Principal's Message

Mass for the Jubilee of Youth in Rome
There were joyous and rich scenes that emanated from Rome last week as Pope Leo celebrated Mass with over one million youth in Rome. The singing and celebrations were inspiring, as were Pope Leo’s words to those assembled, I particularly appreciated his focus on important values that our College community places an important emphasis towards. During his homily, Pope Leo remarked “We need to lift our eyes, to look upwards, to the “things that are above” (Col 3:2), to realise that everything in the world has meaning only insofar as it serves to unite us to God and to our brothers and sisters in charity, helping us to grow in “compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience” (Col 3:12), forgiveness (cf. ibid., v. 13) and peace (cf. Jn 14:27), all in imitation of Christ (cf. Phil 2:5). And in this way we will grow in an ever deeper understanding of what it means that hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (cf. Rom 5:5).” There is an expectation that students and staff at St Paul’s support each other living the values of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness and peace. These values are central to our mission and the expression of our Catholic faith.

Tell Them From Me - 2025 Data
A very important set of data that our College undertakes annually is the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) survey. Students, staff and parents are surveyed annually regarding a range of questions focusing on student and staff wellbeing, social interactions, student-staff interactions, opportunities inside and outside the classroom and future planning after school. I am pleased to report that an analysis of social-emotional and drivers of student outcomes have improved significantly in many areas of the survey in 2025 compared to previous years. There is great joy to note students consider there is more positive behaviour at school which jumped substantially by 8%, the feeling of anxiety dropped by 3%, a sense of belonging increased by 3%, feeling safe attending school increased by 3% and concerns of bullying and exclusion dropped significantly by 5%. St Paul’s aims to be a safe and inclusive College where everyone within our community is respected and cared for. I am greatly heartened by so many positive trends that have emerged from the TTFM 2025 data.
TTFM_survey.jpg

Student Voice - Uniforms, Shoes and Jewellery
Student_Voice_1.jpgStudent voice is so important and is a measure of the positive health of the school. During 2025 we have sought student and staff opinion regarding future amendments to our uniform as well as reviewing our shoe and jewellery policies. Every student has been recently invited to join a group reviewing our current shoe and jewellery policies, the feedback from Mrs Krystal Brady and Mrs Lesa Morrison has been that the student meetings have been positive and insightful, there has been respectful discussions about possible changes to both policies. I greatly appreciate the leadership of Mrs Krystal Brady and Mrs Lesa Morrison and the students who are supporting these reviews.

Trial HSC Examinations
The trial HSC examinations take place across week 5 and 6 which is the final school assessment for our wonderful Year 12 cohort. The College has deliberately created assessment windows, specifically in Year 11 and 12, to create assessment periods that prepare students well for both the Trial and HSC examinations. Best of luck to our Year 12 students, and to the Year 11 students in accelerated HSC courses.

Cochrane Cup
Congratulations to our U14’s boys rugby league team on their victory in the semi-finals of the state wide Cochrane Cup. Congratulations and thanks also to coach Mr Aiden Tolman and managers Mr Leon Robinson and Mr Heath Needs.

The team defeated St Edward's College Gosford in extra time, 22-18 with Luke Johnson scoring the winning try. St Edward's College has a strong rugby league tradition which has produced many NRL players so this is truly a feather in St Paul's rugby league cap!

I understand that the Grand Final of the Cochrane state-wide cup will be played on Wednesday 24 September at the Central Coast Stadium, Gosford against a, as yet, unknown opponent. We are very proud of the playing efforts and sportsmanship of our students and wish them all the best for the upcoming Grand Final.

Important Events in Week 10 this Term
There are two significant events towards the end of this Term where parents and families are warmly invited to attend. The College will be officially opening the Mercy Centre at 10.00am on Monday 22 September. There are a number of distinguished guests invited including the Bishop of Lismore, the Director of DLCS schools, the local state and federal members, former school Principals and many others. Parents/carers and families have the opportunity to contact the College if you wish to attend.

The Year 12 Graduation Mass also takes place in Week 10 on Wednesday 24 September. This Mass is a beautiful celebration of our Year 12 cohort which will be followed by a morning tea and Major Award Ceremony at the College. Parents/carers and families are required to RSVP for catering purposes.

Kind regards

Mr Geoff Melville  BRurScEd, MEd, GCertRE

Principal

kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au