Week 8 Term 2 - 17 June 2022

Dear Parent/Carer

‘And taking the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed them; and he broke, and distributed to his disciples, to set before the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled. And there were taken up of fragments that remained to them, twelve baskets.’

Luke 9: 11b-17

What a tremendous few weeks we have had at the College!

We have just finished our assessment period and teachers are currently putting together documentation for reporting the progress of our students to all families. Across this time, we have had sporting teams represent the College in Soccer and Rugby League along with students taking part in the Da Vinci Decathlon. It was incredibly pleasing hearing how competitive our students were and how well they represented the College.

We further honoured our wonderful Cattle team who performed so well across the variety of regional shows, with a morning tea. Students spoke of what was learnt and had the chance to display their trophies and ribbons obtained across the last few weeks. It is hoped that their next event at Scone is equally rewarding for this motivated group of young men and women.

Across this week you would have all received information regarding our new DATA MANAGEMENT TOOL - COMPASS. We will be moving to COMPASS at the beginning of Term 3, 2022. This application, which you will need to download, will make interactions with the College far more streamlined. It is expected that COMPASS will be ‘a one stop shop’ for all families for managing communication, school fees, permissions and other related matters.

Further information can be found on the link below and by watching the video:

Please read further information about COMPASS as it is released, so you know what is required.

In our last week of term, we will be celebrating St Paul’s Catholic College Feast Day. It is a very important time for our College when we recognise our Patron Saint - St Paul, and celebrate our wonderful achievements as a strong, supportive Catholic community.

We will have a FEAST DAY LITURGY on Wednesday 29 June, followed by FEAST DAY CELEBRATIONS on Friday 1 July. The Friday celebrations will involve the presentation of Semester Awards and the release of End of Semester reports. To receive awards and reports, students are required to be in attendance, and if absent, will need to communicate this to the College with an appropriate reason to miss a gazetted school day.

The College expects continued attendance across the last week of term. Celebrating as a community matters and I ask for family support as we ensure that ALL students come together for this event. Our FEAST DAY celebrations will also recognise NAIDOC week and I thank Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation for their input across this week.

Finally, a reminder to all families - please do not attend school if symptomatic, even if it is not COVID, the current strain of INFLUENZA appears quite virulent and we have many families (students and staff) who are vulnerable and becoming unwell and could be life threatening. We need to look after each other. Distribution of further RATs to all students has been undertaken this week and we urge families to use these as required.

Wishing you all a safe weekend.

Kind regards

Mr David JOHNS   B.Ed., Cert. Gifted Ed., Grad. Cert. Adol. Health and Welfare, M.Ed. (Ed Lead), M.Ed. (Theol) 

Principal

david.johns@lism.catholic.edu.au

On behalf of the St Paul's College Learning Support Team, we would like to say a huge thank you to all families, students, staff and local businesses from our wonderful community. We celebrated the day with the sales of Cookies by Cleo (Cleo Schubert, Year 8), sweet treats, coloured ribbons and handmade scrunchies by Chelsea Stringer, Year 7.

During lunch we were spoilt by the Year 11 hospitality team, led by Mrs Laura Vonholdt and Mr Aidhan Fahey. The lunch alone raised close to $1000. A special thanks to all the other staff involved, in particular Mrs Jessy Haaring and Mr Adam Mascord who provided fun activities during PC and lunch time. We were inundated with raffle donations and there were many winners. This raised over $1500.

It was a great community day and showed just how much importance our students, parents and families place on raising money for research into a disease that affects so many people in our community.

Thank you for the online donations. Our online goal of $1000 has almost been reached! Overall we have raised $4400. It is not too late, every cent counts - to donate please follow the link below:

Year 10 subject selections for Year 11 2023

The opportunities for our current Year 10 students to begin to chart their HSC program begins next week at St Paul’s as outlined below:

• Year 12 info session for Year 10 students - June 22nd
• Subject Selection Night - August 3rd
• Subject Selection Interviews - August 10th

During Week 9, all Year 10 students will be able meet with current Year 11 and 12 students on Wednesday 22 June during period 1 who will outline their experiences in every HSC course offered at St Paul’s. CSU will also be visiting the school on the same day to provide a broad outline on tertiary life and opportunities. We consider these insights will be a great place to start as our students are considering the pattern of study that suits them in 2023.

