Term 1 Week 10 - 11 April 2025
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
- 2025 Required Equipment
- Curriculum
- Assistant Principal - Mission
- Macleay Valley Catholic Parish - Easter Services
- Ministry and Evangelisation
- Catechesis
- Pastoral Care
- Sport
- Yarri Barrunbatayi (Koala Dreaming)
- Year 12 Advanced English
- School Shakespeare Carnival
- ANZAC Day 2025
- Year 7 2026 Enrolments
- Save the Date - 60th Anniversary Celebrations
- Save the Date - Year 12 Graduation Dinner
- Lost Uniform Items
- 2025 Term Dates
- 2025 Vaccination Clinic Dates
- Starting Secondary School - Healthy Online Behaviour
- 2025 Parent Assembly Conference
- TIKTOK Guide for Parents and Carers
- Kempsey Rotary Club - Hosting an Exchange Student
- Rotary Youth Programs
- Rotary River Run and Walk
- Newsletter Sponsors
It is important to not judge a person too quickly when a matter of concern arises and often listening is an important step in finding out the truth. I have found I am placed in such positions often as the principal of a secondary school in the 21st century, where a matter may arise for discernment, however, listening to the voice of many is very helpful in determining the next steps. I have been involved in so many positive discussions this Term where staff, students and families have taken the time to outline ways where better opportunities can be provided for our students. There is a consistent feeling of kindness during these interactions and supports a welcoming and supportive spirit at St Paul’s.
Fr Pius is finishing his stint with the Macleay Valley Catholic Parish this week and I would like to sincerely thank him for his kind and generous support of our community during this time, I understand he will return for a few weeks in September and we will look forward to catching up with him. We also warmly welcome back Fr James after his recent break and again thank him for his tremendous support of St Paul’s.
Recent Appointments
- Acting Principal: Mrs Kate Fullbrook
- Acting Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching: Mrs Amy Tovey
- Acting Leader of Curriculum: Mr Brendan Goswell
- Acting Leader of Catechesis: Mrs Barica Rafton
There are also some changes to our College student leadership teams following the departure of Lionnel Nyurku (College Vice Captain - Student Voice), who has joined the Australian Navy. Lionnel has been a wonderful student at St Paul’s for many years, she has been an impressive advocate for others and a special young person who will forge many great things in her life. It is with great pleasure that I announce that Courtney Minns is the new College Vice Captain - Student Voice, and Isabelle Preston is the new Edmund House Captain. Both Courtney and Isabelle are very impressive students at St Paul's and I know will provide great support for our community in their new leadership positions.
The St Paul’s School Community Forum has also completed their inaugural meeting and I would to announce the following office bearers for 2025:
- Chairperson: Samantha Townsend
- Vice Chairperson: Kylie O'Donnell
- Treasurer: Sarah Osborne
- Secretary: Alison Koivu
- Vice Secretary: Tracey Kane
Term 1 has been very productive and successful and I would to sincerely thank our staff, students and families for working closely with the College as we continue to work together providing new opportunities for our students. I hope you enjoy a safe and positive Easter and I look forward to our return in Term 2.
Kind regards
Mr Geoff Melville BRurScEd, MEd, GCertRE
Principal
Year 11 Assessment Block
Congratulations to the Year 11 students for completing their first Stage 6 assessments. Students applied themselves with diligence and dedication throughout this period. We accept that these periods can be stressful for students so we encourage them to use strategies to keep themselves calm and centred. Students are also encouraged to have a short break now in the lead up to Term 2.
School Holiday Learning
Whilst many Stage 6 students will have some study to do over the holiday break - we know that many junior students will have some time on their hands! We encourage them to use their brains in positive ways and not just on devices. The following are some great ways to continue learning in the holidays:
- Read a book! There are so many great titles out there. Encourage students to go to the town library and borrow a book, or give them one for Easter in the place of chocolate! The Mobile Library Van will be in Hat Head on Tuesday 15 April and Crescent Head on Wednesday 16 April.
- Sudoku, crosswords and other puzzles - Go ‘old school’ and grab a newspaper. There are many great puzzles the students can access in the back of the paper to keep their brains moving.
- Audio books - students have access to the SORA app which can play many great audio books if they are out walking the dog or working outside.
- Get creative - Kempsey Library has a Manga Drawing workshop on Monday 14 April which I know many students would love!
Atomi
Congratulations to Isaac Dunbar and Kaitlyn Chadwick for being the highest Atomi users over the last 2 weeks. A canteen voucher will be gifted to you if you come to the office! Year 11 and 12 students should be using Atomi for revision and to boost their confidence in the lead up to assessments.
