Week 2 Term 3

Athletics Carnival - An Open Letter to Parents

The athletics carnival last week was a wonderful event.  Our students (and staff) clearly needed a fun, community event to take the focus off COVID-19 and away from the constant media attention on the pandemic.  Students were fully engaged, attendance was great, records were being broken and parents were keeping to the ‘do not attend’ request. That is until lunch time, and this is where the letter commences. 

Straight off the bat I have to say “Our messaging needs to be much better than it was”.  A Facebook notification was all that was used to alert parents to the rule that parental visits to the carnival were not permitted.  And while Social Media can be a fantastic medium, everyone here at the College needs to realise that not all parents use it as a regular source of information.  Hand on heart - that is our fault. There are already plans in place to rectify this for future events. 

That being said, it was very upsetting and very concerning when a large number of parents (read here: grand-parents, aunts and uncles, carers etc) turned up at lunch time and afterwards with bags of food for their children. Our discomfort levels as legal carers of our students during a school carnival went through the roof.  And an explanation of why this is not an over-reaction follows below. 

All institutions (including schools) during this time are required to have a COVID-Safe plan in place to ensure that collection of names and contact details for visitors at any given time can be produced on demand from a NSW Government Health official or the police.  Given that the carnival is an outdoor event with no clear entry and exit points it was determined that parental visits would not be allowed.  That is also in line with NSW Department of Education and Catholic Schools NSW guidelines which say parental visits should be limited to only those times when absolutely required or emergencies. 

Keeping parents away, then, had two purposes: 

1. Ensuring our students were not going to be potentially engaging with adults or other visitors not of their family.
2. Ensuring that we kept in line with NSW Government and CSNSW regulations for schools in relation to parental visits. 

We are all keenly aware of the situation in Victoria at the moment.  And further to that, it is obvious that outbreaks in Sydney have been almost 100% attributed to visitors from the southern state.  What I am almost certain of, too, is that people would be fully aware that during the school holidays, our camping grounds, van parks, motels and apartments up and down the mid-north coast were full of vehicles with Victorian number plates and many visitors from Sydney.  While this cash injection was a welcome relief for the proprietors of those venues and the community as a whole, the heightened risk of infection into our beautiful part of NSW is increasingly likely to follow that of the outbreaks in Sydney over the last fortnight. 

The outbreaks in the Crossroads Hotel and Thai Rock Restaurant were caused by people who were asymptomatic - they didn’t know they had it when they entered those establishments. How many visitors to our coast in the last two weeks have been exactly the same?  How many in our College community, including parents, have come into direct or indirect contact with them or places they have visited?  For me, as the leader of the College whose prime responsibility is to ensure the safety of our young people, that is a risk far too great for my comfort. 

And there are severe penalties in place for businesses (and schools) who do not enforce a proper COVID-Safe plan:

• “Any business found in breach of the Public Health Orders could face a penalty of up to $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty may apply for each day an offence continues. On-the-spot fines can also be issued.” (NSW Department of Health - Public Health Orders and restrictions) 

On that day, if a NSW Health official or police officer turned up and saw that students had been visited by parents to deliver food, and they then subsequently ordered the College to produce a contact list of parents who visited the carnival, we simply would not have been able to comply and would have potentially faced the fines listed above, possibly even multiples of those fines for each instance we could not account for.  If the fines are indeed applied for each offence, it is possible that those fines could have exceeded the College’s entire budget for disability education-support, just as an example.  

Further, I know that many parents have said or implied, “but I did the right thing - I social-distanced when I delivered”.  And this may be the case for you, but how do I guarantee that every parent did this?  I cannot, which is why the parental ‘non-attendance rule’ was in place.  Others said, “how is this different to me bringing food to school?”  The answer is, of course, that visitations to school are closely monitored and recorded. Interactions with students are kept strictly in line with guidelines and a register of all visitors is maintained.  At school, a parent cannot visit a student unless they notify the office, sign-in and register their details on a list for the College to produce on demand if required. 

Outside of those potential fines, if, for example, the community were alerted to an outbreak tomorrow within the College, and NSW Health asked me to help contact-trace anyone who was in attendance on the day, I cannot do that effectively. That is a huge and unacceptable unknown for the College and community health. 

And, of course, most students undertook this practice by using their mobile phones in contravention of College policy, which is there for a reason, so that we can (attempt to) ensure that they are not doing the wrong thing, and blindly making contact with people in a manner that is not acceptable.  This is why I wrote about mobile phone use in the final newsletter last term.

