St Paul's Bulletin Term 2 Week 1 2024

Principal's Message

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; 
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.  
At the going down of the sun and in the morning  
We will remember them." 

Dear Parents and Carers, 

During the holidays we celebrated ANZAC Day. The day is all about sacrifice and resurrection. Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Jesus did this for us at Easter and so our soldiers, past and present, do this for us. We give thanks to the brave men and women who have given their lives in war so that we may live in peace. We celebrate their lives with the knowledge that those brave men and women now have eternal life with God in Heaven. May we, too, be brave people of hope. Many thanks to Mrs Davison and all the children and their families who represented St Paul’s at the ANZAC Day service at Charlestown Lions Park last Thursday. We are very proud of all of you! On Monday we held a short ANZAC Day liturgy at the morning assembly. 

On Sunday, May 12, we celebrate Mother’s Day. Mary is the role model of a mother given to us by God. She was trusted with the job of looking after Jesus and watching him grow from a baby through childhood to his public ministry. It is reassuring that Mary, the mother of Jesus had to go through the trials and tribulations that mothers go through today. You are not alone! 
   
Happy Mothers’ Day to all our mothers, grandmothers and significant women in the lives of our children. On Thursday, May 9, the P&F Mother's Day Stall will operate. On Friday, May 10, Mother's Day scone breakfast will be available from 7.30 am for those who have pre-ordered. Many thanks to the P&F Committee for coordinating the breakfast. At 8.45 am we will move to The Josephite Centre near St Mary’s for a special Mother’s Day Liturgy. Please join us. 

We officially change to winter uniform at the beginning of Term 2. But while the weather stays 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, especially in their ties, showing pride in themselves, their families and their school. Thank you for your support in this regard. 

Our Athletics Carnival is next Wednesday, May 8, at Hunter Sports Centre, Glendale. All children will travel to Glendale by bus from school, but parents may take them home straight from the carnival at the end of the day. Details have been sent in the online permission on Compass. Thank you to the parents who have indicated that they can help on the day. Please see Mrs Jacobson or Mrs Edwards at the carnival to find out about your job. 

We have nearly completed all 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!  Please also note that enrolments at St Mary’s Catholic College close on the same day. Children enrolling after this date will be put on a waitlist. 

This term we welcome Mrs Bec Sheehan teaching Year 3B each Thursday and Friday, Mrs Jessica Cahill teaching Year 5G each Friday and every second Thursday and Mrs Kate Smolen teaching Year 2G each Monday. Mrs Michele Browne will be on long service leave for most of Term 2, being replaced by Mrs Mary Bruce in the office each Thursday and Mrs Penelope Hale in the library. 

 This year St Paul’s turns 60! We will be celebrating on Friday, June 28. Current and former students and staff are invited to attend. If you know any former students or staff, please let them know so they can put it in their diaries now! More details closer to the time. 

 With every blessing, 

Greg Cumming 

Principal 

Important Dates

Assistant Principal's Message

Parent Volunteers

Our parent volunteers enrich the quality of life for our students and we thank you for your ongoing support in this area. Following our commitment to safeguarding ALL parent volunteers are required to be registered and cleared by the Diocese of Maitland/ Newcastle.

The process is very simple and requires parents to complete an online form (link below) and submit their Working with Children's Check (WWCC). 

We are asking all parents (current and future) who would like to volunteer in any capacity eg P&F, carnivals, gala days etc... to complete this form. 

Jessica Moulder

Assistant Principal

Catholic Culture at St Paul's

Mother's Day

As Mother's Day draws near, it's not just about showering our mothers with gratitude – it's a moment to recognise the profound impact of all those who embrace the role of motherhood.  It's a time to ponder how we, as a community, can uplift and support mothers.

As we prepare for Mother's Day on Sunday, 12 May, let's celebrate the diverse tapestry of relationships that define women's lives. 

Follow Me - Catholic Schools Week

One of the most remarkable features of our Catholic schools is that they foster communities where individuals can freely express themselves and develop their humanity through education. As a Catholic community of faith and learning we are committed to delivering excellent education that empowers every child to find purpose and meaning in their lives.

Each year, we come together to commemorate such accomplishments through Catholic Schools Week - a time that recognises and celebrates the distinctive qualities of Catholic education. 

Our theme for Catholic Schools Week this year is 'Follow Me!' (Mt 4:19), which draws on Jesus' simple yet profound invitation to walk with Him on a journey of discipleship. This invitation is not a mere call to walk alongside Jesus but a summons to be transformed by Him. It's an invitation to step out of the familiar confines of our personal "boats," the routines and securities we cling to, and embrace a life marked in trust, faithfulness, and love.

