Term 3 Week 4 - 15 August 2025

Student Voice - Uniforms, Shoes and Jewellery
Student voice is so important and is a measure of the positive health of the school. During 2025 we have sought student and staff opinion regarding future amendments to our uniform as well as reviewing our shoe and jewellery policies. Every student has been recently invited to join a group reviewing our current shoe and jewellery policies, the feedback from Mrs Krystal Brady and Mrs Lesa Morrison has been that the student meetings have been positive and insightful, there has been respectful discussions about possible changes to both policies. I greatly appreciate the leadership of Mrs Krystal Brady and Mrs Lesa Morrison and the students who are supporting these reviews.

Trial HSC Examinations

Kind regards

Mr Geoff Melville  BRurScEd, MEd, GCertRE

Principal

kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au

All parents/carers would have now received information regarding the 2026 school fees via email. Further information can be found on the College website and in Compass School Documentation, Parent Resources.

Subject Selection Year 11 2026
Thank you to all parents/carers who made the time to meet with the Learning and Teaching Team to choose your child's subjects for Year 11 2026. This is an incredibly important part of their schooling journey and we appreciate your support to ensure that together we are a partnership in your child’s education. We are currently forming the lines based on initial selections and these will go to the students for a final selection in the coming weeks.

2026 Short Course Electives Year 9 and 10 
Students who will be in Year 9 and 10 in 2026 have selected their electives based on our new Short Course handbook. This is an exciting time in the College as we explore totally new courses that are cross-curricular and offer real connections to industry in the community. Over the coming weeks the students will know more about which courses are successful in their offering.

Atomi
Congratulations to Lucas Morrison and Angelina Mathew who were the highest Atomi users over the last 7 days! The students both received a canteen voucher for their reward. Many students are using Atomi to revise for their upcoming exams and I encourage them to continue doing so!

Year 12 - Trial HSC Exams
Timetable
The trial exam period is 18 - 29 August. Our Year 12 students start their trial exams next week. Please support your young adults by ensuring the following:

• Make sure they are organised to be here on time. 30 mins before each exam.
• Please ensure they are eating healthy meals throughout this period. A healthy breakfast is essential when sitting a 3 hour exam.
• Bring all equipment. Especially for exams like maths and science based. Ensure they have plenty of pens and all necessary equipment.
• If they are staying at school to study throughout the day please ensure they sign in and out through the office. Then students are permitted to use the library to study.

Thank you for your support to ensure a successful trial period.

Year 11 Preliminary Exam Period
The Year 11 classes are working towards their preliminary exams in Week 9. This culminates the course for these students before they move into their HSC year which starts in Term 4. Encourage Year 11 students to work with their teachers for revision tasks during this period. Atomi is an excellent resource for these students at this time.

Attendance at school during the above two exam periods is mandatory. We do understand that there is a lot of sickness around at the moment. Students must follow the guidelines on the notification if they are unwell on the day of or the day before a task. This is incredibly important as it follows the necessary guidance from NESA in preparation for their HSC. Students are permitted to attend school for their exams and remain home when they do not have an exam. They are able to use the library to study in between if they wish. Please remember to sign in and out of the office if they are doing so.

Please reach out if you have any questions about the learning for your students.

Ms Kate Fullbrook - Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

kate.fullbrook@lism.catholic.edu.au

At our College, we believe that positive behaviour is more than just following rules —it’s about creating a community where every student can flourish. Positive behaviour reflects actions, attitudes, and conduct that are constructive, socially acceptable, and supportive of both individual wellbeing and the health of our College environment. It’s the choices we make that make our school a place where people feel safe, respected, and welcome.

Kindness remains at the heart of our culture. When students show respect, compassion, and empathy, they not only meet the standards of socially acceptable conduct but also help build a sense of connection and trust within our community. Kindness can be as simple as sitting with someone alone at lunch, helping a friend carry books, or saying “thanks” to your teacher. These small acts might not seem like much, but they make a big difference and show others that they matter.

Resilience plays a vital role in constructive action. By persevering through challenges and approaching setbacks as opportunities for growth, our students demonstrate the determination that helps them achieve their goals and inspire others. Maybe it’s studying hard after a disappointing test result, trying again after not making the team, or pushing through nerves before a big performance.

Advocacy reflects a proactive approach to making positive change. Speaking up for fairness, standing by peers, and championing causes that benefit the wider community show courage and a commitment to justice.

A sense of belonging is strengthened when students manage emotions effectively and support one another. Emotional regulation allows for calm, respectful responses to conflict and fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.

