Principal's Message
It is a great pleasure to write to you following my recent long service leave since 7 April, I have missed our wonderful community. In particular I would like to reach out to all of our families affected by the recent severe flooding in the Macleay and Nambucca Valleys. I have spoken to a range of staff, students and families regarding some significant impacts of these floods; for example our magnificent Agriculture teachers Mr Graham Bramley and Ms Lisa Frewen were a case in point. Graham spent many days searching for cattle from our school farm who escaped to drier ground once a significant amount of the Francis Farm was submerged, while Lisa had to kayak kilometres daily to get to cattle on her submerged farm for feeding, at one stage standing on her tip toes with water around her neck resolving urgent fencing (I won’t outline the range of spiders and snakes she encountered during those experiences).
The communities of the Macleay and Nambucca continue to experience and recoil from natural disasters many times in the past few years, it is inspiring to meet so many locals that speak with pride and determination to continue to forge ahead in our beautiful surrounds despite these disasters. I wish to acknowledge and extend my thoughts of gratitude and best wishes to our families and friends during this significant recent event. A special shout out to Mr Guy Campbell and the St Joseph’s Primary School Kempsey community following the significant flood damage that impacted the school. The immediate recovery process led by Guy was very impressive leading to re-opening during Week 6. It was a great pleasure for St Paul’s to host some of the students and staff from Joey’s during Week 5, they were a delightful crew that added much positive energy to our College.
Tremendous leadership during my leave
I would like to acknowledge the tremendous leadership of many staff who completed promotional positions with distinction during my recent long service leave. Mrs Kate Fullbrook was superb as Acting Principal, as was Mrs Amy Tovey (Acting Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching), Mr Brendan Goswell (Acting Leader of Curriculum) and Mrs Barica Rafton (Acting Leader of Catechesis). I have remarked to staff that strong schools can be measured by effective school leadership and in this case these wonderful staff demonstrated their ability to seamlessly move into substantial new roles and discharge the duties required impressively.
Outstanding Drama results in the State Finals
The College received the wonderful news last Sunday that Kaitlyn Chadwick, Gracie Campbell and Sam Farrell from Year 11 competed in the State Shakespeare Carnival held at the Seymour Centre in Sydney and were crowned runner up State Champions in Group Devising. Many congratulations to these students and their wonderful teacher Mrs Amanda Jordan, who is an ex-student of the school and who performed with great distinction while at school and since leaving school. St Paul’s is blessed to employ such generous staff where many hours are required out of school time to support students reaching higher standards for competition. Drama in schools is a wonderful subject to study (our two son’s studied Drama Years 9-12) as it builds skills and confidence that support students both at school and in their next phase of life.
St Paul’s College School Community Forum - Wednesday 11 June 5:30pm
The monthly meeting of the College’s School Community Forum (previously the P&F committee) will occur on Wednesday 11 June from 5.30pm. All parents are very welcome to join this generous group of parents who support the College in so many ways. There will be an update of 2026 school uniform changes and fund raising planning for 2025.
2026 Enrolments update
The College has enjoyed a tremendous response to the applications for Year 7 2026 enrolments which has continued from 1 March and closed 31 May. Our wonderful enrolments officer Mrs Hayley Cook is organising for all applicants to be interviewed so the College can respond as soon as possible with enrolment offers.
I hope you have not been adversely affected by the recent flooding and please contact the College if we can support your family if you need further assistance.
Kind regards
Mr Geoff Melville BRurScEd, MEd, GCertRE
Principal