As our school expresses our love for God, we are inspired to cultivate a compassionate awareness of the needs of those around us. How we demonstrate love becomes paramount, highlighting that our Christian service puts faith into action.

St Paul's will celebrate Catholic Schools Week during Week 4. Commencing with Liturgy on Wednesday 22nd May, at 8:45, followed by open classrooms and school tours.

May - the Month of Mary

May, the month dedicated to honoring Mary, brings forth a spirit of reverence and devotion in our Catholic community. We turn our hearts to the Blessed Mother, reflecting on her unwavering faith and profound love. Throughout this month, let us emulate Mary's virtues of compassion, humility, and grace, seeking her intercession in our lives. May we find inspiration in her example as we strive to live lives filled with faith, hope, and love. Together, let us journey through May with Mary as our guide, drawing closer to God through her maternal embrace

Religious Education - Spotlight on Year 3

This term, students in year 3 are learning about the Word of God. Students will explore the art of storytelling, including their own stories and the Bible's Christian narrative. They learn about the Bible's importance in showing God's connection with humanity, especially in the Hebrew Scriptures. They will have an opportunity to pray with Scripture, helping them build a strong bond with God. Parents are encouraged to join us in celebrating how storytelling and prayer help us encounter God's presence and start a conversation with their children about what they have been learning. 

This Week the focus has been on understanding a little more about the bible. Students compled a thinking routine called 'See, Think, Wonder' as an introduction.  

Mission News!

St Vincent de Paul's Winter Appeal

Vinnies NSW supports tens of thousands of individuals and families each year who are experiencing financial and housing insecurity. This year, their Winter Appeal focuses on the Working Homeless, an emerging group of people who are experiencing housing hardship and disadvantage despite being in employment.

St Paul's is preparing to support the work of Vinnies to help rebuild lives by hosting Milo Mornings, every Friday during winter. Bring your own (travel type) mug and $2 and our Mini Vinnies Crew will fill your cup with warm milo, starting Friday 7th June.

If you, or someone you love, is struggling right now, please call the helpline on 13 18 12. Vinnies is there to help.

Mary Davison

Religious Education Coordinator

ANZAC Day

Sports News

School Athletics Carnival

Our school Athletics Carnival will be held next Wednesday 8th May at Glendale. Please arrive at school before 8:45am for buses to leave promptly.

Entries for the 800m, 200m, long jump and shot put have now closed. As there are no finals on the day, please speak to your children who wish to be competitive about the importance of running their best time, as progress to the Regional Athletics Carnival will be based on times run in the heats (100m, 200m, 800m).

Thank you to those parents who have offered to assist on the day. We will be in touch with you before Wednesday.

For those parents taking their children home directly from the carnival on the day, please inform a teacher that you are doing so, and then sign your children out before leaving the carnival on the sign out sheets that will be located at the entrance of the track.

Parking Information:

All carparking at the Hunter Sports Centre is unavailable due to construction.

Please see the photos attached below for information on where you can park on the day of the carnival. Entry to the carnival will remain via the front foyer.

Asthma Puffers:

If your child has asthma, please have your child bring their asthma puffer in their school bag on the day of the carnival.

All students, Kindergarten to Year 6, will be involved in the 100m, field and novelty events throughout the day. We look forward to a wonderful day! All parents are welcome to come along.

Polding Representatives

We wish Asher Dries (Rugby League) and Maeva Clifford (Soccer) all the very best for their Polding trials this Friday (3rd May) in Tamworth. We are proud of your achievments and wish you all the very best in your trials!

Diocesan Touch Football Trials

Good luck to Tilly Rose, Sophie Fox and Asher Dries who are competing at the Diocesan Touch Football trials next Tuesday (7th May). Congratulations on making it to this level of competition!

Diocesan Cross Country

Thank you to those parents who have given consent and paid via Compass for the Diocesan Cross Country which is to be held on Wednesday 15th May. All students need to make their own way to Maitland Park and Mrs Gibson will be accompanying and supervising the students on the day.  

AFL Gala Day

Some Stage 3 students will be participating in an AFL Gala Day on Thursday 9th May. Please provide consent via Compass for those attending with Miss S. 

Cross Country 'Fun Run'

A great day was had as a school community on the last day of term with our Cross Country 'Fun Run'. Well done to all our runners involved!

Please enjoy looking at some of our photos from recent sporting events...

Abbey Edwards and Tess Jacobson

Recent Sporting Event Photos

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 14

Next

Athletics Carnival Carpark Information

Koori News

P&F News

Parish News

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 to share 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

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

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 Notices