St Paul's Bulletin Term 1 Week 11 2024
Principal's Message
Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”
So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”
And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20: 24-29
Dear Parent and Carers,
The gospel readings over the past few weeks have been about Jesus’ resurrection and the times he appeared to the apostles. Last Sunday we heard of the apostle, Thomas, who said that he wouldn't believe that Jesus had risen from the dead until he put his hand into the wounds in Jesus’ hands and feet. Once he did, he believed. Thomas will be forever associated with the beatitude, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” That group of people includes us; we have not seen, yet we believe! Let’s remember that we are ‘blessed!’
The key to success in any large organisation involving people is communication, with 305 children, 30 staff members and over 500 parents at St Paul’s. At St Paul’s we communicate to parents through the bulletin, notes, the school app, Facebook, Instagram, email messages, meetings and announcements at assemblies. Parents communicate back through meetings, the app, notes and emails. Most afternoons I am at the gate to answer questions. Sometimes we hear about issues that are only shared in the ‘carpark’, but never to us. If you are concerned about anything at St Paul’s please come to see us. We can only act upon things we know about. We love to hear positive stories too! Let’s keep the communication lines open!
In staffing news, Mrs Mel Rabbitt has decided to take leave for the rest of the year. Mrs Bec Sheehan will be teaching Year 3B each Thursday and Friday starting next term. Mr Aden Corbett is finishing up at the end of this term to complete further study. Mrs Jessica Cahill will be teaching Year 5G each Friday and every second Thursday for the rest of the year. Mrs Kate Smolen is returning from maternity leave and will be teaching Year 2G each Monday. In each case the class teacher will work closely with the new teacher to ensure a smooth transition of learning in Term 2. Mrs Sue Coull will be continuing long service leave next term so Mrs Dionne Mitchell will continue in the EALD role. Mrs Michele Browne will be on long service leave for most of Term2, being replaced by Mrs Mary Bruce in the office each Thursday and Mrs Penelope Hale in the library.
We will officially change to winter uniform at the beginning of Term 2. But if the weather stays unseasonably warm, children may stay in their summer uniform for a short while. Please choose one uniform or the other; do not mix and match summer and winter uniforms. Children K-6 should continue to wear their sports uniform on Thursday and Friday in Term 2. The children look so smart in their correct uniforms, showing pride in themselves, their families and their school. Thank you for your support in this regard.
ANZAC Day is on Thursday of the second week of the holidays. All children are encouraged to represent St Paul’s at the ANZAC Day service at Charlestown Lions Park (near Charlestown Bowling Club) on that day, 25th April. The service begins at 11am. Students should meet Mrs Davison at 10.30am and are asked to wear full summer school uniform.
Please note that the first day back next term is Monday, April 29. Public schools will be having a pupil free day on this day, but we will not. Our next pupil free day is Monday, June 24. Please put this in your diary now.
We have now commenced enrolment interviews for families enrolling at St Paul’s for 2025. On May 22 we will be holding an OPEN DAY, so all parents, including prospective families, can see the school in action. Everyone is welcome! Parents should note that the enrolment period for 2025 closes on May 24. If you know of any families interested in enrolling next year, please let them know about this Open Day!
With every blessing,
Greg Cumming
Principal
Important Dates
April 12-Last Day of Term
April 25-ANZAC Day
April 29-Term 2 Begins
May 2-Under 10’s Rugby League Day
May 8-Athletics Carnival
May 7-Dio Touch Trials
May 9-AFL – Paul Kelly Cup
May 10-Mother’s Day Liturgy
May 16-Dio Cross Country
May 22-Catholic Schools Week - Liturgy and Open Classrooms
June 24-Pupil Free Day
Assistant Principal's Message
Event Reminder: Interrelate Tricky Talks
This is your last chance to register for Interralete's Tricky Talks on Tuesday 30th April. If you would like to attend this evening with your Years 3-6 children please consent and pay to the event on Compass. Families will have received a reminder email today.
Attendance
Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring your child attends regularly. Don't forget to add an attendance note for each day your child is absent in COMPASS.
School Holidays and Screen Time
Like many of you, I know as a parent how tricky it can be to manage screen time over holiday periods. School TV offers some great resources and ideas in this area.
Happy Holidays
Wishing you all a very well-deserved break. I am looking forward to hearing from the students about their holiday adventures. Stay safe and well!
Jessica Moulder
Sports News
School Cross Country
On Monday, we held our St. Paul's Cross Country, and had many students enter competitively. All students tried their best, and even though it was a long distance, most students did not give up!
