Principal's Message
The Gospel from last Sunday came from John 16: 12-15 which describes Jesus telling his disciples that he has more to teach them, but they cannot yet fully understand it. He then introduces the Holy Spirit as the spirit of truth who will guide them into all truth, glorifying Jesus by taking what is His and revealing it to them. I found the Gospel to be very topical at St Paul’s this week as our wonderful Year 12 cohort undertake and complete their next NESA assessment period. St Paul’s has entered our third year with a specific HSC assessment period where the College has designated specific assessment periods per Term rather than tasks spread throughout the Term. I consider this to be best practice in schools following over 25 years of administering such processes. I am very confident that our Year 12 students will continue to discover the truth in their academic studies by working positively and collaboratively with their teachers all the way up until the end of the HSC. There is the enduring force of God’s Holy Spirit which I have the privilege of experiencing daily at St Paul’s, none stronger than the efforts of our staff in nurturing truth and the aim to be a better person for all of our students within ours and the wider community.
2025 College expectations
I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to the whole school community last Wednesday 11 June regarding some reflections during my absence on my recent Long Service Leave period away from the College. I spoke to our community about the expectations I addressed on our first day of 2025 which focussed on three themes:
GATES - when we enter the gates at St Paul’s we treat each other with kindness, we are safe together and we celebrate and support our motto ('Let your light shine') emblazoned on our uniform;
ADVOCACY - everyone has a voice in our community, there is always someone you can ask for advice or support;
OUR CLASSROOM IS POSITIVE AND BUILT FOR LEARNING - the classroom is our time of learning and improving, it must be built on positive relationships with inspiring teaching and NO disruption. During my discussion with our students I emphasised that if any student continues to breach these fundamental expectations, I will organise a meeting with the student and their family with me as soon as possible. Our College has always been founded on high expectations inside and outside the classroom based on our motto, 'Let your light shine', where each student is cared for and nurtured to allow their light to shine. We all have an important role to play to continue to enhance the wonderful spirit of our College as we discussed last Wednesday.
St Paul’s Feast Day - Monday 30 June
I would like to draw everyone’s attention to our upcoming St Paul’s Feast Day on Monday 30 June. The HSC Studies of Religion students currently study St Paul as the important person for their HSC examination; St Paul was an energetic fellow who undertook a dramatic conversion to advocate and make Christianity accessible following the death of Jesus Christ. There is a great synergy between the purpose and drive of St Paul with the enduring enthusiasm and pride of our College within the Macleay and Nambucca Valleys in 2025 - both parties are founded on great energy and spirit! Our Feast Day provides opportunities for us to share in our spirit across the day during many fun activities culminating in a whole school talent show. This gathering throughout the past few years has been a wonderful example of our school spirit, where students and staff from varying skills have a go in providing entertaining performances for our College community, it is always lots of fun and laughs. I am expecting a great attendance and participation for the day.
St Paul’s Semester 1 Awards - Wednesday 30 July
St Paul’s has celebrated a range of wonderful academic, spiritual, cultural and sporting achievements from Semester 1 2025. Families are warmly invited to the Semester 1 Awards ceremony on Wednesday 30 July (Wednesday Week 2, Term 3) where these important achievements can be celebrated amongst our College community.
Kind regards
Mr Geoff Melville BRurScEd, MEd, GCertRE
Principal