On Wednesday 3 August, there will be 2 sessions at St Paul’s (4pm-5.30pm; 5pm-6.30pm) for students and their families to meet with staff regarding HSC subject selections. Mrs Tovey and I will present an outline of the requirements for the HSC and the ATAR (4pm-4.30pm; 5.30pm-6pm) and answer any questions as well regarding studying subjects through external providers- HSC online courses, TAFE courses, School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships. Our Leaders of Learning and senior staff will be available (4.30pm-5.30pm) to meet with students and families regarding any specific subject selection questions. The school will be writing to all families this term publishing a link to St Paul’s videos created by staff about each subject offered in 2023.

The final aspect of this process will be student interviews with our Curriculum Team on Wednesday 10 August, where families are also most welcome as the school is seeking each student’s final 2023 choice where elective lines will be created. If there are any student elective clashes we then have plenty of time to review all options.

One of the great selling points of St Paul’s is the wide curriculum choice and small class sizes for students in Years 11 and 12. In 2022 there are over 40 different courses taught in both Years 11 & 12, while the class sizes are approximately 13 in Year 11 and 9 in Year 12! We are greatly looking forward to working with our Year 10 students and their families at the beginning of Term 3 to support a smooth decision making process that ensures the future for all of our Year 10 2022 students is fostered.

Mr Geoffrey Melville - Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

geoffrey.melville@lism.catholic.edu.au

Safety Online

Information technology is now used in virtually every home in Australia. Ninety-seven per cent of households with children aged under 15 years have access to the internet, with an average number of seven devices per household. Ninety-nine per cent of young people aged 15–17 years are online, making this age group the highest users. They spend an average of 18 hours per week online (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2016).

Last week our Police Liaison Officer Steve Jeffery spoke with all Year 7 students concerning safe online practices. Students were able to ask questions and engage with Constable Jeffery in a safe and supported environment.

Papal Blessing

Over the last two weekends, Ian, Keith and Peter were presented with a special papal blessing in recognition of their exemplary service to Macleay Valley Catholic Parish and their lifetime of service to the broader mission of the Church in the Diocese of Lismore.

Parish News

All Saints Catholic Church Kempsey is turning 100! All are welcome for the celebrations with the Bishop of Lismore, Greg Homeming, on Saturday 17 July.

Mrs Bronwyn Shipton - Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing

bronwyn.shipton@lism.catholic.edu.au

Term two is rapidly coming to an end here at St Paul’s, and on the Evangelisation front, things are getting busy. Some of our students are in the process of registering for IGNITE, which is happening in Brisbane at the end of Term 3. These students have been given the details to sign up on the digital platform, and I look forward to working with them in Term 3 to prepare for this exciting discipleship opportunity.

In matters closer to hand, two of our senior ministry students will be heading off to Brisbane next weekend to take part in Street Retreat. This program is an annual event organized by the CSO, where students and a staff member have the opportunity to work with those at the margins, taking part in ministries such as feeding the homeless, volunteering in outreach ministries and other acts of social justice in the Brisbane area.

Last week, our Year 10 CYM class headed down the road to St Joseph’s to help run the Year 4 retreat day in preparation for their First Communion. Our students did wonderfully well, leading small group activities and engaging positively with the younger students. The students are looking forward to their next opportunity to serve in this manner, which will be in Term 3.

On Wednesday of week 10 St Paul’s will be celebrating the Feast day of our Patron, St Paul. We will be celebrating Mass with Fr. James, and will hopefully be joined by members of the Parish family. We will also be unveiling our newly commissioned House Patron artworks, splendidly painted by local artist Jason Ridgeway.

