Latest News 2020

2020 GRADUATES OFFERED UNIQUE WORK OPPORTUNITIES AT ST PAUL'S COLLEGE

Jack Mealing, who graduated from St Paul's College in 2020, will commence work as a trainee sports assistant at St Paul's Catholic College in 2021 and Ebaney Cook will take up the position of Youth Ministry Officer.  

Each year the College invites applications from Year 12 students for a number of 12 month trainee and Youth Ministry Officer positions.  The positions are advertised in Term 3 and the applicants undergo a normal job interview.

The traineeships offer students a unique opportunity to experience work life before making decisions about their careers or study options. Jack and Ebaney, who will undertake a course to prepare them for the roles, are paid employees of the College.

Jack said he believes he will be able to relate well to the students and pass on his passion for sports.  At the end of the year, Jack wants to pursue a career in mechanics or the military.

Ebaney sees the 12 month position as a Youth Ministry Officer as an opportunity to develop her own faith journey as well as helping students to develop their own faith.  She believes she can instil her leadership qualities in young students and looks forward to making a difference in their lives.  

ST PAUL’S COLLEGE EX STUDENT IRONMAN FINALIST

St Paul’s College ex-student, Finn Askew, has qualified for the 2020/2021 Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Series.

100 athletes battled it out across six races over two days with the top eight finishers across males and females earning a place in the prestigious Series beginning on December 19 at Kingscliff, NSW.

Finn, who now lives in Queensland, represents the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club.  

An outstanding athlete, Finn represented St Paul's in surfing, swimming, cross country running and many other sporting events throughout his six years at the College.

All current and former students and staff wish Finn every success in the Kellog’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Series 2020/2021 which will televised nationally. 

ST PAUL’S COLLEGE WINS NATIONAL VET AWARD 

St Paul’s Catholic Secondary College, Kempsey has won the 2020 Australian Training Awards School Pathways to VET Award which was announced on Friday 20 November.

St Paul’s was selected for the quality of its teaching staff and the exceptional standard of its innovative and high quality programs in Primary Industries, Construction and Hospitality.

The then Principal of St Paul’s College, Kevin Lewis, said that the College’s focus on establishing and maintaining stakeholder partnerships has been critical in not only winning the award but most importantly in giving solid career opportunities for students.

Pictured are St Paul's College VET students, Charlie Brenton (Hospitality), Lachlan Dowling (Construction) and Flynn McGoldrick (Primary Industries) with form Principal, Kevin Lewis

Kevin said that the Vocational Education and Training (VET) program for Years 11 and 12 students at St Paul’s is St Paul's is highly admired and sought after.

Meet some of St Paul's outstanding VET graduates 

“It offers students the opportunity to attain the nationally recognised and accredited qualification, Certificate II in Primary Industries, Hospitality or Construction as part of their regular Higher School Certificate study program”, said Kevin.

“The course provides students with skills, training and qualifications that gives them a head start in their career or further training.”

Graham Bramley, Agriculture Teacher and Leader of Vocational Education and Training, said the College’s 105 hectare College Farm gives Primary Industry students opportunities to learn skills including fencing, how to grow crops, drive tractors and farm management. The College also operates Tallowood Stud on the Farm where the students breed Devon cattle.

Students participating in the Hospitality course have a state-of-the-art industrial kitchen in the McAuley Centre while students undertaking Construction have outstanding facilities in the Ignatius Construction Centre.

The School Pathways to VET Award recognises eligible organisations including schools, registered training organisations group training organisations, industry bodies and employers that have collaboratively delivered one or more excellent vocational education and training (VET) programs to secondary school students.

PAT CONAGHAN MP LAUNCHES ASSOCIATION FOR ST PAUL'S EX-STUDENTS

On Tuesday 17 November, the Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan MP, who is an ex-student of St Paul's College, officially launched the College's Alumni Association.

Pat said it gave him great pleasure to officially launch the Association. He also launched the Alumni Association for St Joseph's Catholic Primary School. He said the purpose of an alumni group was to promote the association and the institution. However, he said that St Paul’s alumni group was much more than an association.

“It is a continuation of your Christian values, a continuation of community,” said Pat.

Pat said there were 208 boys in his year at the boarding school he attended from Year 9, but he only keeps in contact with two fellow students.

“We had less than 50 in my class in Year 8 in Kempsey and I keep in contact with most of them”, said Pat.

He said this is what community means in Kempsey and in smaller regions.

Pat said that both St Paul’s and St Joseph's punch above their weight in terms of graduates.