By weaving together kindness, resilience, advocacy, and belonging, our students model the Mission of Catholic Education—living with respect, love, and service. Positive behaviour isn’t about being perfect—it’s about consistently making choices that help our community grow stronger. This behaviour doesn’t just improve our College; it prepares our young people to contribute positively to the world beyond our gates.

Mrs Lesa Morrison - Assistant Principal - Mission 

lesa.morrison@lism.catholic.edu.au

Expression of Interest - Accelerated Studies of Religion
For the attention of our Year 10 students, and their families,

At St Paul's College, we offer an accelerated pathway for students who are willing, and able, to complete HSC Studies of Religion in one year, rather than two. These students begin the course from, Term 4 this year, through until the HSC exam in Term 4 next year.

This has been a successful process for many St Paul's students over the past years. However, it isn't suitable for all students. Many students benefit from not being accelerated because acceleration is a demanding pathway. Some students appreciate more time to develop their writing and application skills. For this reason, the College will look at the expressions of interest and decide which students are most suitable. The invitation to students will be based on academic data compiled by the College across a number of years.

Students chosen for the accelerated class will be expected to maintain a minimum standard of application throughout the accelerated pathway. If this is not maintained, they may be asked to return to the non-accelerated pathway.

If you would like to be considered for the accelerated pathway, please complete this form by Friday 29 August.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you and God Bless

Mr Brendan Goswell - Leader of Catechesis

brendan.goswell@lism.catholic.edu.au

Taking a Stand Together: Bullying. No Way.
This week, the College proudly joins schools across Australia in recognising Bullying No Way Week - a national initiative that reminds us all that bullying is never acceptable.

The 2025 theme, “Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.”, calls on every member of our College community to take action, not just by raising awareness, but by fostering a culture where kindness, respect and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.

Everyone in our school deserves to feel safe, respected and valued — whether that’s in the classroom, in the playground, during sport, or online. There is no place for bullying here.

Throughout this week and next, students are encouraged to reflect on what it means to speak up when something isn’t right, to support others who might be struggling, and to actively help create an environment where everyone feels they belong. Bullying prevention is not the responsibility of one person or group, it takes a whole community. Together, students, staff and families can make a powerful difference by modelling positive behaviours and challenging bullying wherever it occurs, both in and outside of the College.

Parents and carers play a vital role in this, helping guide young people as they learn how to navigate relationships with empathy, confidence, and care. We thank you for the support you give in reinforcing these messages at home.

This week and every week we stand united in our message:

• Be bold and say something
• Be kind and support someone
• Be proud to take a stand
• Because when it comes to bullying, the message is clear: Bullying. No Way.

The Facts About Vaping

vaping_factsheet_young.pdf

Mrs Krystal Brady - Leader of Pastoral Care

krystal.brady@lism.catholic.edu.au

Year 10 Work Experience
Thank you for your ongoing support as we guide our Year 10 students through the important transition to Year 11. This is a significant step in your child’s school journey, and I truly appreciate the time and effort you have invested in conversations around subject selection this Term.

Following on from these discussions, many students have expressed interest in undertaking a work experience placement during the remainder of Year 10. All students have now had the opportunity to complete their mandatory Work Readiness Training during their fortnightly Careers class.

Once training is complete, students may request a Student Placement Record form from Mrs Meehan. This form must be completed by the student, their workplace, a parent/guardian, and the College before the placement can be confirmed.

Potential Work Experience Weeks for 2025:

• 22–26 September
• 1–5 December
• 8–12 December

Elsa Dixon Roadshow
Our Year 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students recently enjoyed an engaging presentation from NSW Health about the 2025 Elsa Dixon Scholarship. This program offers a School Based Traineeship (SBAT) with NSW Health in either the Allied Health or Individual Support pathway. Successful applicants are guaranteed ongoing employment after completing their HSC. Interested students are encouraged to collect application forms from Mrs Meehan.

2025 School and Industry Connection Day
The 2025 School and Industry Connection (SIC) Day will bring together local employers, industry representatives, and services to connect with students across the Macleay. This Careers Expo is a valuable opportunity for students to explore career pathways, ask questions, and network with potential future employers.
All Year 10 students will attend on Thursday 18 September 2025, made possible through our ongoing partnership with the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program.


Mrs Tess Meehan - Leader of World of Work and Careers Literacy
tess.meehan@lism.catholic.edu.au

Cochrane Cup Grand Final - here we come
St Paul’s College 14 Years rugby league team, pictured below, have made history at the College. On Thursday 14 August this team became the first rugby league team in the history of the College to make a NSW Catholic Schools rugby league grand final.

