Principal's Message
St Paul's Community Events at the start of Term 3
There have been three terrific occasions at St Paul’s across the last two weeks involving the whole community. The College celebrated a wonderful NAIDOC day on Thursday 24 July, beginning with a whole school assembly and followed by a number of activities involving our staff and students. The College was privileged to be addressed by four outstanding Dunghutti local Kempsey residents; Uncle Bob Smith, Freeda Roberts, Tristan Reilly and Christa Smith. A range of activities were available for students to participate in thanks to the support and guidance from the Dhina Durriti Aboriginal Corporation, Burran Dalai Aboriginal Corporation, South West Rocks Figtree Descendants Aboriginal Corporation, Pathfinders, and Jason Ridgeway.
On Friday 25 July the College enjoyed great weather for the Athletics Carnival. This is such a great day for our community to come together and enjoy the fun of healthy house competition in a range of athletic events as well as a nice chat with friends and staff. My great thanks for our Leader of Sport, Mr Leon Robinson, for his excellent organisation, as well as all our staff for the generous support and involvement.
On Wednesday 30 July the College welcomed many family visitors to the Semester 1 Awards ceremony. It was great to see so many parents/carers attend and many students receive awards, ranging from attendance; Duke of Edinburgh; PBRS contributions; the Guiding Light award (a new award celebrating student’s consistent positive attitude, outstanding effort, and respectful approach to all around them); outstanding NAPLAN achievement in Year 7 and 9; Chairman's Award for Shakespeare State Carnival; Gold and Platinum Academic Awards, and Staff awards were presented to Ms Jo Day, Mr Aiden Tolman, Ms Khianni Walsh-McKiernan and Mrs Lauren McCarthy to acknowledge their outstanding contribution to the College. Special thanks must go to Mrs Lesa Morrison, Mrs Krystal Brady and Mrs Bernette van Kal for their superb organisation.
Strong start to Term 3
We have enjoyed a strong start to Term 3. I have been pleased with the efforts of students in wearing their uniform correctly, our overall school attendance, and the settled approach to our studies. Term 3 is a big Term especially for Year 11 and 12 with final assessments, so a positive and engaging College community atmosphere adds so much to our wellbeing.
Mercy Centre Opening - Monday 22 September
The Mercy centre will be officially opened on Monday 22 September with the ceremony beginning at 9.30am. If parents/carers are interested in attending, please stay tuned for the RSVP being sent out on Compass soon. The Bishop of Lismore and other guests will be invited to this important recognition of our College community and our state of the art facilities.
Feast of the Assumption Mass - Friday 15 August
The Feast of the Assumption is a holy day of obligation in the Catholic church and will be celebrated on Friday 15 August. We are pleased to announce that St Joseph’s Primary school will be joining our College community to celebrate the Mass with Father James. There will be over 1000 staff and students coming together in the Mercy Centre, which will be a beautiful opportunity for the Kempsey schools to share this important liturgical celebration with Father James.
Kind regards
Mr Geoff Melville BRurScEd, MEd, GCertRE
Principal