Term 4 Week 10 - 19 December 2024

Dear Parent/Carer

‘For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.’

Luke 1: 39-45

Our last Newsletter to the community for the 2024 Academic year and I would like to thank you all for your continued support of our incredible College.

The students finished the Term strongly with continued high attendance and engagement in our classrooms. The staff produced informative reports that captured what students had achieved and understood across the semester as well as potential areas for growth. The new Year 12 2025 students completed their first block of assessments with vigour and have laid down a strong foundation for success into next year. The Year 12 HSC results have been released and as we unpack student and College performance, we see a trend of enormous growth within this year group and a sense of the high-quality teaching they experienced across their time with us.

The HSC results are a reflection of not only our Stage 6 teachers, but also the work of College staff across the time these students have been with us; in partnership with parents/carers that collectively sought to care, cajole, comfort and at times get cranky to motivate students to give of their best. I acknowledge and thank all stakeholders involved in producing this collection of strong results.

The last week of Term was highlighted by an excellent turn out for the Stoney Aqua Park experience as well as the College Christmas Mass and End of Year Presentation. It was unfortunate that we could not celebrate this in the Mercy Centre. It will be an amazing facility and will be used not only by the College but also our local community. It was pleasing to hear comments from members of our community who from afar are aghast at the look of the Mercy Centre and the quality of this finish. I have stated this many times and wish again to reinforce the continued support provided by DLCS (Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools) and All Saints Parish (Fr James) in continuing to advocate for completion of this build in a very tight fiscal environment. I note the incredible work of O'Donnell & Hanlon and Kym Griffiths – Property DLCS, who collectively put in considerable hours to ensure that the construction remained on track.

As I depart the College, I reflect on the journey I have been on with you all. We together navigated many challenging situations but collectively identified these as opportunities for growth. Under the leadership of Mr Geoff Melville as your new Principal, the College can rest assured that St Paul’s will continue to provide exemplary teaching, high quality pastoral care, strong links to our local and regional community which are all collectively grounded in a clear understanding of what it is to be a vibrant, alive Catholic community. Many thanks for the trust you placed in St Paul’s and your support of my leadership across my tenure.

Wishing you, your family and friends a safe Christmas and New Year break.

Kind regards

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

Principal

kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au

Guiding Positive Behaviours
In an era where social media and digital communication dominate, bullying—whether online or in person—remains a serious concern. The emotional and mental toll of bullying can be profound, with far-reaching effects on self-esteem, relationships, and academic engagement. We encourage you to have open, compassionate conversations with your child about treating others with respect and kindness. These discussions can empower them to stand against bullying, foster empathy, and reflect Gospel values in their daily lives.

Navigating Online Risks
With the growing prevalence of AI tools, scams, deepfake content, and access to harmful materials, young people are increasingly exposed to online risks. These influences can distort their understanding of themselves and the world around them, leading to confusion and unrealistic expectations. We urge you to monitor your child’s online activities and encourage responsible technology use. The Christmas holidays present a perfect opportunity to set boundaries, reduce screen time, and encourage meaningful offline connections.

Strengthening Relationships
The holidays are also a chance to deepen family bonds and foster positive relationships. Encourage your child to engage in activities that nurture personal growth, whether through time with loved ones, community involvement, or hobbies that inspire creativity and joy. These moments not only build emotional resilience but also reflect the values of faith, love, and justice that underpin our Catholic identity.

Supporting You with Resources
We understand that guiding young people through these challenges can be complex, which is why we recommend the following trusted resources:

● eSafety Commissioner: Practical advice on online safety, bullying prevention, and managing digital footprints.
● headspace: Support for young people’s mental health, offering guidance on managing stress and anxiety.
● ThinkUKnow: Education on navigating the digital world safely and securely.
● Parentline NSW: Confidential support and advice for managing challenging behaviours and family dynamics (1300 1300 52).

These resources provide valuable tools to help you navigate conversations with your child and create a safer, more supportive digital environment.

The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools are committed to working in partnership with you to nurture a generation of respectful, resilient, and compassionate young people. With your support, we can guide our students to live out Gospel values, develop strong relationships, and use their gifts to enrich the lives of others.

May this Christmas bring peace, joy, and love for your family.

Congratulations to Mr David Johns
I appreciate the opportunity to write my final 2024 newsletter item focusing on the substantial principalship of David Johns at our College. The St Paul’s community have been aware since the conclusion of Term 3 that David is moving to a new appointment in 2025 as Executive Director of the Dunlea Centre in Engadine Sydney.

I first met David in 1993 when he began a teaching appointment at St Stanislaus’ College Bathurst, we both taught Science and coached rugby together. David also completed a tremendously regarded stint as a boarding master during his time at Stannies, he lived the complete experience of that school! There have been many Stannies ex students, staff and families who have asked after David since my appointment in Kempsey, all of those enquiries have been supplemented with stories of compassion, kindness and great teaching by David. David has continued a stellar career in education in particular supporting schools in Sydney and senior leadership in schools in Young, Darwin and in Canberra - the Dunlea Centre has appointed an educator with immense experience and skills. I was so thrilled to learn that we would renew our partnership with our new roles at St Paul’s in 2021, and I have thoroughly enjoyed and learnt from my experiences with David during the past four years. I will miss David significantly.