Please reach out if you have any questions about the learning for your students.
Ms Kate Fullbrook - Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
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.
Save the Date - Parent Teacher Evening
Parent-teacher conferences will be held in Term 2 as follows, please save the relevant date:
- Tuesday 6 May 2025 - Students with surname starting A - L
- Thursday 8 May 2025 - Students with surname starting M - Z
More information, including how to book times, will be sent early next Term. All conferences will need to be booked in advance using Compass, if you are having difficulties logging onto Compass please contact the College for assistance - kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au
Mrs Amy Tovey - Leader of Curriculum
During the school holidays we will celebrate the start of the season of Easter. It is a time to celebrate God’s endless love and mercy. So as we hear the words, “He is risen!” this year, may we embrace the joy of this season with open hearts. Let us carry this hope into our schools, our homes, and our communities, trusting that the risen Christ walks with us always.
As we enter the Easter season, we are invited to rejoice in the hope and promise of the Resurrection. Easter reminds us that through Christ’s victory over death, we are called to new life. New life filled with joy, grace, and hope.
The following is a quote that is often used during this time of the year. In the quote John Paul II didn’t sugarcoat it - life is hard. And joy is not about pretending things are fine. It’s about knowing Christ faced it all and won. The Resurrection changes everything. Sin and death do not get the last word. ‘Alleluia, He is risen’ does.
“We do not pretend that life is all beauty. We are aware of darkness and sin, of poverty and pain. But we know Jesus has conquered sin and passed through his own pain to the glory of the Resurrection. And we live in the light of his Paschal Mystery - the mystery of his Death and Resurrection. ‘We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!’ We are not looking for a shallow joy but rather a joy that comes from faith, that grows through unselfish love, that respects the ‘fundamental duty of love of neighbour, without which it would be unbecoming to speak of Joy’. We realize that joy is demanding; it demands unselfishness; it demands a readiness to say with Mary: ‘Be it done unto me according to thy word’.”
- St. John Paul II
Angelus, Adelaide, Australia
Sunday, 30 November 1986
That’s what makes us Easter people. We carry a hope that holds steady when life gets messy - a hope that calls us to live differently, love deeply, and put others first.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter.
Mrs Lesa Morrison - Assistant Principal - Mission
Easter Liturgy
The College community came together on Wednesday to remember, reflect on and celebrate the events of Holy Week and Easter.
We journeyed together from Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, to Holy Thursday and the example of love and service Jesus provides us with the washing of his disciples feet. From there we focused on the final moments of Christ's life, journeying through the stations of the cross and the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us. Finally we rejoiced in the resurrection on Easter Sunday and the joy of the promise of new and eternal life in heaven.
Together as a community we were called to find who we are in the story of Holy Week. We were asked to reflect on where we fit in. And we were asked to see Christ in everyone we meet and to find out who we are in their story too.
Australian Catholic Youth Festival
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Melbourne is a large-scale gathering for young Catholics. It features music, workshops, speakers, and prayer, fostering faith and community. It aims to inspire and empower young people to live out their Catholic faith in the modern world.
This is an event for Year 9 students and if this is something you and your child are interested in, then please contact Mr Adam Clay by Monday 14 April. Numbers are very limited and Expressions of Interest may be required to secure a spot. Please scan the QR code below for more information.
Mr Adam Clay - Leader of School Evangelisation
With Easter fast approaching, I acknowledge any extra prayer or acts of service from members of our community throughout Lent. May we celebrate the ultimate sacrifice shown by Jesus Christ as He took our sins to the cross on Good Friday, then defeated death and sin on Easter Sunday.
I pray that the Easter weekend is full of quality time with friends, family, and Christ. Please see below for the Easter Mass times in the Macleay and Nambucca valleys.
God Bless
Mr Brendan Goswell - Leader of Catechesis
Online hate refers to any harmful or derogatory content directed at individuals or groups based on race, religion, ethnicity, disability, gender, or other characteristics. It is a growing concern that can cause profound harm to those targeted and contribute to a culture of division and disrespect.
Start conversations with your young person about online hate before an incident occurs. Regularly discuss the importance of respectful behaviour online and use real-life examples, including news stories or events, to illustrate the impact of harmful words or actions. Ground these discussions in Gospel values, such as compassion, understanding, and love for our neighbour.
- Lead by Example: Model and encourage your young person to treat others as they would like to be treated, both online and offline.
