Term 4 Week 8 - 2 December 2022
-
Principal's Message
-
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
-
Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing
-
Ministry and Evangelisation
-
Pastoral care
-
Sport
-
Canteen
-
Careers
-
Textiles Update
-
St Paul's P&F
-
Hospitality World Skills Competition
-
Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation visits St Paul's
-
Student and Staff Focus - Surf Life Saving
-
Papal Honour presented to All Saints Parishioners
-
Updated Covid Procedure
-
Compass Parent Tutorials
-
Kempsey Community Carols
-
Macleay Exhibition at the Slim Dusty Centre
-
2023 Term Dates
-
Newsletter Sponsors
Dear Parent/Carer
‘I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’
Matthew 3: 1-12
We have now reached the end of our assessment period for 2022! Across this week our Year 12, 2023 students completed their first block of work that will be used to determine what they have learnt and what they are capable of. At the same time all work was completed for our Year 7-10 students and now the reporting process can commence. I cannot commend the students enough for their efforts across the last few weeks. The information that I have received indicates a significant degree of time and effort has gone into study and revision of work by our students. It is hoped that academic growth will be observed once reporting is completed and released to families.
Last week we were visited by Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation, who brought their bus to the College to run a number of information sessions. Kinchela Aboriginal Boys Training Home was run by the NSW Government from 1924-1970 to house Aboriginal boys forcibly removed from their families. The ‘home’ was built on stolen land of the Dunghutti. The place, historical records, memories and stories of survivors provide a powerful historical record of how decisions and policies were damaging to so many and why it is so critical for these stories and experiences to be shared. The students took a lot from this presentation and I thank the Elders who gave their time to share their important stories with us.
This week we observed our Year 12 College Student Leaders coordinate and run our assembly which was a clear request from the College community informed through our various surveys. The way the assembly was run, the clarity and confidence in the presenters and the role modelling to other student was superb. All students involved should be very happy with their efforts.
I would like to take the opportunity to communicate the movements of staff into the 2023 Academic year.
The following staff have decided to retire and/or resign from their position at the College. We wish them well in the knowledge they have contributed much to our school community and will be missed.
Mr Ron Walker, Mrs Mary Walker, Mrs Kathy Cornish, Ms Sharon Kelly, Mr Angus Crowley, Ms Amanda Jones, Mr Tim Wuth, Mrs Rhonda Mossel, Ms Caitlin Rich, Mr Tom Salter and Mr Adam Preocanin.
The following staff have requested extended leave across 2023 and we wish them well across this time.
Mr Leon Robinson, Mr Will Pollock, Mr Brad Taylor, Mr Dominic MacAndrews, Mrs Lesa Morrison, Mrs Kristy Carney, Mrs Patricia Green, Mrs Belinda Mainey, Ms Terese Hope, Mrs Nina Winters and Mrs Nicole Single.
Finally, we have several staff members who are taking maternity leave. Please congratulate Ms Nadia Littlejohn, Mrs Liza Foran and Mrs Sarah Brown.
Over the last few Terms we have been considering ways in which we can further enhance our College student feelings of community and safety through ‘student voice’. As a result, we have developed a survey, using the NSW Child Safeguarding Standards, that will provide important data informing us in our decision making in the very important area of student safety and inclusion. Please take the time to complete this survey (approximately 10 minutes). It is hoped that we will have students, staff and families completing this survey, providing us with quality information to consider. You will all receive this shortly.
Finally, I have had ongoing conversations with students, families and staff around challenges associated with mobile phone usage at the College. Schools have responded in a variety of ways with varying results. I would like to open up this conversation by gaining comment from a broad section of our College community. At this stage we wish to hear the thoughts from those who attend the College to guide us in how we may respond to inappropriate use of mobile devices within the educational space. More information will follow.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
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
HSC Assessment Processes at St Paul’s - Term 4 2022
The first block of HSC assessments have taken place this week at St Paul’s in a new program introduced this Term. All Term 4 HSC Assessments have been timetabled for Week 8 which has initiated the following benefits for students:
- Throughout this Term each HSC student has been meeting with their mentor in PC classes supporting their organisation and drafting skills. The school is very fortunate to have such expert and experienced staff in these roles. The feedback received from this process has included an increase in attendance and engagement from students at the College.