The squad travelled to Tuncurry Sporting Complex with an air of confidence instilled by the cool, calm and collected coach Mr Aiden Tolman. Our opponents, St Edward’s College, Gosford were ready for the challenge and the NRL supplied the referees and touch judges who officiated this absolute cracker of a game.

St Paul’s had a great start to the contest courtesy of outstanding lead up work from Jordy (The Jammer) Kirkman Dates who broke the defensive line in his own half then coolly offloaded to Cruze (After-Burner) Schubert who ran 50 metres and scored under the sticks. Ashton (Golden Boot) Swaine (The reason for this nickname will be very apparent later in the article) stepped up and slotted the conversion and a smiling Mr Robinson thought we were in for an easy afternoon.

How wrong he was, St Edward’s hit back in the next set after St Paul’s played a bit of dropsy and Eddy’s scored out wide with the conversion unsuccessful taking the score to St Paul’s 6 to St Edward’s 4.

St Paul’s bounced back to the half way mark and were still very confident they could get the job done. Unfortunately, Eddy’s had other ideas and began to make major inroads into St Paul’s defensive line. At the 15 minute mark, Eddy’s shifted the ball left and the number 12 broke through and was sprinting towards the try line. Ashton (Golden Boot) Swaine chased hard and captured the elusive 12 one metre from our tryline. Unfortunately, Ashton was then penalised for continuing with the tackle and dispatched to the sin bin for 10 minutes. (Oh no) Eddy’s scored an easy try with a shift to the right as Ashton was trudging off the field. Conversion unsuccessful and Eddy’s take the lead 8 points to 6.

St Paul’s look deflated, Super Coach Tolman fires off instructions to water boy Robinson for the players to keep their cool and stick to the task at hand. A nine minute period of dogged defence follows with Eddy’s dominating possession and finally breaking through for another try out wide to make it Eddy’s 12 - St Paul’s 6. The hooter blows for half time and the team and Mr Tolman give a collective sigh of relief. Super Coach Tolman takes control at the break delivering soothing reassurance to his charges. He is certain that St Paul’s can come back and the team is reinvigorated by their coach's quiet confidence.

The second half begins with a Jordy (The Jammer) Kirkman Dates shirt front tackle and the spectators can feel the impact on the sideline. St Paul’s have the better of the play early in the second half and after some solid running from Kirkman Dates, Thorman, Johnson and O’Donnell, Alastar (The Star) O’Donnell crashes over next to the posts and Ashton (Golden Boot) Swaine slots over the conversion to tie the game up at 12 points all with 16 minutes to go.

Coach Tolman exhorts Water Boy Robinson to encourage the players to keep their cool and he still has every confidence that they can get the job done. Unfortunately, not long after that sage advice Eddy’s bust open the St Paul’s defence and race over for a try smack bang under the black dot. The Eddy’s goal kicker slots the conversion to take the score to Eddy’s 18 - St Paul’s 12.

Cruze (The After-Burner) Schubert speaks quiet and reassuring words behind the goal line, the challenge is set and it’s all or nothing. The game sways from side to side and end to end. Schubert saves a try with eight to go and St Paul’s get a penalty in the next set on their 10 metre line. Coach Tolman exhorts Water Boy Robinson to let the team know that they have 4 minutes to score. Alastar (The Star) O’Donnell hits it up the middle on plays 1, 3 and 5. The ball then shifts left through Flynn Tolman, Harry Moffit and Hamish Davies who throws an immaculate pass hitting the flying Benjamin (The Saviour) Hiscock on the chest and he dives over in the corner for a well deserved try.

It’s suddenly very tense. Ashton (Golden Boot) Swaine (Hence the nickname) carries the ball back and sits it on the tee, 18 metres from the try line and one metre from touch. He is a study of concentration. He steps back the obligatory five metres and sizes up the posts. He moves in and that boot strikes the Steeden ‘as clean as a whistle’ and it sails over the black dot. There are scenes of jubilation from players, coaches and supporters alike as the game is tied up at 18 points all.

Eddy’s trudge there way back to half way harbouring thoughts of ‘victory being stolen from the jaws of defeat’ by the men of St Paul’s. The kickoff sails deep into St Paul’s territory and is again carted back up field by Alastar (The Star) O’Donnell and his forward cohort of Johnson, Kirkman Dates and Thorman. The ball shifts to Harry Moffitt who ploughs it down field as the hooter sounds. Archer McMurray cuts down the Eddy’s centre with another scything tackle and the ref blows the whistle for the end of regulation time.