Congratulations to the following students who have progressed to the Diocesan Cross Country, which will be held on Wednesday 15th May (Week 3, Term 2):
Myles Willis, Blaise Woolley, Lucah Diaz, Eve Carter, Olive Clifford, Rose Bergin, Eden Watts, Asha Sutherland, Jacob Fitzgerald, Hudson Jones, Maeva Clifford, Ethan Burrows, Chase Carter, Lola Whitter, Isla Gibson and Lexie Watts.
A note went out to these students on Tuesday with information for the day, and if parents could please provide consent and payment via the Compass event by Wednesday 1st May that would be greatly appreciated.
Under 10's Rugby League Gala Day
A reminder the Under 10's Rugby League Gala Day is on Thursday 2nd May (Week 1, Term 2). If your child is attending, please provide consent via the Compass event as soon as possible so the teams can be finalised.
Rugby League and Soccer Gala Day
Congratulations to all students who were involved in the Soccer Gala Day and Under 12s Rugby League Galad day today. We are very proud of the way all students represented St Paul's! Thank you to those parents who assisted with teams and/or came to support our students.
Cross Country 'Fun Run'
All students K-6 will get the opportunity to run a Cross Country 'Fun Run' tomorrow (Friday 12th April), at 10:30am on the school grounds.
It has been a very busy term for sport. Thank you to those parents who have assisted with and supported sport at our school.
Abbey Edwards and Tess Jacobson
Koori News
St Paul’s Primary School continues to grow and develop its Aboriginal Education journey with the support of the Koori Kids program. The aim of the program is for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to develop cultural understanding and build a connection to culture and country.
During Koori Kids sessions, students have been learning about Aboriginal artefacts and tools. Australian Aboriginal artefacts include a variety of cultural artefacts used by Aboriginal people for occupations such as hunting, warfare, food preparation and making music or art. These include boomerangs, spears, shields, dillybags, and many other items. Some artefacts have ceremonial uses and are regarded as ritual or secret sacred objects. Students used Aboriginal signs and symbols to design their boomerangs. Check out Zac’s deadly boomerang that he made at home in his dad’s workshop! Awesome effort, Zac!
On Tuesday afternoon, Stage 3 Koori Kids were invited to St Mary’s Catholic College for a cultural afternoon immersion. Students were warmly greeted by Mr McKay, Roo (St Mary’s Aboriginal Education Teachers) and Kentan Proctor (Bahtabah Aboriginal Land Council). Kentan delivered an Acknowledgement of Country and took students for a nature walk along St Mary’s Creek. Here students were taught about Aboriginal plants and their traditional uses for medicine and health. Mr McKay and Roo also made Johnny Cakes with students. They mixed flour, salt, water, and wattle seeds to make a dough. Students flattened their balls of dough and placed them over hot coals. They had a choice of two
jams- finger lime or Davidson Plum. Koori Kids washed their Johnny cakes down with a cold cup of Lilly pilly or Illawarra plum cordial. By integrating Aboriginal plant knowledge into the curriculum, educators can not only promote understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures but also inspire students to appreciate the interconnectedness of human health, environmental sustainability, and cultural
heritage. We warmly thank St Mary’s for this learning opportunity!
Dannielle Peachey
Parish News- ALPHA
'Alpha is a friendly, informal environment for people with various beliefs to explore the meaning of life, faith and God. The program is simple: we start with dinner, watch a thought-provoking video exploring life from a Christian perspective, and then have time for sharing our perspectives in small groups. No cost, no pressure, no judgment.
Feel free to invite your friends and family. All are most welcome.
Event Start Date & Time: Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, 18:30 - 20:30
Location: Mackillop Function Room - 7 Milson St, Charlestown NSW 2290.
RSVP: Please scan the QR code to register.
Feel free to contact Yvonne Rego, if you need assistance with registration or if you have any questions. Mobile: 0450 323 206 Email: yvonne_rego@hotmail.com
Office Messages
IMPORTANT - School Fees
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.
CAR PARK RULES
- All parents are required to follow the carpark rules:
- No Parking in the the Kiss’n’drop zone
- “Kiss‘n’drop” only operates in the morning, NOT in the afternoon
- Children should get out on the left side of the car. Parents should stay in the car.
- In the afternoon parents must park and walk to the gate to collect children
- No parking in the OOSH Staff parking area
- No parking adjacent to the church, which is a walkway
- Avoid reversing when possible
- Drive at walking pace only
- Do not enter the staff parking section unless you have a ‘disabled’ sticker
- School zones remain in place for the safety of our children and families. School zones operate on all gazetted school days, Which are all days the school is open, even pupil free days.
- Give way to all traffic as you exit the carpark.