- The specific HSC timetable for Week 8 has allowed for the variety of task types to be evenly spread, allowing students time to complete tasks and move on to the next task. The structure of Week 8 Term 4 is specifically designed to replicate the HSC Trial and final HSC examination timetables, building improved organisation and resilience skills within our students.
There will be no marks released to students until staff have presented marks and work samples to Mrs Tovey and myself. These case management meetings are rich in providing data on all students in the cohort, with a special focus on evidence of achievement and areas of improvement. Staff are asked to provide samples of work which are marked with other staff members, to support accuracy in judging students within the appropriate HSC performance band.
The College is keen to receive feedback from students, families and teachers regarding these new HSC assessment processes. HSC students will receive a survey during Week 9 which will support the 2023 assessment timetabling processes.
Families are very welcome to email me on geoffrey.melville@lism.catholic.edu.au with their thoughts on the new process as we plan to provide our students with the best chance of success in the 2023 HSC.
Mr Geoffrey Melville - Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
geoffrey.melville@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Leader Led Assembly
We've had another wonderful fortnight at the College where exemplary student voice and leadership was shown through our launch of the St Vinnies hampers. I would like to thank all the student leaders who organised the College assembly - it was engaging and encouraged the Christmas season to be grounded in service to others. We look forward to more events like this in 2023.
We are looking forward to celebrating the success of 2022 through our College End of Year Presentation and our Community Day at Stony Action Park. Please RSVP via Compass to attend the Community Day and stay tuned for more information.
As we move into the season of Advent we encourage everyone to attend one of the many Masses and liturgical celebrations in the Parish over the Advent and Christmas period. Please follow the link HERE for the Mass times.
Mrs Bronwyn Shipton - Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing
bronwyn.shipton@lism.catholic.edu.au
Christmas Appeal
As we approach the end of another school year the College begins to acknowledge and prepare for Christmas. Our senior cohort did a wonderful job organising a giving assembly this last Wednesday, and St Paul’s is now set to donate more than 50 Christmas hampers to our local St Vincent de Paul to help those in need. These hampers will now be presented at our Giving Mass next Tuesday, so there is still time for students to bring in items for these hampers.
Throughout Term 4 we have been blessed to have Fr James come and celebrate Mass for our Year 7 classes. These Masses have been held during period 5 each Tuesday and have been led by our students and their teachers. The celebration of Mass is an important part of life at a Catholic College and we are lucky to have the support and enthusiasm of Fr James to provide this opportunity for our students and staff.
God Bless,
Mr Will Pollock - Leader of Evangelisation
will.pollock@lism.catholic.edu.au
Vaping: How to Support my Child if they are Vaping
Although advertising and peers can heavily influence your teen’s decisions, the impact you have as a parent, carries enormous weight. Research has found that parental involvement and a positive outlook can make a significant difference in healthy decisionmaking, both now and in the future.
Take a Health Approach
If you discover that your teen is vaping, address it as you would any other risk to your child’s health. Try to resist the urge to lecture, yell or punish your child. It is important to keep the lines of communication open and show your child that you are concerned about their health and safety.
Although purchasing vapes containing nicotine without a prescription is illegal in Australia, many vapes labelled as nicotine-free do contain nicotine. Your child may need support to stop vaping as nicotine is very addictive. The more your child vapes, the more both the brain and body will get used to having nicotine, and the harder it is to go without it. When a person stops vaping, even for a short period, they can experience withdrawal, including strong cravings, irritability, fatigue, headache, sleeplessness and difficulty concentrating.
Conversation Starters
Make sure your child recognises how much you care about them and that the conversation is coming from a place of unconditional love, support and concern for their wellbeing. Use the conversation starters below to understand if your child may be continuing to vaping to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- Do you continue to vape even though you want to stop or think it’s hurting you in some way?
- Do you feel anxious or irritable when you want to use your vape but can’t?
- Do thoughts about vaping interrupt you when you are focused on other activities?
- Do you vape at school? How often?
- Have you ever tried to stop vaping but couldn’t?
- Do you feel like you have lost control over your vaping?
Support to Quit Vaping
Mr Leon Robinson - Leader of Pastoral Care
leon.robinson@lism.catholic.edu.au
0401 166 415
02 6562 7200
Girls League Tag Competition
The U15's League Tag Challenge was a hot, windy and ultimately very successful day for the girls. With limited preparation, the girls did themselves and the College proud, convincingly winning two games and finishing with a draw in the third. Unfortunately, Hastings Secondary College finished the round games with more points for and against, and therefore won the round and moved onto the final. The girls learned a lot, supported each other and had plenty of laughs. Please congratulate them on their efforts and how they represented St Paul's on the day.
