educational experience for all involved. We are so proud of you, Claye!

Mrs Gibson (Gifted Education Teacher) and Mrs Peachey (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Teacher)

P & F News

Office Messages

Bus Timetable Changes 

From Monday 21 October, a number of school timetables will be updated to better reflect congestion and travel times to get students to and from school in the Newcastle Transport area.
This includes some school services will be starting earlier in the morning to make sure students are getting to school well before the bell time and in the afternoon some school trips will be departing from schools closer to the bell time.

Morning services

• School route 570 – the morning service has had 4 minutes added during the trip to reflect travel time
• School route 721 – the morning service has had 4 minutes added during the trip to reflect travel time
• School route 727 – the morning service has had 3 minutes added during the trip to reflect travel time
• School route 741 – the morning service begins 4 minutes earlier
• School route 744 – the morning service begins 6 minutes earlier
• School route 767 – the morning service has had 3 minutes added during the trip to reflect travel time
• School route 771 – the morning service has had 4 minutes added during the trip to reflect travel time
• School route 775 – the morning service has had 3 minutes added during the trip to reflect travel time
• School route 822 – the morning service begins 3 minutes earlier

Afternoon services

• School route 549 – the afternoon service begins 2 minutes later

As always information is available on Trip Planner and other transport planning apps. Parents and students can easily check their timetable by following these three simple steps:

1. Visit https://newcastletransport.info/plan-your-trip/school-services
2. Type your school name into the search field
3. Select your school bus route to download the PDF timetable that will be effective from 21 October

If parents or students have questions about getting to and from school or need help planning their trip, they can get in touch with the Newcastle Transport team at contact@newcastletransport.info or 131 500

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. 

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

Creative Arts News

Parish News

Children’s Liturgy is held every Sunday at 9:30am during Holy Mass. WE ARE NOW BACK IN ST PAUL'S CHURCH! 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.