The coaching staff of both teams at this point race to consult the NRL Ground Manager. Is it extra time? Is it Golden Point? Well, actually it is both.

It's time for more sage advice from Super Coach Tolman. He is now brimming with confidence and so are his charges. The soothing words of the coach reassures the team and they brace for the final minutes of this absorbing match.

Five minutes each way and St Paul’s lose if extra time is a draw. It is all or nothing. The game resumes and play goes set for set, each team testing the other looking for a weakness. Three minutes down and St Paul’s force an error via a block busting tackle from Tom (The Axe) Prior and receive a penalty from the ensuing play. It’s too far out for ‘The Boot’ to do his thing so Tolman calls for four hit ups after the penalty and to shovel it to ‘The Boot’ to take a shot at field goal. ‘The Star’ and ‘The Jammer’ take multiple hitups, the ball shifts to Ashton for the shot, too many blockers, Ashton shifts the ball left to Luke (The Saviour 2) Johnson who dummies outside to Hiscock (Saviour 1) then straightens and dives over carrying two defenders for the winning try. The referee points at the spot and awards the try. St Paul’s are victors and the team are jubilant beyond belief. Cochrane Cup Grand Final here we come!!

St Paul’s 14 Years rugby league team will now play in the Cochrane Cup Grand Final at Central Coast Stadium in week 10 of this Term. Our opposition is yet to be decided. Thank you to all the families who travelled to Tuncurry to support our students in today's great victory. Your presence really made a big difference.

NRL Player of the Match - Alastar (The Star) O’Donnell
2 Points - Jordy (The Jammer) Kirkman Dates
2 Points - Ashton (Golden Boot) Swaine
1 Point - Archer (The Scyth) McMurray
1 Point - Thomas (The Axe) Prior

Congratulations to the entire squad, every boy has represented our great College with passion and pride.

New Athletics Carnival Records 2025
Congratulations to both Amelia Wilson and Wilton Townsend who have broken two records at the 2025 Athletics Carnival. Each of these fantastic athletes continue to excel across school and community athletics and should be very proud of their achievements.

Wilton Townsend - 16 Years Boys 800m - 2.07.02, 16 Years Boys 1500 m - 4.23.00

Amelia Wilson - 15 Years Girls 800m - 2.43.03. 15 Years Girls 1500m - 5.24.12

Upcoming Events

• NSW Secondary Schools Rugby 7’s - Tuesday 19 August at Verge St Fields, Kempsey - 9 teams from St Paul’s competing.
• Netball Schools Cup Regional Finals - Wednesday 27 August - 8 teams from St Paul’s competing.
• Lismore Diocesan Athletics Championships - Tuesday 2 September - 33 students competing.

Mr Leon Robinson - Teacher and Sports Coordinator

leon.robinson@lism.catholic.edu.au

St Paul's College staff, students and community wish Year 12 and the Year 11 accelerated students the very best of luck in their HSC trial exams!

The College has long provided students with the opportunity to borrow a device from the Library if they had left theirs at home or it was not charged. Unfortunately, the College will be only loaning out devices to students who are having their device repaired due to damage. In order to borrow a device, students must have lodged a claim for repairs on their device. Year 7 devices are required to be lodged directly through our supplier, Learning with Technologies and Year 8 and 9 devices are required to be lodged directly with the College.

We remind students that it is their responsibility to have a charged device each day for school (pending extraordinary circumstances, like extended power outages etc) to maximise their learning opportunities.

Should you require any further information about this update in policy then please reach out to douglas.gately@lism.catholic.edu.au

Douglas Gately - Leader of Learning (Technology)

The last week has been very busy for the Drama department with the Sydney Theatre company Belvoir coming to the College for a full day of Drama workshops and the annual Kempsey Eisteddfod taking place.

Belvoir Theatre Workshops
Students from Year 8-11 were given an amazing opportunity to work with industry professionals in engaging and inspiring workshops. Students began the day exploring the world of Improvisation. This was followed by Group Devising and Script work. This all day Drama Bootcamp extended the students creativity, built on their growing skills, and fostered collaboration as an ensemble. This was an incredible experience to work with a Sydney based theatre company and we look forward to many more opportunities like this.

The day started off with the Impromptu section. This tests the student’s improvisational skills, thinking on the spot, knowing each other's strengths and creating a performance from a given situation after two minutes. It is thrilling and challenging. These performances were very funny and entertaining for the audience.