One group I feel most sorry for are those parents (especially of Year 12) who stayed away and missed what for some might be their last athletics carnival.  

What this incident has done, has to ensure and encourage us to tighten our policies and procedures around sporting carnivals.  Parental involvement (when it returns post-COVID) is vital and most welcome. In many instances we cannot run carnivals and other events without your support.  But it must happen with the best interests of all of our students at front of mind. 

Again, I go back to my first point - Our Messaging Needs to be Much Better Next Time.  And it will, but what will also be better are the guidelines around parental interaction on special days like carnivals so that parents don’t inadvertently do the wrong thing and find themselves having the finger pointed where it could have been avoided. 

Our Facebook page lit up with people criticising and blaming each other needlessly. Our Social Media platforms are not intended for that and I ask that parents refrain from this moving forward.  It is not helpful and goes against our intention to come together to be a supportive community.  I wrote earlier in the year about COVID, that what will really matter when we come out of this is ‘How We Treat Each Other’.  Jesus teaches us that Love Will Prevail.:

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13 

Love each other and we will get through this together as one.

God Bless

Kevin Lewis BEd (Syd) MEd (ACU) GradCertRe (Uon)

College Principal

kevin.lewis@lism.catholic.edu.au

Semester 1 Commendation Ceremonies

On the last day of Term 2, we took the opportunity to reward our students for the work that they had completed throughout Semester 1.  

Students can be awarded commendations for outstanding effort and achievements.

Commendations are given in the five areas of: Ministry, Academic, Sporting, Cultural, and Community Service.  Despite the fact that opportunities to receive commendations in Community Service, Cultural, Sport and Ministry had been severely restricted because of the pandemic we were still able to award large numbers of Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Commendations and also a large number of 100% attendance awards. The criteria for receiving commendations are listed as follows:

Gold Awards Are Given for Obtaining

Seven or more Commendations in two or more of the five areas.

Silver Awards Are Given for Obtaining

Five or six Commendations in one or more of the five areas.

Bronze Awards Are Given for Obtaining

Three or four Commendations in one or more of the five areas.

Semester 1 - 100% Attendance Awards

100% attendance at school for all days enrolled during Terms 1 and 2.

Principal’s Platinum Awards

Presented to students who have achieved the most outstanding reports in each year level.

All students who received awards at the Semester 1 Commendation Ceremony are listed below and should be congratulated for their efforts.

Parent/Teacher Interview Zooms – Monday 10 August

We will be conducting Zoom Parent/Teacher interviews on Monday, 10 August from 4 - 6.30 pm. Parent/Teacher interview bookings will be available on https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/ and the booking code is yn43z.   The site will be open for bookings from 9 am on Monday, 3 August, and you will be able to find a link to teacher Zoom meetings on the College website from 3.45 pm on Monday, 10 August.  Zoom meetings will last for seven minutes and it is very important that you stick to your allotted seven minute timeslot.

 Mr Leon Robinson - Acting Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

The Hub

The Hub, formally known as Student Services, plays an integral role in the Pastoral Care of our students.  It is a place where they can achieve their educational needs in a safe space, whether it be for additional needs students requiring one-on-one support from a teacher assistant, learning support from our student support worker or just some quiet time to reflect and regroup, away from the classroom environment.  This multi-functional space is a welcoming environment where students can achieve individual success.  In The Hub, there is a range of work and quiet spaces for the students.  If you have any questions, please email Mrs Kristy Carney or me on the following email addresses:

kristy.carney@lism.catholic.edu.au 

bronwyn.shipton@lism.catholic.edu.au

College Uniform

As we begin a new Term, I would like to thank parents for supporting the College by encouraging their children to wear our uniform with pride and have the correct uniform on when they leave home each day. 

I would like parents to help us by being especially attentive to jumpers, as well as correct shoes and socks as we move through the cooler weather.  Please call the College office if you have any uniform enquiries.

Mrs Bronwyn Shipton - Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing

Welcome back to Term 3!  I hope that you and your family had a restful break and have come back with enthusiasm for an enjoyable term.  For myself, it was a particularly joyful holiday as we welcomed our second child into the world!