Finally, our Men’s Choir has begun preparing for their contribution to the All Saint’s Centenary Mass celebration on 17th July. All members of the St Paul’s community are warmly invited to Mass on this Sunday to help celebrate the hundredth birthday of the Church building in Kempsey. All of the St Paul’s community are warmly invited to Mass at both Kempsey and South West Rocks each weekend, too. Mass times are Kempsey at 6pm Saturday and 9.30am Sunday and South West Rocks 7.30am Sunday. All are welcome!

Have a wonderful weekend.
God Bless,

Mr Will Pollock - Leader of Evangelisation

will.pollock@lism.catholic.edu.au

Year 10 Subject Selection

On the 22nd of June, current Year 10 students will be given the opportunity to discuss subjects that will be available to them for their HSC year. St Paul’s current Year 11 and 12 students will represent the subjects and provide the students with valuable information about the content studied, assessments, work ethic required and answer any questions the Year 10’s might have.

On the 3rd of August, the College will hold a Subject Selection information night for all students and families of those students continuing into Year 11 in 2023. This is a required component for entry into Year 11. Two information sessions run by myself and Geoff Melville will be available, each will run for approximately 30 minutes. The first one will begin at 4:30 pm followed by a marketplace in which Stage 6 teachers will discuss their subjects with you and help answer any questions. The second information session will begin at 6pm. Those who are attending the second information session will be required to visit the subject teachers prior to the session. Further information will be provided via email.

Let Your Light Shine Awards

This week’s winners for the Let Your Light Shine Award are:

Edmund- Samantha Brenton, Dylan Cowling, Benjamin Riley, Mannix Baillie, Sharni Crossley

Farrelly-Zoe Delimahalis, Tayla Hiscock, Patrick Preston, Teliyah Kennedy, Harriet Shields, Natalie vanDriest

McAuley-Harry Jennings, Isabel Warwick, Luke Blayden, Kai Ethridge, Lily Tester

MacKillop-Bryce Rixon, Oscar Waters

Mrs Amy Tovey - Leader of Curriculum

amy.tovey@lism.catholic.edu.au

It has been a very busy few weeks of sport with a number of events taking place for our students. We have had some outstanding results across these sports and I commend all the students on their efforts.

Diocesan Cross Country

We had a total of 23 runners compete in the Diocesan Cross Country. A special mention to both Keelan Brien, who placed 1st in his age group of U17’s, and to Cleo Schubert, who placed 2nd in the U14’s.
We also had 6 students who were eligible to attend the NSWCCC Cross Country Carnival, however only 4 of these students attended. Well done to these four students, and to in particular to Keelan Brien, who placed in the top 10 and is eligible to attend All Schools Cross Country. Well done.

Cochrane Cup

We had three teams, U13’s, U15’s and U18’s attend the Cochrane Cup Rugby League carnival at Port Macquarie last Wednesday. The teams all played with sportsmanship and should be commended on their efforts.

Facing tough opposition throughout the day, all three St Paul's teams played some good rugby league across the day. 

Our seniors team, expertly led by St Paul's own Man of Steel Mr Mascord, played well to go down in their two games. All of the players put their hands up, bit down on the mouthguard and took the tough carries throughout their games. They were excellent supporters of our younger teams, running water and offering advice.

Our Under 15's started slowly but grew in confidence throughout the day. Although they too went winless, their coaches, St Paul's sporting supremo Mr Needs and our very own Clark Kent clone Mr Robins, were effusive in their praise as the boys took it to their opposition in their later games, narrowly losing tight affairs across the day.

The Under 13's were struck early by the injury monster. Little Cohen Dyson creatively reinterpreted the paradigm of the ring finger in making a breathtaking cover tackle. From that moment on the boys were outnumbered and outmuscled, but never once took a backwards step. That wasn't helpful in their final game as they were penalised twice for standing offside! St Paul's own renaissance man Mr Pollock could not be prouder of the efforts and style of rugby league the boys played across the day.