The results were as follows:

• 1st: Kaitlyn Chadwick, Gracie Campbell, Hayden Brack and Sam Farrell
• 2nd: Emily Woods, Ruby Sproule, Sharni Crossley and Jayden Bolton
• 3rd: Jessica Preston, Olivia Rafton, Will Perry, Emily Walton-Potts
• Highly Commended: Ruby Green, Indy Allen, Havi Clarke, Eva Lemanski and Eli Baywood

The next section of the day was “Stage 4, 5 & 6 Short Play, Poetry or Prose”. Students entered this section with their Group Devised performance inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The results were:

• 1st: Gracie Campbell, Kaitlyn Chadwick and Sam Farrell
• 2nd: Kempsey High

The Year 12 students then took to the stage to compete in the HSC Monologue Solo section. This allows the students to perform their monologues that they will present as part of their HSC practical component. The results were:

• 1st: Ruby Bradford
• 2nd: Ruby Robbins
• 3rd: Alana Ennis
• Highly Commended: Grace Clarke and Isla Dowling

The rest of the afternoon focused on Shakespeare, with scenes from Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth. This is a challenging task, however the students competed with confidence in three different sections. The results were:

• Shakespeare Monologue
  1st: Hayden Brack
  2nd: Havi Clarke
  3rd: Matthew Collins
  
  
• Shakespeare Play or Excerpt from a Play
  1st: Olivia Rafton, Jessica Preston and Ruby Sproule
  2nd: Sharni Crossley, Jayden Bolton and Will Perry
  
  
• Shakespeare Duologue 
  1st: Ruby Green and Indy Allen
  2nd: Eva Lemanski and Eli Baywood
  3rd: Emily Woods and Emily Walton-Potts

Congratulations to each and every performer. You have rehearsed diligently and have proven how talented you all are. A big thank you to Mrs Ingrid Yssel for all her hard work in assisting to prepare these students. Looking forward to next year.

Parents/carers and students are reminded that students must follow the TfNSW Student Code of Conduct when travelling to ensure safe travel and respect for others. This applies to services provided by Busways and Cavanaghs.

To find out more, please follow this link to Transport NSW.

All parents/carers, family and friends are warmly invited to St Paul's HSC Creative Arts Showcase on Monday 1 September at 5:30pm in the Edmund Rice Centre. No RSVP required.

Parents/carers are cordially invited to join the Principal, staff, students and guests in officially opening The Mercy Centre on Monday 22 September 2025. Please RSVP by Wednesday 17 September to ensure we allocate sufficient seating.

RSVP - Mercy Centre Opening

All current and previous students, staff and families are invited 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, followed by a BBQ brunch provided by the College.

Please RSVP with family name and numbers to stpauls60thanniversary@gmail.com or call the College on 6562 7200.

The College is collecting photos and memorabilia which can be emailed to stpauls60thanniversary@gmail.com or dropped off in person at the College office.

Wednesday 12 November 2025
Please save the date if you have applied for a position at the College for Year 7 2026. This is a compulsory day for students who accept an offer of a position at St Paul's for Year 7 2026.

NSW Health will be holding a vaccination clinic at the College on Wednesday 29 October 2025 for ALL students who have consent in place. If your student has missed their vaccination in the past you may consent for a catch up vaccination to be administered at this clinic.

CONSENT
Consent may be provided by one of the following options:

• Paper form - please contact the College to arrange for a form to be sent home, kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au or 6562 7200
• Online - see below

Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.

VACCINES OFFERED
The following vaccines are offered free of charge to students at school:

1. Year 7 students (or those in older year groups who have missed these)

• diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine (1 dose)
• human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (1 dose).

2. Year 10 students (or those in older year groups who have missed this)

• meningococcal ACWY vaccine (1 dose).

ONLINE CONSENT
To provide consent for vaccination online, parents/carers will need to visit the School Vaccination Program online consent portal

• You will need your ServiceNSW log-in details and Medicare details for you and your child.
• For detailed steps on how to provide consent please refer to the NSW Health webpage, How to Provide Consent

MORE INFORMATION
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.

The following FREE parenting education webinars are provided through the NSW Council of Catholic School Parents:

• Understanding AI Assisted Image Based Abuse and Deep Fakes
  Thursday 21 August, 12:30pm - 1:15pm
  Register here
  
  

• Nurturing Your Child's Strengths
  Wednesday 10 September, 12:30pm - 1:15pm
  Register here

  
  

The NSW Council of Catholic School Parents are hosting a special 30-year anniversary Parent Conference in Sydney on Saturday 25 October. Keynote speakers include Justin Coulson, Michelle Mitchell and Daniel Principe. Conference tickets cost $30, and parents/carers need to arrange their own travel and accommodation in Sydney.

For more information and to book, please follow the link to CCSP Conference.