Feast of the St Mary MacKillop

On 8 August every year, the Church in Australia, and around the world, celebrates the Feast of St Mary MacKillop.  Mary is Australia’s first saint to be canonised (which occurred in 2010) and is known in both religious and secular circles in our country.  It is worth noting that she faced many challenges in her life (including being kicked out of the Catholic Church altogether at one point) but despite these hardships, Mary always knew what her purpose was.  It was only because of her deep, intimate relationship with Jesus that she was able to do the amazing works that she did, and that her legacy continues today through the Sisters of St Joseph and through countless schools across the country.

To learn more about the life of this amazing female saint, click here. 

Thanks to Meg Henry

I would like to extend a BIG THANK-YOU to Miss Megan Henry, who filled in as Acting Leader of School Evangelisation for the last two weeks of Term 2 whilst I took some paternity leave.  From all reports, she did a fabulous job in guiding our College through the Feast Day celebrations and accompanying our Year 10 students to help facilitate the Accendere Retreat for the Year 4s at St Joseph’s Primary.

Parish Sunday Masses

As we continue to navigate our way through the Coronavirus pandemic, our Parish Priest, Father James, is generously celebrating some additional weekend Masses to enable as many people to be able to attend as possible.  To register, please contact the Parish Office.

For the time being, weekend Mass times will be as follows: 

• Saturday 9.30 am– South West Rocks
• Saturday Vigil 6 pm – Kempsey
• Sunday 7.30 am – South West Rocks
• Sunday 9.30 am – Kempsey
• Sunday 11 am – Kempsey 

Sunday Mass will continue to be livestreamed via the following platforms for those who are unable to make it:

• 8 am in Lismore with Bishop Gregory Homeming
• 10 am with Fr Rob Galea
• 30 am from St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney

YMO Happenings

Our Youth Ministry Officers (YMOs) Calissa and Darcy, have come back with plenty of enthusiasm for Ministry here at St Paul’s this term, despite the current restrictions: 

• Our lunchtime youth group REACH continues, with a good core group coming along to explore and nourish their faith. The REACH Instagram page is still up and running – there is some great content posted there!  Follow it using reach_kmc
• In Week 10 of last term, Darcy and Calissa helped eight of our Youth Ministry students prepare for and facilitate the Accendere Retreat for the Year 4s at St Joseph’s Primary. A great day was had by all and our Year 10 leader received some glowing feedback.
• Something that our YMOs have been working hard on is to host a local Street Retreat here in Kempsey. The ladies have put an enormous amount of work already into this event, which will hopefully go ahead (restrictions permitting) on 20–21 November, in Term 4.  This will be an opportunity for ALL STUDENTS to learn about some of the social justice issues affecting people right here in the Macleay Valley and to put their faith into action.  Watch this space for more details over the coming months.

Vinnies Winter Appeal

Today we concluded our annual Vinnies Winter Appeal by holding a “Beanie Day” to raise some extra dollars to donate to the St Vincent de Paul Society.  Over the past few weeks Mr Scott Edwards, along with his team of helpers, has done a fantastic job in drumming up support for this important appeal, which aims to provide some warmth and assistance to the marginalised members of our community. 

WELL DONE to everyone for your generosity once again in supporting this appeal through your donations of warm clothing.  Online donations are also very much needed and appreciated, if you are able to do so. 

Spiritual Resources

Word on Fire – Bishop Robert Barron

Behind Pope Francis, Bishop Robert Barron is the most followed Catholic globally on social media.  The founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, Bishop Barron has produced many film series, documentaries and commentaries about the Catholic faith and its relevance and relationship to today’s increasingly secularised culture. 

In this video he talks about the question “What Do You Want God to Do for You?”  This is a question that we can all ask of ourselves and Bishop Barron sheds some light on this question.

Macleay Valley Catholic Parish Website

The Macleay Valley Catholic Parish website has a number of good resources, which are being added to weekly.  I would commend these to your viewing.  You can also find the parish newsletter here.

School Retreats Update

It is our intention, to hold the following Retreat and Reflection days during the second half of the year.  Some have been postponed/changed due to the coronavirus pandemic, however as a Catholic school, the spiritual formation of our young people remains of utmost importance.  More details will be forthcoming in the weeks to come as we get a better idea of the ‘lie of the land’.  Here is a tentative list of what we hope to hold this semester: 

• Year 8 “Catch the Wave” Retreat (Week 6, Term 3)
• Year 12 Reflection Day (Week 7, Term 3)
• Year 9 Retreat Day (Week 2, Term 4)
• Year 10 Retreat (29–30 October, Week 3, Term 4)
• Senior Retreat (4–6 November, Week 4, Term 4)
• Kempsey Street Retreat (20–21 November, Week 6, Term 4)
• Year 7 Reflection Day (Week 8, Term 4) 

Unfortunately, both the SHINE and IGNITE gatherings have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus situation.  We look forward to being able to attend these amazing, faith-filled gatherings again in 2021 (hopefully)! 