7–10 Men’s Football Report

The players each received a Silver Diocesan medal. The first game they played was against the hosts, JPC Coffs Harbour. It was the first real run as a team and both sides were evenly matched. Coffs looked pretty dangerous up front but were matched by a solid SPC Kempsey back four. Jack Bool saved a penalty but it was converted on the rebound. This was quickly followed by an unlucky own goal to decide the match.

The second game was against MSP Murwillumbah, who had won their first round match 3-0. SPC Kempsey dominated the game and ran out 3- 0 winners. Jai Goodman was impressive on the right wing and scored twice.

The third game was against SJBP Banora Point. This time Darcy Swaine netted a hat trick for Kempsey. Some of the younger players in the team, including Lucas Morrison, Julien Tamblyn and Will Secomb, stepped up and played well. Kempsey was too strong winning 4-0.

The fourth game was against SMC Casino, who had beaten MacKillop earlier in the day for a spot in the semi-finals. Once again, Kempsey controlled the game and the result was never in doubt. Kempsey winning 2-0.

In the semi-finals Kempsey was up against Trinity College, Lismore – a renowned powerhouse of mid north coast football. The opposition was big and intimidating. The Kempsey players dug deep and took it to the opposition. A feed at Maccas was also on the line. When Jackson Pike netted a screamer from 25 metres out to put Kempsey up 2-0 the game looked comfortable but deep into the second half Trinity got a goal back and then threw everything at Kempsey. The team stood firm and were happy to hear the final whistle. Blake Bullen was outstanding.

The final was against Coffs Harbour who had beaten us earlier in the day in a fairly even match. The boys were wanting a bit of payback revenge for that loss. Unfortunately, the game turned quickly in Coffs favour in the first half as Kempsey players starting collapsing from fatigue. They had given everything in the semi-final and our mid fielders started cramping up and just ran out of legs. Coffs dominated the game and were deserved 3-0 winners.

The Kempsey boys were proud to receive the silver medals.
All the players played well, but Julian Ardetti controlled the mid field, Jai Goodman was lethal in attack, Jack Bool safe as houses in goal and Blake Bullen, as the last line of defence, were all outstanding.

- Conrad Tamblyn, Coach.

Girls 7-9 Football

The team of girls in Years 7-9 that took the field for four games of the soccer Gala Day were very impressive. The girls played exceptionally well as a team considering they comprised mainly of Year 7 and Year 9 students with one Year 8 member.

The girls' confidence grew with every game as they had never previously played together. They were also getting to know each other as well as recognising their strengths and differing skill abilities.

The results of the day were as follows:

Game 1 - Xavier College 1 v SPC 0 (loss)
Game 2 - SPC v Mackillop (Nil all draw)
Game 3 - MSP 1 v SPC 2 (win)
Game 4- SPC 0 v JPC 4 (loss)

We were very proud of the girls in the way they conducted themselves on the day and their efforts both on and off the field.

Coaches: Mrs Angela Bramley and Mrs Barica Rafton

Girls Rugby League

St Paul's College Girl's rugby league teams participated in the Katrina Fanning Cup Rugby League Gala Day on Wednesday 15th June. The U14 Years girls improved as the day progressed playing three tough games for two losses and one draw. Cassidee Fernando was the stand out player in the U14's girls and scored five tries.

The U16 Years girls were highly competitive losing game 1 to MacKillop College 20-16, winning 20-18 versus Melville High in game 2, producing a strong 18-8 performance against Camden Haven High School winning 18 points to 8 in Game 3 and finally tiring in game 4 where they went down to St Joseph's Regional College by 28-8. The MVP for the U16's was Pippa Nugent, closely followed by Taylah Moffitt, Jade Oliver and Marlie Van Hugten.

Our U18 Years girl's played just one game against Melville high school and secured a convincing victory. This team was well served by Jorja Potts, Zoe Delimihalis (who also starred in an interview on Prime News), Cate Reardon, Breanca Martin and Tayla Hiscock. These girls now progress to the Regional Final of the Katrina Fanning Cup which will be played in Coffs Harbour early in Term 3.

All the girls had a great day out and played all the games in high spirits and were excellent ambassadors for St Paul's College.