- Promote Positive Actions: Teach your young person to avoid sharing or engaging with hateful or threatening content and to report it when they see it.
- Encourage Openness: Foster an attitude of empathy and curiosity about others. Remind your young person that some harmful speech stems from ignorance or misinformation, and encourage them to seek understanding.
- Vocabulary: Be mindful of new terms or phrases your young person uses. Some harmful language may be adopted unknowingly, and gentle correction can help them understand its impact.
- Think Before Posting: Expect your young person to think carefully before commenting, sharing an image, or sending a message online. Reinforce that their words and actions should always reflect the values of respect and kindness.
Mrs Krystal Brady - Leader of Pastoral Care
Lismore Diocese Swimming Carnival Results
St Paul’s College Swimming team had an incredibly successful performance at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival held on Wednesday 26 March in Alstonville. Cleo Schubert, Cruze Schubert, Tessa Elsley and Chelsea Stringer all progressed to the NSWCCC Swimming Champiopnships in Sydney and Tessa Elsley has now progressed to the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships. (NSWCCC Swimming results are shown later in this report).
Diocesan results are listed below. Congratulations to all 15 athletes who participated making this such a successful day.
NSWCCC Swimming Championships
Results:
- Cruze - 100m Breaststroke (6th), 50m Freestyle (11th), 50m Breaststroke (11th)
- Cleo - 400m Freestyle (7th), 100m Breaststroke (9th), 50m Freestyle (14th), 50m Butterfly (12th), 50 Breastatroke (11th)
- Chelsea - 100m Breaststroke (6th), 50m Freestyle (6th), 50m Breaststroke (5th), 100m Freestyle (5th)
- Tessa - 400m Freestyle (2nd), 200m Individual Medley (7th), 100m Backstroke (5th), 200m Freestyle (5th).
Diocesan Netball
Lakyah Bell and Amelia Wilson attended the Diocesan Netball Trials in Coffs Harbour last Friday 4 April and Lakyah has been selected in the Diocesan U15 Years Netball Team. Congratulations to Lakyah who will now be attending the NSWCCC Netball Championships.
Upcoming Events
- College Cross Country - Thursday 1 May
- Bill Turner Cup & Trophy (Boys and Girls) - Friday 2 May in Port Macquarie
Mr Leon Robinson - Teacher and Sports Coordinator
A group of St Paul's students had the opportunity to be involved in Yarri Barrunbatayi (Koala Dreaming). The students learnt about Koalas in the area and about Koala artwork, and participated in Koala tree planting. Thank you to South West Rocks Figtree Decendents Aboriginal Corporation for providing this opportunity for the students, and to Mr Dre Barker and Mr Kieran Reilly for accompanying the students.
“Now is the winter of our discontent…”
On Monday 31 March I had the great pleasure of taking Year 12 Advanced English to Sydney to see a dramatic production of one of their HSC texts, Shakespeare’s ‘King Richard III’. Mr Graham Bramley very graciously gave of his time to be our driver and our accompanying teacher on the trip, for which we are all very grateful. After setting out for our journey on Monday, dinner at Spice Alley, which was enjoyed by all, then a comfortable night at the YHA Central, we set off for the Seymour Centre and the play on Tuesday morning.
The director’s lecture prior to the play was most insightful and his interpretation of this Shakespearean drama to a contemporary setting was very interesting, complete with a substitution of the King’s Court for a pool party and drones replacing swords in the final Battle of Bosworth, no less! Many thanks to Ms Catriona Martin, Leader of Learning - English, the College Leadership team and parents for your support of this valuable learning experience.
Ms Leeanne Grant - English Teacher
Congratulations to St Paul's Year 10 and 11 Drama students for their outstanding performances in the School Shakespeare Carnival held on Thursday evening. Thank you to the parents/carers, families and community for supporting our students and being a wonderful audience.
Well done to the winners:
- Ensemble Section - Jessica Preston, Olivia Rafton and Ruby Sproule
- Group Devised - Kaitlyn Chadwick, Gracie Campbell and Sam Farrell
- Duologue Section - Eva Lemanski and Eli Baywood
We wish the best of luck to the students progressing to the regional level of the Shakespeare Carnival.
Thank you to Mrs Amanda Jordan, Mrs Elizabeth Smith, Ms Donna Swan, Ms Megan Dunbar, Ms Jodene Barnett and Ms Shannon Thomas for their excellent support of the students.