“It’s more than having graduates who are doctors, lawyers, members of parliament, farmers, retail workers, it’s all about keeping the community together and being proud of being someone from St Paul’s, someone from St Joseph’s, from St Pius. It’s about continuing that legacy and promoting those institutions”, said Pat.

Among the guests attending the launch was Colin Hudson. Colin completed most of his primary years at St Joseph’s and was in the first intake of students at St Paul’s in 1965. He said it was great for he and his classmates in Year 7 as they were senior class and hence were the school and house captains for all four years of secondary school. He said both of his daughters attended St Paul’s and like him were captains of the same sporting house.

Relationships to be cherished and remembered
In his welcome to the launch of the Alumni Associations, Kevin Lewis, former Principal of St Paul’s College, which opened in 1965, said schools are not just pallid, lifeless buildings, designed to fill 13 years lives with texts and formulas.

“They are important micro-communities which hold memories, relationships and histories that need to be cherished and remembered,” said Kevin.

“The launching of these Alumni associations today will be an important step in preserving and promoting those memories and bringing ex-students together in community with each other,” said Kevin

During the launch, Kevin Lewis said that St Paul’s College opened in 1965 for boys in years 5, 6 and 7. He said it has changed during the last 55 years. At first the Christian Brothers educated boys from Years 5 to Year 10. To complete Year 12, students then had to attend a boarding or local secondary school. In 1973, the girls’ school, St Pius X, was established on the same campus but run as a separate school. In 1980, the two schools amalgamated and adopted the name Macleay Regional Catholic High School. In 1985, the name reverted to St Paul’s College. He said that students who attended all these schools are welcome to join the St Paul’s College Alumni Association.

“By 1991 the College was offering Year 11 and in 1992 our first HSC graduates emerged and since then St Paul’s College has been producing some of the finest, I believe the finest graduates in the Valley”, said Kevin.

Kevin noted that Catholic secondary education was available for girls at St Philomena’s Catholic High School from around the 1920’s. St Philomena’s was on the same campus as St Joseph’s Primary School.

To join the St Paul's Alumni Association visit https://www.kmpslism.catholic.edu.au/about-us/alumni

Pictured above at the launch on 17 November are Beth Barnett (ex-student of St Joseph's and St Pius X), Jye Woodger (one of St Paul's College Captains), Federal Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan MP, Colin Hudson (ex-student of St Joseph's and St Paul's College) and Gracie Campbell (St Joseph's Catholic Primary School).

YOUNG ABORIGINAL ARTIST'S PAINTING INSPIRES ST PAUL'S STAFF

To acknowledge and celebrate the Dunghutti Nation, the staff of St Paul’s Catholic Secondary College asked young Dunghutti artist, Jason Ridgeway, to paint his story of the Dunghutti Nation.  The staff then used the design for their staff shirts.

The Dunghutti Nation's totem is the Praying Mantis (Gurginj Gurginj) which is shown in the painting looking over the Macleay Valley.   The painting shows the beginning of the Macleay River from Walcha then as it flows through Bellbrook before it flows into the Ocean.  The painting also shows Sugarloaf Mountain, known as Barralbarayi, which is a sacred place for the Dunghutti People.

Jason, who was born and lives in Kempsey, describes himself as a proud Dunghutti man.  He says his paintings are inspired by the stories he was told by his elders and by his family.  

Jason says he cherishes his culture and he loves to get out and learn about the land.

OCTOBER 2020

YEAR 8 STUDENTS WIN TOP SPORTS AWARDS

For the first time in almost two decades, Year 8 students have won both of the coveted Sports Woman and Sports Man of the Year awards at St Paul’s Catholic Secondary College.

Darcy Swaine, who was awarded the “Lou’s Café Restaurant Award for Sportsman of the Year”, said he believes he won because he is an ‘all-rounder’. While he excels at most sports, soccer is his favourite.

The “C&C Cavanagh Award for Sports Woman of the Year” was awarded to Ruby Trappel who said a lot of credit goes to her parents who have supported her travelling to sporting events for many years.  Ruby loves riding her horse Perry and has achieved outstanding results in athletics and netball.

Former Principal of St Paul’s College, Kevin Lewis said that while students at St Paul’s are known for achieving outstanding academic results, sport plays a critical role in the development of students.

“Sport is very important at St Paul’s as we believe in developing the whole student, academically, emotionally, spiritually and physically,” said Kevin.

“Sport supports positive mental health and improves social skills.”

“We hope to develop a lifelong interest in physical and mental well-being in our students”, said Kevin.