Mr Heath Needs - Teacher and Sports Coordinator

heath.needs@lism.catholic.edu.au

Year 7 - 10 Assessment Block

Year 7 to 10 students have now completed their Semester One Assessment tasks and will be receiving their results from their class teachers throughout Weeks 8, 9 and 10. Overall, student behaviour throughout the assessment period during Weeks 6 and 7 was very good. Teachers will be using the results of these tasks and others completed during Semester One to generate Common grades for each course.

Positive Behaviour reward Scheme (PBRS) and Academic Commendations

Teachers are now taking the opportunity to reward students who have performed well in their Semester One major assessment tasks by awarding PBRS points and Academic Commendations. At our Commendation ceremony on Friday the 1st of July many students will be rewarded with Bronze, Silver or Gold commendations in recognition of their efforts across academic, sporting, cultural, ministry and community service areas at St Paul’s College during Semester One.

Students receive Bronze Commendations if they have received three or four Blue commendations in one or more of the of the five areas, Silver commendations if they have received five or six Blue commendations across two or more areas or Gold commendations if they receive seven or more Blue commendations across three or more of these areas.

The College also awards Semester One, 100% attendance certificates and Principal’s Platinum Awards are presented to students who have achieved the most outstanding reports in each year level.

House Handball Challenge

By the time you receive this newsletter the Senior College House Handball Challenge winner will have been crowned. Mr Mitchl Picker is the current reigning Champion, however the smart money is on Drew Lancaster who has powered through the opening rounds. Once the Senior champion is crowned we will be moving onto the Junior Handball Challenge and may even have a Clash of the Champions leading into the Semester One holidays.

St Paul’s Feast Day Activities - Week 10 of Term 2

St Paul’s College Feast Day Activities will be occurring across the final Week of Term Two. The College will be celebrating the life and work of Saint Paul (also known as Saul of Tarsus). I encourage all students to embrace these celebrations and to let their light shine as St Paul did during the early part of the development of the Christian Churches.

Uniform Accessories

As we move to the conclusion of Semester One I would like to draw your attention to the list of permitted uniform accessories listed below. Teachers at St Paul’s continue to monitor students wearing incorrect uniform accessories and would appreciate the assistance of parents in these endeavours.

• Up to two small plain studs (Maximum 5 mm in diameter) or sleepers (Maximum 15 mm in diameter) in each ear (only)
• No visible facial or body piercing is permitted
• No visible tattoos are permitted
• One small plain ring may be worn. NOT one ring on each hand
• No bangles, bands or bracelets. (Medical alert bracelets are the exception to this)
• One plain metal chain necklace with or without small cross only. (Medical alert necklaces are the exception to this)

Inappropriate jewellery will be confiscated and kept until the end of term. All care will be taken, but no responsibility accepted.

Make-up of any description is not permitted for any students in years 7-10 (this includes tinted moisturiser, and coloured lip gloss). Year 11 and 12 students may minimally use make-up such as foundation and mascara which are of natural shades only. Minimal and Natural are the keywords here.
No eyelash extensions are permitted.
Nail polish must be clear.

The Year 12 Rugby type jerseys are a privilege and are not an official College uniform item. If these are allowed to be worn at school it will only be in conjunction with the correct uniform. Where the College uniform is not correct, the jersey will be removed until the uniform is corrected.

Mr Leon Robinson - Leader of Pastoral Care

leon.robinson@lism.catholic.edu.au  

0401 166 415

02 65627200

Ricki Saunders - Canteen Manager

Well done to our year 9 St Paul's students who attended the NSW State Netball Titles in Sydney over the weekend. They are a part of the Macleay Valley Representative 15s team. The girls played incredibly well and showed great talent. 

Pictured above is Briella Petterson, Ashlee Kennedy, Sophie Brandolini, Mia Quinn, Stella Throman and Jessie Cornish

Second Round Finalist

Congratulations to our up and coming young writer, Year 9 student, Evangeline Gately who entered a writing competition competing against a high caliber of year 7 to 12 students in the state. She was placed as a second round finalist. Her short story “The Letter” reflected on the loss of a loved one and the peace of finally finding the letter that explained all.