- Coach Robins
Lismore Diocesan Golf Championships
St Paul's Year 10 student, Ashley Slapp, attended the Lismore Diocesan Golf Championships, held at the Coffs Harbour Golf Course. It was a beautiful track, with plenty of water to loose balls in. Ashley played well, scoring 27 points in a stableford round - a respectable score on a tough course.
NSWCCC Cricket
Congratulations to Ava Ryan, Year 10, who was selected in the NSWCCC Girls Cricket Team for 2023. A fantastic achievement Ava, we wish you all the best in the upcoming competitions.
Upcoming Sporting Events
Diocesan Touch Trials – 2023 Registrations now Open.
Mr Heath Needs - Teacher and Sports Coordinator
heath.needs@lism.catholic.edu.au
End of Term Canteen Stock
The canteen is starting to sell out of its existing stock nearing the end of school Term. Choices will be very limited over the next few weeks as we sell out and we're asking everyone to be understanding and patient as we cannot hold food items in the canteen over the long break.
The Flexischools menu will change daily reflecting the changes.
The last day for ordering via Flexischools will be Wednesday 14 December (no breakfast orders will be available), with only pies or toasties available for Flexischools orders for recess and lunch - no drinks.
Any drinks that are left in the canteen by that day will be available over the counter at recess and lunch service times.
It would be advisable for everyone to bring a drink bottle to refill as well as food for recess and lunch if not ordering via Flexischools on that day.
Ricki Saunders - Canteen Manager
For those students seeking full time employment, apprenticeships or traineeships in 2023 please continue to look at the St Paul's College Careers website. Be sure to look at the 'Job Updates' page which includes current opportunities in the local area. There are currently a number of opportunities including Early Childhood traineeships at local centres.
For Year 12 2023, now is a great time to consider your options. With the upcoming break, take the time to investigate tertiary or vocational options. If you are headed down the tertiary pathway, be sure to look into the 'Tertiary Updates' section which contains regular newsletters and information about the numerous 'Early Entry' schemes of many universities. The annual University Roadshow featuring four Regional Universities will be visiting the College in February. This is a great opportunity to continue to explore options, ask questions and plan ahead.
Stitch Club
Textiles held their first ever Stitch Up in Week 8 on Tuesday. Students who participated met in the textiles room at lunchtime, ready to create their own bucket hats. Students started by picking out their fabric from the resources available and cut out paper patterns ready for Thursday where they cut their fabric and began sewing.
If you wish to join, there’s still time!! Just add your name into the google form and meet at room 26 on Thursday at lunchtime. (Cost is $5 to participate)
Year 7/8 Update
Over Term 3 and 4 the current Year 7 and 8 Textiles students have been learning how to design and sew pencil cases.
Students learnt an array of sewing, dying and painting techniques prior to designing their own project. Techniques included how to sew using a sewing machine, inserting a zipper, tie dying, hand sewing and embroidery. Additionally, the students were introduced to sustainability in textiles, learning about the impact of textiles on the environment and how they can reduce waste through recycling and upcycling. Many students were inspired to use scraps or upcycle fabric/clothing to create their pencil cases.
Textiles are also very lucky to have access to the school's laser cutter, which enabled us to laser cut tags and engrave designs/images on them which students were required to create using their device.
Year 9 Update
Year 9’s Term 4 project brief was to create a cushion cover inspired by the theme ‘under the sea’. During this project, students learnt:
- Dying and printing
- Quilting
- Hand embroidery and beading
- Free motion machine embroidery
- Inserting a zipper
- Appliqueing/vlisofexing ocean themed designs (fish, turtles, whales, mermaids, seahorse)
This year, St Paul’s P & F has supported the College in various ways; from their presence at the Year 7 Welcome BBQ and the BBQ stall at the Kempsey Show; to fundraising through the bar at the Year 12 Graduation; and finally by providing funds to faculties who have requested support for much needed equipment.
Congratulations to St Paul's Year 11 students, Isabella Laws and Billy Besant, for achieving outstanding results in the Hospitality World Skills competition which was held at Newman Senior Technical College in Port Macquarie last week. Thank you to Ms Laura Vonholdt for her training and support and also for accompanying the students.