David can reflect on so many achievements during his principalship at St Paul’s. The enrolment numbers at the College have risen significantly since 2021, since David’s appointment the school has enjoyed a waiting list into the next Year 7 group each year. An increased student enrolment has allowed St Paul's to appoint a number of additional outstanding staff which has reaped significant benefits for the College.

There have been substantial additions to the College buildings resource during David’s role, he has been involved in countless hours of meetings working with a number of entities securing improved teaching resources which are some of the best in the state. Above all else, David has been a kind and generous principal with staff, students and families, David has always sought to find an improved outcome for the people he meets, the College motto ‘Let your light shine’ has been at the forefront of David’s leadership at St Paul’s.

On behalf of the entire St Paul’s community, we would like to wish David, his wife Amie and his family the very best for his future endeavours.

Mr Geoffrey Melville - Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing

geoffrey.melville@lism.catholic.edu.au

Congratulations to the St Paul's College class of 2024 and to all our HSC students - we are so proud of your many achievements and wish you every success in the future!

Families are asked to ensure that their child/ren are equipped throughout the school year with the listed equipment. 

Required equipment lists for students in 2025 can be found here:

• Year 7 and 8 Compulsory Equipment
• Year 9 and 10 Compulsory Equipment
• Year 11 and 12 Compulsory Equipment

The required equipment lists are also available via Parent Resources in Compass School Documentation.

On behalf of the College, we extend our gratuitude to everyone for their significant generosity to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Staff, students and parents donated so much food that we were able to comfortably produce 50 family hampers.

Mr Conrad Tamblyn, Mr Brendan Goswell and ten Catholic Faith in Action students spent two hours at the Parish Office last week to sort the donations and pack the hampers. These gifts were delivered to local families in need.

Thank you again.

May God Bless all of our families at this extra special time of the year.

Mr Brendan Goswell - Leader of Catechesis

brendan.goswell@lism.catholic.edu.au

St Paul's College extends grateful appreciation and thanks to the sponsors of the End of Year Award Presentation - thank you for your continued support in acknowledging the achievements of our students!

End of Year Award Presentation
Congratulations to St Paul’s students on their many achievements throughout 2024.

Special Awards

• Mayor’s Encouragement Award – Madeleine Kurilowich
• St Paul’s Award for Most Improved in Year 7 – Caylum Appleyard
• Ron Muir Memorial Award – Angelina Aji and Erin van Kal
• Sisters of Mercy Award – Emily Judd and Karrington Males
• Kempsey West Rotary Award for Citizenship – Aden Mills
• Cavanagh’s Bus & Coach Sportsman of the Year Award – Wilton Townsend
• Cavanagh’s Bus & Coach Sportswoman of the Year Award – Amelia Wilson
• Most Outstanding Sporting Achievement Award – Keeley Smith
• St Paul’s College Sporting Blue Award (Cross Country & Athletics) – Wilton Townsend
• St Paul’s College Sporting Blue Award (Cross Country & Athletics) – Amelia Wilson
• St Paul’s College Sporting Blue Award (Swimming) – Keeley Smith
• St Paul’s College Sporting Blue Award (Swimming) – Chelsea Stringer
• St Paul’s College Sporting Blue Award (Swimming) – Cleo Schubert
• St Paul’s College Sporting Blue Award (Swimming) – Tessa Elsley
• Keystone Health Excellence in PDHPE Award – Emily Stuart
• Marg Davis Memorial Award for Most Improved in Mathematics – Isabelle Colquhoun
• St Paul’s Excellence in Debating Award – Lyila Ward
• St Paul’s Award for Creativity & Commitment to Textiles – Briella Petterson
• East Coast Technology Services Award for Excellence in Enterprise Computing – Sienna Dawson
• St Paul’s Award for Excellence in Vocational Education & Training – Brianna O’Donnell
• St Paul’s Award for Excellence in Food Technology – Annelise Hodge
• Mid Coast Connect Award for Excellence in Work Placement in Year 11 – Courtney Minns
• St Paul’s Friendship Spirit Award – Lucas Morrison
• ADF Future Innovators Award – Emma Miller
• ADF Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork Award – Lincoln McCarthy
• Year 11 Ministry Leaders –
  Sienna Dawson
  Isaac Dunbar
  Alana Ennis
  Evangelina Gately
  Benjamin Muir
• PBRS Points Award
  Year 7 – Orla Kennedy
  Year 8 – Ruby McLeod
  Year 9 – Noah Bailey
  Year 10 – Annabelle Dening
  Year 11 – Isabelle Preston
• The Aunty Doreen Flanders Deadly Leadership Award – Madelyn Lipscombe
• St Paul’s Commitment to Studies Award
  Year 7 – Patrick Browning & Katherine Mackay
  Year 8 – Jimmy Browning & Skye Criado
  Year 9 – Harrison Pike & Holly Bulloch
  Year 10 – Liam Osborne & Skyann Davies
  Year 11 – Lachlan Miles & Parker Phillips
• Spirit of St Paul’s Award
  Year 7 – Sebastian Gately & Charley Steger
  Year 8 – Mitchell Clarke & Ava McCarthy
  Year 9 – Noah Bailey & Tahlia Wall
  Year 10 – Lucas Morrison & Kaitlyn Chadwick
  Year 11 – Harrison Bailey & Zara Rasmussen
• Keystone Health Community Spirit Award – Lucas Morrison
  