Congratulations to Jorja Potts (year 12) in being selected into the 2022 NSW Country Rugby Union U18 Girls Representative Squad following a successful representative weekend at the NSW Country Rugby Championships in Tamworth.

Jorja will now head to the All Age Camp to prepare for Regionals, followed by the City vs Country clash in Bathurst on 31st July 2022.

As a way of providing additional security around the College grounds a few changes (in the short term) have been implemented.

The gates at the North Street entrance will be closed between 9.00am-3.00pm.

During these times, students and families may access the College through the Sea St entrance. Parents/carers who arrange to collect their children will need to park their car on Sea St and walk to the College Office (Administration) to sign them out. While this is a variation to our previous routine it is a requirement for all families and visitors to the College. We appreciate your support of these changes.

Changes have been made to the Close Contact guidelines:

Staff and students who are close contacts and have NO symptoms may continue to attend school if they follow the guidelines below:

Notify the College that they are a close contact and will be attending school following these guidelines -

• Conduct a daily rapid antigen test (RAT) and return a negative result each morning before attending school for 5 school days.
• Secondary school students must wear a mask indoors (except when eating or exercising).

Masks and RAT kits for student use can be provided by the College, if required.

Please note:

• No student or staff member identified as a close contact will be permitted to participate in overnight excursions, including school camps.
• No apprentices, trainees or students on placement or staff member identified as a close contact will be permitted to attend settings identified as high risk by NSW Health (healthcare, aged care, disability care or correctional facilities)
• Any visitor to the College who is a close contact is required to advise the College that they are a close contact before they come on site. These visitors should conduct a daily RAT and return a negative result before attending. They must also wear a mask indoors at all times.

Remember: staff and students cannot attend school if they are showing any symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms occur at any time, students should not attend school and should undertake a rapid antigen test (RAT).

Outside of these necessary isolations students are expected to attend school every day unless they are otherwise unwell or have a different justifiable reason.

Positive COVID Cases
If a student or staff member receives a positive RAT or PCR test, they need to:

• Record the positive result through the Service NSW website or Service NSW app – please add details of St Paul’s when prompted
• Notify the school of the positive RAT or PCR test result as soon as possible and
  follow NSW Health advice to isolate for 7 days.

Masks

Masks are not mandatory for staff and students in high schools. Staff and students will be supported to wear a mask if they choose to do so. Mask wearing is mandatory for staff and high school students returning to school as close contacts for 5 school days. Where students or staff are unable to wear a mask, they will be supported to learn or work remotely.

Remember: masks continue to be mandatory on public transport. This applies to students aged 12 years and older, and staff when travelling to and from school and during school excursions by public transport or by chartered transport services.

We request your support in relation to partial day attendance of students. Arriving late and departing early places increased pressure on students, in relation to them needing to catch up on missed work. It also disrupts class learning when students enter or leave a lesson during class time.

We ask that appointments are made outside of class times and/or school hours. We realise that this is not always possible, therefore we require that the following occurs if your child has an appointment during the school day.

Early Departures

If you need to collect your child early a signed note MUST be provided to the Office, stating the reason and time the student is to be picked up. This must be provided to the Office prior to morning PC (between 8:30am and 8:55am) so that a pass out can be arranged for the student to leave class early. If a note is not able to be provided, an email with the information in regards to the appointment may be emailed to kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au

If a note or email is not provided to the Office, we cannot guarantee that a student will be ready for collection upon your arrival at the College, as rooming and class activities may change their location. This may result in a parent/caregiver having to wait until the end of a lesson before they can collect their child.

Emergencies

If an emergency situation occurs and your child must be collected immediately, we will endeavour to get them to you as quickly as possible.

Late Arrivals

Students arriving late MUST report to the College Office, so that they can be marked as present, prior to them going to class. Parents/carers are not required to come into the College with their child, however we do require an email or phone call from you to explain the reason for the late arrival.

Thank you for your cooperation with these procedures.