If you have any ideas about how to improve Ministry and Evangelisation at St Paul’s, then please let me know.

Please contact me if you have any questions about, or ideas for, ministry and evangelisation at the College.

God Bless!

Mr Dominic MacAndrews - Leader of School Evangelisation

dominic.macandrews@lism.catholic.edu.au

HSC Trial Exams

Trial Exams are occurring in Weeks 5 and 6 of this term.  Students will have received a hard copy and an email copy from me last term.  If there are any issues, they need to see me as soon as possible.  Year 12 students should now be working hard revising for these exams and should implement a study and revision timetable if they have not already done so to ensure that all subjects are covered equally. 

A number of students also have major works due around this time (see below).  Therefore, in order to alleviate last minute stress, they should be carefully managing their time and working out a schedule in order to meet these important deadlines. 

NESA Updates on the HSC

A reminder that Year 12 students and parents can keep up to date with any changes to the HSC due to Covid-19 via the following link:

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/about/news/novel-coronavirus

HSC Minimum Standard of Literacy and Numeracy

Throughout Semester 1, numerous opportunities have been provided for students in Years 10–12 to complete these online tests.  The standards must be met in the three areas: reading, writing and numeracy in order for students to receive their HSC credential.  This will not, however, prevent them from receiving an ATAR. 

Whilst Year 12 students will be our priority this term, we are endeavouring to have as many Year 10 and 11 students also complete these tests, and reach the minimum standards, before the end of the year so as to relieve the additional burden during their HSC year.  Students will be emailed if they still have a standard to meet and I will inform them via the morning notices of the times set to complete the tests.

Further information can be found on the NESA website:

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/hsc-minimum-standard/online-tests

HSC Practical Submission Dates: 

• English Extension 2:  21 August
• Industrial Technology: 27 August
• Textiles and Design: 31 August
• Visual Arts: 14 September

Mrs Catriona Martin - Leader of Curriculum

Year 12

Good on those of you making the most of extra study time after school and during breaks.  Between now and the Trials, we’ll also look to have things open for you at 8 am in case you’re more of an early bird. 

Premier’s Reading Challenge

This concludes four weeks from today, August 28.  Keep reading and keep entering your titles online. 

Overdues

Students with overdue texts or library books would have received reminder letters with their reports last term. Thanks to those who have responded to these.  Others should know what to do.

Covid-19

For everyone’s information, and potential safety, the following protocols have been put in place until deemed no longer necessary:

• Students are required to bring their own pens when borrowing textbooks or doing work
• Be sure to use sanitiser from the station situated in the foyer
• Where it’s obviously possible without fuss or bother, maintain your social distance
  
• All tables and desks are sanitised at the start of every day
• All books and equipment returned to us will be “quarantined” for at least 48 hours before being made available for re-issuing
• For scheduled recreational reading lessons, the following preferences exist, in this order: 
• Bring your own book or device into the Library and take it with you at the end of the lesson
• If you take a book from the shelves, borrow it and take it with you at the end of the lesson
• If you take a book from the shelves but don’t wish to borrow it, leave it in a designated place. DO NOT return it to the shelves.

Happy Reading

and remember…Wash Your Hands and Keep Your Distance

Mr Peter Garty - Teacher/Librarian

Athletics Carnival

Last Thursday, St Paul’s held our annual Athletics Carnival.  The day was a little different, due to the nature of the pandemic, however our students turned up and made the most of it.

A number of staff commented that participation levels were at an all-time high and that really showed with how close the house point totals were. 

I would like to thank the students for their behaviour and efforts on the day.  There was only ONE record broken this year, and that was by Tom Moffitt, the U12’s Age champion.  He broke a 20-year-old discus record, beating the 26.75m with a 28.18m throw.  Congratulations Tom! 

Another big thank you goes out to all the staff who helped on the day.  From running a BBQ to timekeeping, every job is crucial for a successful carnival.

Age Champions and Runners Up

Overall House Point Tally

Mr Heath Needs - Sports Co-ordinator

Mrs Kristy Carney - Additional Needs Teacher