COLLEGE'S TOP AWARDS TO OUTSTANDING STUDENTS

St Paul's College Year 12 students, Abbey Livermore and Liam King, have been presented with the College's top awards for 2020.

Abbey received the Catherine McAuley Award for the Female Student of the Year and Liam King received the Edmund Rice Award for the Male Student of the Year.  

Along with the Female Student of the Year Award, Abbey's academic achievements were recognised with other awards including excellence awards in English and Mathematics.   Abbey said that receiving the Student of the Year award was her proudest achievement.  She is planning to study psychology at the University of New South Wales.

Liam believes he achieved the Male Student of the Year Award for the hard work he has put into his studies and also his leadership.  Liam, who also received an Academic Excellence Award, said he also has worked hard to be a leader in the College community.  Liam plans to study Civil Engineering at the University of New South Wales.

Both Abbey and Liam have received conditional offers from the University of New South Wales.

CANCER FOCUS FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF

In the coming weeks, St Paul’s will be actively promoting the youth cancer organisation, CanTeen, and learning how it can support our community. 

As a College, we value the wellbeing of our students and through CanTeen hope to educate them about the availability of this valued service.  As a staff we will be made aware of how to assist students who are struggling with cancer, either their own or that of a loved one.

What will be happening?

• ZOOM presentations for pastoral care staff, general staff and students
• Small group intervention for students in need
• Bandanna Day Friday 30^th October
• Parents wanting to discuss the program further please email Mrs Belinda Mainey on bemainey@lism.catholic.edu.au

What is CanTeen?

• A support organisation that helps young people, from 12 – 25, cope with cancer in their family.
• For further information about CanTeen please visit https://www.canteen.org.au/

SEPTEMBER 2020

ST PAUL'S VET HOSPITALITY GRADUATES OPEN NEW KEMPSEY BUSINESS

Two graduates of St Paul’s Catholic Secondary College’s Certificate II in Hospitality course have opened their own business.

Zodiac Coffee Co., which opened on 28 August this year, is a coffee cart located on the Macleay Valley Way adjacent to the Kempsey Information Centre and Museum.

While the Zodiac coffee cart may be a small beginning, Laura Raison and Bailey Harris have big dreams for their future in hospitality.

Laura and Bailey both graduated from St Paul’s with a Certificate II in Hospitality in 2015.

 Laura said that her work placement at Tumblegum Bake House and Cafe, which was part of her Hospitality course, and subsequent employment in hospitality on the Gold Coast gave her the experience and passion for the industry.

“I worked as a baker for Coles on the Gold Coast and then with South Coast Coffee Co. which gave me an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of coffee,” said Laura.

 Laura employs her sister Trinity, who is also a graduate of St Paul’s College, and is studying to be an English teacher at Charles Sturt University. 

Zodiac Coffee Co. is open Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 12.30pm.  On weekends you can often find the Zodiac van at local events. 

National recognition for VET program at St Paul’s
St Paul’s College has been selected as one of three finalists in the 2020 Australian
Training Awards School Pathways to VET Award.

The then Principal of St Paul’s, Kevin Lewis, said that the Vocational Education and Training (VET) program for Years 11 and 12 students at St Paul’s is unique in the Valley.

“It offers students the opportunity to attain the nationally recognised and accredited qualification, Certificate II in Primary Industries, Hospitality or Construction as part of their regular Higher School Certificate study program”, said Kevin.

“The course provides students with skills, training and qualifications that gives them a head start in their career or further training.”

The winner of the Award will be announced on Friday 20 November. 

NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR ST PAUL'S COLLEGE VET PROGRAM

St Paul’s Catholic Secondary College, Kempsey has been selected as one of three finalists in the 2020 Australian Training Awards School Pathways to VET Award.

As a finalist in this prestigious annual Award, St Paul’s has been selected for the quality of its teaching staff and the exceptional standard of its innovative and high quality programs in Primary Industries, Construction and Hospitality.

Principal of St Paul’s College, Kevin Lewis (Principal until 2020), said that the College’s focus on establishing and maintaining stakeholder partnerships has been critical in not only becoming a finalist but most importantly in giving solid career opportunities for students.

Kevin said that the Vocational Education and Training (VET) program for Years 11 and 12 students at St Paul’s is unique in the Valley.

“It offers students the opportunity to attain the nationally recognised and accredited qualification, Certificate II in Primary Industries, Hospitality or Construction as part of their regular Higher School Certificate study program”, said Kevin.

