Connected Together sharing common ground
Principal's Message
At the Sunday Mass Fr Pius presented the famous Gospel reading John 8: 1-11, outlining Jesus being tested about the sinfulness of a woman brought to him. The gospel outlines how the scribes and the Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery to test Jesus about the law of God. Jesus uses this case to teach that we are sinners and need repentance, and the gospel also highlights the importance of gratitude as an action from repentance.
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
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
In the previous newsletter I outlined that I am taking Long Service Leave from 7 April to 23 May, as such there have been staffing appointments outlined below during those 5 school weeks:
- 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
Ms Emma Tamblyn will also take on the role of Acting Year 7 Pastoral Care Leader from 26 May until the end of Term 2 while Mr Mitch Robins in on leave. I would like to personally congratulate these fine staff on their appointments, the College is blessed to have so many capable staff who can seamlessly step into important school leadership roles.
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
This wonderful group of parents are a vital support for our College community and I wish them the very best during 2025.
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.
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