Last week St Paul's welcomed Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC) to the College. KBHAC presented to a range of students who were able to hear directly from KBH survivors. This was an invaluable experience for the students where they were able to learn about Kinchela Boys Home, the Stolen Generations and the continuing legacies of these experiences.
Congratulations to the students and staff from St Paul's College who were awarded their Surf Life Saving Bronze Medallions or Surf Rescue Certificates on Sunday. They have been working hard attending training every week throughout the season in order to pass their first aid, fitness and rescue assessments. These qualifications will allow them to participate in Surf Life Saving patrol operations, joining other members of the St Paul's community who volunteer to keep us all safe. Well done, we are proud of you all!
Pictured above (from left to right): James Gaddes, Emma Jarman, Ms Emma Matlock, Imogen Ward, Ollie Byrne, Aden Mills, Kayne Richards and Mrs Tess Meehan.
Bishop Greg Homeming recently presented six parishioners with a papal honour - the Benemerenti medal. The parish recipients included Peter Scott, Keith Henry, Colin Hassett and Pat Hassett. The medal recognises their exemplary service to the parish, which includes many years of tremendous service to both parish schools.
The Benemerenti Medal is a medal awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church. It was first awarded by Pope Pius VI (1775–1799) as a military decoration. In 1831 under Pope Gregory XVI (1831–1846) a special Benemerenti medal was struck to reward those who fought courageously in the papal army at Ferrara, Bologna and Vienna.
Since 1925, the medal has been awarded by the Pope to those who have contributed in an exemplary way to their Parish communities. The Pope grants all Honours and Awards and the local church only has a role in promoting nominations for such Honours and Awards.
Pat and Col Hassett have been involved in many facets of the Macleay valley Parish for decades, including going above and beyond for its schools, nursing homes, charities, volunteer groups, fundraisers and family groups within the parish as a whole. Pat and Colin’s dedication to the Church’s mission has never waivered. They continue to be involved in a range of ministries including music ministry, providing pastoral support and visitations to the aged and poor.
Keith Henry has always been someone the Clergy could depend on for practical advice and hands-on assistance since he was a young man. He has been a member of the Parish Finance Committee for 35 years and was instrumental in helping prepare many submissions for government grants to support school building projects. Keith was actively involved in the Vocational College and assisted to set up the College to provide trade and life skills to young people. There he also volunteered in adult education as a voluntary teacher sharing his trade knowledge. Keith continues on the Parish Finance Council and continues to be involved in various prayer groups and charitable fundraisers.
Peter Scott is a committed parishioner who has always been happy to give back to the community. He has maintained the All Saints Catholic Church and surrounding grounds, and has assisted with maintenance of the other four churches of the Parish. Through his understanding of building works and carpentry his advice on many maintenance and building works including in the parish schools has been invaluable. Peter has been a member of the Parish Finance Committee for over 35 years and continues to be involved in a number of ministries. Peter's genuine care for the community, especially those most in need, is a great inspiration to many.
Thank you Peter, Keith, Pat and Col - you are true legends of the Parish and broader community!
You may be aware of an increased number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the broader community.
Please be reminded that students and staff CANNOT attend school if they are showing any symptoms of COVID-19. These include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pains, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting, extreme tiredness, unexplained chest pain or conjunctivitis (eye infection).
It is no longer a requirement to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19, however, if your child is unwell, displaying any COVID-19 or cold and flu-like symptoms at any time, your child CANNOT attend school and should undertake a rapid antigen test.
If the rapid antigen test is positive and your child is unwell and/or experiencing any symptoms, your child CANNOT attend school.
If the rapid antigen test is positive and your child is not feeling unwell and not displaying or experiencing any symptoms, your child CAN attend school under the following conditions:
● the Office is informed of the positive test result, AND
● your child (over 12 years old) wears a mask for a period of 7 days in all indoor settings.
The best place for our students to learn is in the classroom but the safety and wellbeing of students and staff is our number one priority. We will continue to monitor the situation and advise when it is safe for all our students and staff to return to our classrooms. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your ongoing support.
Below is a range of video tutorials to assist parents/carers in familiarising with the features of Compass:
Calling All Singers
If you are able to help lead the community carol singing, please come to our rehearsal on Tuesday 6 December, 6:00 pm at the Richard Blight Music Centre, Memorial Avenue. (Next to the swimming pool.)