Head start in their career
“The course provides students with skills, training and qualifications that gives them a head start in their career or further training.”

Graham Bramley, Agriculture Teacher and Leader of Vocational Education and Training, said the College’s 105 hectare College Farm gives Primary Industry students opportunities to learn skills including fencing, how to grow crops, drive tractors and farm management.  The College also operates Tallowood Stud on the Farm where the students breed Devon cattle. 

 Students participating in the Hospitality course have a state-of-the-art industrial kitchen in the McAuley Centre while students undertaking Construction have outstanding facilities in the Ignatius Construction Centre.  

The School Pathways to VET Award recognises eligible organisations including schools, registered training organisations group training organisations, industry bodies and employers that have collaboratively delivered one or more excellent vocational education and training (VET) programs to secondary school students.

 The winner of the Award will be announced on Friday 20 November. 

AUGUST 2020

Each year, students from St Paul’s Catholic Secondary College graduating class are invited to apply for traineeships at the College. Four students took up the positions this year, two as Youth Ministry Officers, one as an Aboriginal Liaison Trainee and the fourth as a Sports Trainee.

“We advertise the positions in Term 3 and the applicants undergo a normal job interview,” said Kevin.

Sports popular at College
Damien Owens, who is the Sports Assistant Trainee, said it took a while for him to feel comfortable calling his former teachers by their first name.

“Some kids can’t wait to leave school, but here I am back at the College straight after graduating and I love helping with the sports program which is very popular with our students,” said Damien.

Damien, who plays rugby union and is a lifeguard at local beaches said he is planning to enrol in university next year.

Young Indigenous community leader
For the first time in 2020, the position of Aboriginal Education Officer Trainee was established. Young Indigenous community leader, Monique Brown, approached Kevin Lewis about establishing the position when she was still in Year 12.

Monique said she felt that the position would be of great value to the young Indigenous students at the College.

“A lot of the Indigenous students talk to me about the normal issues facing young people,” said Monique.

Monique, who studied Aboriginal Studies at St Paul’s in Years 11 and 12, works with the College’s Aboriginal Dance group and has established a fortnightly get together offering a safe space for girls to discuss issues of concern.

Youth Ministry offers unique opportunity
For Darcy O’Loughlin, who is planning to study for a degree in forensic science, the traineeship as a Youth Ministry Officer has given her the opportunity to learn about the work environment and to further explore her spirituality.  Calissa Denaro, also a Youth Ministry Officer, said that she and Darcy are in a unique position to relate to students.

“The students all know us, we’re young, they’re not scared to talk with us, and we know where they are coming from”, said Calissa.

Calissa plans commence her studies for a teaching degree next year.

(Pictured above from left are:  Damien Owens, Calissa Denaro, Monique Brown and Darcy O'Loughlin)

JULY 2020

ST PAUL'S STUDENTS PUT IN THE HARD YARDS ON THE FARM

At 4.00pm every Thursday afternoon a group of students from St Paul’s Catholic Secondary College, Kempsey head towards the College’s Francis Farm to hone their skills in working with cattle.  The students, from Years 7 to 12, work as a team to learn more about the cattle and running the farm.

Graham Bramley, Agriculture Teacher and Leader of Vocational Education and Training at the College, said the students, who volunteer their time out of school hours, love working with the Farm’s herd of mainly Devon cattle.

“They learn how to get the cattle ready for competition including washing and brushing and then practice leading the cattle for the show ring,” said Graham.

Graham said the mix of ages and backgrounds means the students learn a lot from each other and develop a great team spirit.

The 105 hectare College Farm on North Street gives the students opportunities to learn other skills including fencing, how to grow crops, drive tractors and farm management.  The College also operates Tallowood Stud on the Farm where they breed Devon cattle. 

Unique in the Valley is the College’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) program for Years 11 and 12 students.   It offers the student’s the opportunity to attain the nationally recognised and accredited qualification, Certificate II in Agriculture, as part of their regular Higher School Certificate study program.

The course provides students with skills, training and qualifications that gives them a head start in their career or further training.

Pictured above is Year 11 student, Emma Pelling.

JUNE 2020

WORLD CLASS FACILITIES FOR ST PAUL'S

On 28 June 2020 the Hon. Melinda Pavey MP announced a State Government grant of $2.76 million to St Paul’s Catholic Secondary College, for the refurbishment of the current College Hall into a Performing Arts Centre and the construction of a Sports and Fitness Centre.

The new Performing Arts Centre will have facilities for drama, music and dance.