  
  
  

College Captains
St Paul's 2025 College Captains are Sophie Brandolini and Harrison Bailey. The commissioning of the College Captains will take place at St Paul’s Opening Mass at the start of Term 1 2025. To find out more about Sophie and Harrison, please visit the link to the College website

A group of St Paul's Year 8 and 9 Catholic Studies students have hand delivered personalised Christmas cards to the residents at Vincent Court across the last week. This wonderful act of giving to others at Christmas time has been a very special experience for the residents and students alike.

Thank you to the staff at Vincent Court for their support and help to distribute the cards, to the students for their effort in making the cards meaningful, and to Mr Conrad Tamblyn and Mr Brendan Goswell for facilitating these visits for the students.

St Paul's Year 10 students recently completed two weeks of work experience, learning new skills on the job and trialling future career options. Thank you to Mrs Tess Meehan for facilitating the work experience for the students.

A special thank you to the many local businesses and employers for hosting the students:

Early Connections
Crescent Head Surf Co.
Coastline Credit Union Ltd.
Elders Lifestyle Group South West Rocks
South West Rocks Public School
Stuartspoint Preschool
FXBC Mid North Coast
NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Kempsey
J Swan Constructions
Baird Hunter Valley
Goodstart Early Learning West Kempsey
Durri ACMS
Kempsey Shire Council
Anderson Automotive Kempsey
Macleay Options Ltd
Mavin Truck Centre
Little Adventures Early Learning
Crescent Head Community Pre-school
O'Donnell & Hanlon
Resicom Joinery
Michael's Metal Mart
Fytec Computers n Mobile Phone Repairs
InterSystems
Macleay Valley Veterinary Services
Masons Eyecare
LJ Hooker South West Rocks,
Shoey's Bakery
Kempsey Children's Services
Gill Family Dental
Crescent Head Primary School
South West Rocks Preschool
South West Rocks Public School
Jamie Oram Electrical
Tolman Building Group Pty Ltd
JB's Hair & Beauty
Roger Ball Plastering

St Paul's Year 9 and 10 Drama and Music students were involved in a Christmas Roadshow last Friday. The students spent the day travelling to various locations performing a Christmas play and a selection of carols. The students also had the opportunity to engage with the audience members at each location, spending time in conversation with both the young and old.

Thank you to Kempsey Children's Services, Vincent Court and Lower Macleay Preschool for hosting our students and a big thank you to our Drama and Music students, Ms Donna Swan and Mrs Amanda Jordan for spreading Christmas cheer in our community.

Congratulations to St Paul's Year 9 student, Mitchell Hornick, who has been selected for the U16 North Coast Bulldogs SLE Andrew Johns Cup rugby league team. This is a fantastic achievement after six weeks of training and trials. We wish you all the best for your games throughout February and March 2025.

St Paul's Green Team has done some fantastic work for the local community this year, from volunteer lawn mowing services and painting outdoor materials, to developing independent skills such as baking, servicing the mowing equipment and renovating the Green Team shed. The group has grown to approximately 15 students in 2024. We are very proud of their fantastic efforts and community service!

Year 6 2025/Year 7 2026 students from ALL Macleay and Nambucca Valley schools are invited to save the date for a Day in the Life of a St Paul’s College student on Thursday 27 February 2025. Open to all Year 6 primary school students interested in a Catholic high school education at St Paul's commencing in 2026.

Parents/carers are required to register their child for a Day in the Life event via a registration link that will open on Monday 10 February 2025. The link will be placed on the College website and advertised on the College Facebook page and via Compass.

For more information about enrolments at St Paul's College, please visit the College website.

All current and previous students, staff and family are invited to save the date to join St Paul's 60th anniversary celebrations on Sunday 5 October 2025.
Mass will be held at 9:30am in the Mercy Centre at St Paul's College, followed by a BBQ picnic. More details to follow in the New Year.

St Paul's uniform supplier, Team Spirit, has announced a new uniform fitting service for back to school uniform purchases. The booking platform will provide a dedicated time slot for students who require more time or assistance with new uniform purchases, such as students starting Year 7 in 2025.

Please refer to the flyer below for booking instructions and opening times. For more information regarding uniform and presentation please click HERE