Principal's Message

Dear Parent/Carer

‘Let all the earth cry out to God with joy’

Psalm 65: 1-7, 16, 20 R. v. 1

Our second term of the semester has certainly moved quickly and I hope families take the time to relax and value the hard work that has taken place across the last few months. I reference our Year 12 students, in particular, who have had to complete significant assessment tasks in the remaining weeks of term and I expect that they will be ready to take a few days off before preparation continues toward the Trial Higher School Certificate examinations.

The Semester two reporting period has concluded and awards were released on our FEAST DAY, which was a wonderful celebration for the St Paul’s community. I congratulate all award recipients as well as students who received school reports that reflected a sustaining of efforts leading to strong achievement of learning outcomes. Nothing changes without a consistency of effort and a commitment to be better. The reports that I read indicated that we have many students who are aspirational and this is pleasing.

The FEAST DAY on Friday 1 JULY was tremendous. Across the day we acknowledged St Paul and the value in journeying with and learning from one another. We also celebrated NAIDOC week and welcomed Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC) and Burrun Dalai who set up some amazing workshops and activities for our students. We also had a visit from One Mob Radio who played music and conducted interviews for a PODCAST that will be broadcasted later in the month. Staff and students had an excellent day and I thank all those involved in making this day an excellent one for all in our community.

This semester we reinforced expectations regarding the use of Mobile phones, correct uniform and appropriate jewellery. I would like to thank families for supporting us and reinforce to you all that these expectations will continue into the next semester. The way we present ourselves matters very much and students are certainly aware of what is expected and with consistency from home we can prevent confusion and miscommunication.

Please remember to download the COMPASS APP for access to our new DATA MANAGEMENT system that will ‘go live’ from the beginning of Term 3, 2022. This system streamlines all we do at the College and will make communication between the College and home much easier. It is expected that you will all receive a user name and password (via email) that will allow you to log into this application. Please refer to previous communication regarding COMPASS if further assistance is required.

Finally, I would like to remind all in our community the value of open, sincere and respectful communication. There are many things currently happening across our ‘newsfeeds’ that may create anxiety, concern and stress. While this is a current reality, we still have collective control of how we interact and engage with each other. Stress can prevent us from being ‘at our best’ and this, at times, is evidenced in how we behave in the classroom and out in the playground.

I would ask us all to consider how valuable it is to work with each other, to talk with people and not about people and see the inherent good that exists in each and every one of us. We are fortunate to be a part of the St Paul’s Catholic College community. Every day I see amazing young people, doing incredible things and it makes me very proud.

Happy and restful holidays to you all

Kind Regards

Mr David JOHNS   B.Ed., Cert. Gifted Ed., Grad. Cert. Adol. Health and Welfare, M.Ed. (Ed Lead), M.Ed. (Theol) 

Principal

david.johns@lism.catholic.edu.au