Kevin Lewis, Principal of St Paul’s College (Principal until 2020), has expressed his desire for students in regional areas to have the same opportunities as students in the cities.

He said that the announcement marked the first stage of a four stage masterplan for St Pauls which is designed to bring the College community world-class teaching and learning facilities.

Kevin said that the buildings are designed also to be of benefit to the entire community.  

"Community is vitally important in small regional towns and we see ourselves as key contributors to that," said Kevin.  

Pictured left at the announcement of the grant are from left: Father James Foster (Macleay Valley Parish Priest) Corey Crotty (College Captain) Kevin Lewis (College Principal), Abbey Livermore (College Captain), Ron Mavin (College Captain) and the Hon. Melinda Pavey.

Learn more

JUNE 2020

ST PAUL'S COLLEGE SUCCESS AT WINGHAM BEEF WEEK
The St Paul’s College Agriculture Team was successful in winning Class 1 Lightweight Carcase 150 – 199.5 kg class at the recent Wingham Beef Week Carcase Competition.

The winning steer, Topdeck, was an Angus, Charolais Cross steer bred at Valla by Noel, Kaye, Matthew and Rachel Rudder. Topdeck was prepared for competition by Matthia Rudder Year 7 and Cate Reardon Year 10.

The steer was nicknamed Topdeck due to his resemblance to the Cadbury chocolate. It achieved a carcase Index Score of 86.081 points, six points ahead of 2nd place Wallawong Murray Grey stud entry from Gunnedah.

St Paul’s Agriculture and Primary Industries teacher, Graham Bramley, was very happy with the winning steer’s results.

Graham said that all the College’s cattle performed well.

“The team will now focus on The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza to be held in October, pending the Covid 19 restrictions being lifted.”

Graham says he is very proud of the Ag Team.

“Our students are very committed to their training, all of which occurs in their own time on Tuesday mornings from 7.00am till 8.45am and Thursday afternoon from 3.30pm until 5.30pm.”

Graham said the College also have a great deal of support from our families and the local farming and business community.

“We put together this team of 14 steers back in November - December, during one of our countries worst droughts and amid the devastating bushfires.”

“I have to say that I am very humbled by the support and I am proud to live, work and be a part of such a generous and supportive community.”

The steer had an eye muscle area of 79 square cm, Rib and P8 Fat depth of 5mm and a meat colour of 3. Topdeck was 1.5 kg inside the 199.5kg weight limit for the category. The steer was grown on grain and grass for 137 days in total and had a growth rate of 1.32kg per day.

Pictured top left is the winning steer, Topdeck.

Pictured above are Year 10 student, Cate Reardon and Year 7 student Matthia Rudder

MAY 2020

EMILY'S SUCCESS AT INTERSCHOOL HORSE EXTRAVAGANZAS
Emily Shannon and her horse, Casino Crown Prince, took out some of the top prizes at the last two Interschool Horse Extravaganzas.

In both 2018 and 2019 they won Champion Overall Senior Dressage. They also came second overall in the Senior Show Riding competition.

Emily, who is in Year 12 at St Paul’s, said that she has been training with Casino Crown Prince for the past five years. She plans to continue to ride Dressage throughout her years at University.

With six horses at home, Emily has to work to find a balance between her studies and her love of horses and competition.

Training means she is riding her top three horses for at least ten hours a week.

“I am a very competitive person, who loves to continually improve and I strive to be the best I can be”, said Emily.

Keeping the horses in top show condition means a lot of hard work. Emily feeds her horses twice a day and rugs them on a tight schedule.

APRIL 2020

ST PAUL'S STUDENTS EXCEL IN DRAMA
Critical thinking and learning to express and communicate ideas are just some of the skills that St Paul’s students learn in Drama.

At St Paul’s College our students have excelled in drama competitions including Sport for Jove’s “Shakespeare Carnival” and the local Eisteddfods. For the last three years, our students have competed fiercely in The Shakespeare Carnival. This is a state wide competition involving all registered schools focusing on the works of William Shakespeare. The hard work and dedication of our students was rewarded with our students performing on the Seymour Centre stage in Sydney earning the title of State Champions in 2017 and Runner up State Champions in 2018.

The local Eisteddfod has always been competitive, allowing our students further opportunities to display their skills and engage with fellow like-minded students within the other local high schools. Returning to school with acclaimed trophies is certainly a bonus.

Year 10 student, Maxwell Winn said he loves his drama classes.  

"I love drama at St Paul’s because when we’re all together in that room we’re like a family and if one succeeds, all succeed.