We warmly invite all staff, students and their families to join our College community at any of the following ANZAC Day commemorations in the Macleay and Nambucca Valleys on Friday 25 April.
ANZAC Day Mass - celebrated by Fr James at All Saints Catholic Church, Kempsey at 9am on Friday 25 April.
ANZAC Day Marches and Commemorative Services
Students are requested to wear their full academic uniform with ties for the seniors. We recommend that hats are worn and water bottles are carried. As far as possible we ask that students remain with the group for the duration of the ceremony. Details for meeting places and times are as follows:
- Kempsey - behind Mavin's service station on Sydney St, across from netball courts at 10.15am. The contact teachers for Kempsey will be Mrs Kate Anderson and Mrs Krystal Brady.
- South West Rocks - car park on the corner of Paragon and Gregory St at 10.15am. The contact teacher for South West Rocks will be Mr Heath Needs.
- Macksville - Princess St at 10.30am. The contact teacher for Macksville will be Mr Doug Gately.
- Crescent Head - in front of the service station at 8.40am. The contact teacher for Crescent Head will be Mr Adam Clay.
Staff will also be attending other services in the Macleay and Nambucca Valleys, including the service at Nambucca Heads - Mr Brendan Goswell.
This is a wonderful opportunity for students to represent the College at a community event and to show respect for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country.
Lest we forget
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 closer to the date.
The College Office has a large number of lost uniform items that remain unclaimed. Parents/carers are asked to please ensure their child's uniform, such as hoodies and hats, are all clearly labelled to ensure that lost items may be easily returned to their owners.
NSW Health School Vaccination Program 2025
Each year, St Paul's College provides the venue for NSW Health to conduct the NSW Schools Vaccination Program for our students. Register online (see below) or contact the College kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au to request a paper form.
Online consent for school vaccinations
If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 this year, you can now provide online consent for their routine school vaccinations.
⦁ Year 7 students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (Boostrix) and human papillomavirus (HPV).
⦁ Year 10 students are offered a free vaccine for meningococcal ACWY.
Please note - Year 8 and Year 11 students who have an online consent/signed consent form from 2024, will be offered catch up vaccinations in 2025.
If parents/guardians consent online they will receive a reminder text 3 days prior to the clinic date.
Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.
Vaccination Program Dates for 2025:
Term 2 – Thursday 8 May
⦁ Year 10 (Meningococcal ACWY)
⦁ Year 11 & 12 (Meningococcal ACWY) - (Catch up)
⦁ Year 7, 8 & 9 HPV (Human papillomavirus) and Boostrix (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) - (Catch up)
Term 4 – Tuesday 21 October
⦁ Catch up clinic if required
To provide consent for vaccination online, parents/carers will need to:
⦁ Visit the online consent portal here.
⦁ Follow the steps to log in to your existing Service NSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver's licence. If you don't have a Service NSW account, refer to Service NSW to create one.
⦁ Enter Medicare details for yourself and your child and provide consent.
⦁ If you consent online, you will receive a reminder text 3 days prior to the clinic date.
⦁ Read a step-by-step guide on how to provide consent online. Translated guides are available online.
⦁ If you or your child do not have a Medicare card or you cannot provide consent online, please email the College Office kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au to request a paper consent form to be sent home.
Please ensure your child has eaten breakfast on the morning of the clinic, this helps prevent fainting.
The benefits of providing consent online:
⦁ easily update your child's details.
⦁ receive SMS and/or email notifications when vaccinations are given.
⦁ faster upload of vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination. If you have any questions regarding your child's school vaccinations, please contact the NSW Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
Save the date - the annual Parent Assembly Conference will be held on Saturday 14 June. More information in the flyer below.
The Rotary Club of Kempsey is interested in hearing from any families who would like to host an exchange student, arriving in July 2025. While there's a preference to have the student hosted for a full year, there are opportunities to share hosting experiences with other families. Hosting a student can be a wonderful & enriching experience. The student in question would attend either Year 10 or 11, although it's not necessary to have students in these years to be able to host. The Rotary Exchange program is well supported by Rotary during their stay. If this is something that would interest you, or you would like further information, please reach out as soon as possible and contact Tania Powick on 0419625556.
RYPEN - Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment
RYPEN provides an enriching and challenging experience for students in Year 7 - 12 through a weekend camp where students can develop life skills, leadership and realise their potential. Please refer to the brochure below for further information or follow the link here for the application form.
RYLA - Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
RYLA is a leadership program designed to encourage and develop skills that participants can positively contribute to their communities. Please refer to the brochure below for further information about the program.