Term 3 Week 6 - 25 August 2023
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing
- Ministry and Evangelisation
- Curriculum
- Library
- Sport
- Pastoral Care
- Invitation - HSC Showcase 2023
- National Science Week 2023
- Year 11 English Studies Excursion
- Year 10 and 11 Geography
- Year 11 Agriculture and Primary Industries Excursion
- Blak Douglas Art and Sole Workshop
- Year 11 Catholic Faith in Action
- Year 7 Picture Books Display
- PC Group Focus - Reward for Escaped Pet Rocks
- Poetry Month
- Term Dates
- Year 12 Graduation Ceremony
- St Paul's Alumni Successes
- Vaccination Catch Ups
- Year 7 2024 Orientation Day
- Parent Webinars - For Parents/carers of children with ASD
- Nulla Cricket Club
- Tamworth Interschools Horse Extravaganza
- Vinnies Kempsey - Volunteers Needed
- Newsletter Sponsors
The enormous excitement associated with the FIFA WOMEN'
This was further highlighted for me last week when I was able to attend the Year 10 Retreat. From the first morning session, it was evident that this was to be a tremendously successful experience. The work that Mr Mitchell and his team did in preparing and facilitating this engaging programme was incredible. For staff to be so giving of their time and run workshops across the two days reminds me of how fortunate we are to have such committed educators. I hope Year 10 students took the time to share with their families the experiences across the Retreat.
The Year 12’s concluded their HSC Trial examinations this week and I commend them on their consistent efforts across the last two weeks. I am confident that the students entered this examination period, well prepared and ready to provide evidence of what has been learnt. It is critical that students continue to attend classes through until the end of the Term. They will receive examination feedback and further content/skills that will support preparation for their final HSC examinations in October. At this time, Year 12 will also be involved in preparing for their Graduation Ceremony which will be taking place during the last week of Term.
Finally, I thank members of our executive team who have been involved in significant experiences across this week. Mr Geoff Melville, Mrs Barica Rafton and Mr Matthew Mitchell accompanied Fr James to Sydney for several days visiting schools to observe how Catholic Mission work is evident and shared within other schools. Ms Kate Fullbrook and Mrs Amy Tovey were in Sydney and attended a Curriculum Conference along with visiting a number of schools in the inner west. Both experiences were tremendous and a great opportunity to celebrate what we are doing well and what we could learn from others.
Wishing you all a restful 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
Retreat opportunities at St Paul’s
Last week a number of staff had the great privilege of joining our Year 10 cohort on the Year 10 Retreat, held at the beautiful Francis Retreat Centre at Bonny Hills. The retreat provided the opportunity for our students to spend time with their friends including an overnight experience, hearing from new people, being active outside and having choice. Students took the opportunity to learn about themselves, look at their lives from different perspectives and learn from each other.
The retreat was comprised of many activities, including a variety of workshops run by staff who were hands on and aimed at having fun. These included Mr Needs and his crew building a giant labyrinth on the beach, teamwork challenges with Mr Robins, discussions with Mr Goswell considering the relationship between Science and Religion, candle making with Mrs Rafton, an escape room with Mrs Meehan and a hands on experience of Indigenous culture with Mr Mitchell.
There were further boys and girls workshops with Mr Goswell and staff and Mrs Dunbar and staff focusing on the responsibilities of being a good man or women, while Mr Tamblyn provided students with the opportunity to consider the history of our College including a number of artifacts presented in his talk. We also enjoyed a wonderful set of talks from our guest speaker Jack Oates and a beautiful discussion from Erin from the Make a Difference Charity. There were also a number of testimonials from Newman College Ministry Assistant, Tom, and our Ministry Assistant, Maxwell, as well as touching stories from our wonderful staff: Mr Mitchell, Mr Goswell, Mr Tamblyn, Mr Robins, Mr Needs, Mrs Phillips, Mrs Rafton, Mrs Meehan and myself. In the end this experience was very uplifting for all involved as we had the opportunity to consider the wonderful talents and personalities in our Year 10 cohort.
In Term 4 we will be undertaking the Year 8 and Year 11 retreats. The Year 8 retreat will take place at South West Rocks and the Year 11 retreat will take place at Bonny Hills. We have already experienced a wonderful retreat day with Year 7 in Term 1. Our Year 9 retreat earlier this Term was a great experience with the students who were present, however this experience was not as fulfilling due to the unacceptable number of absences on the day. The retreat program at St Paul’s is not an optional aspect of the College, every student is expected to attend as agreed to on enrolment. In future years all retreat costs will be built into school fee levies and students not attending will not have the opportunity to pursue other co-curricular activities with the College.
My experiences of retreats in 2023 have been fun days outside of the College where students and staff can share wonderful experiences. My great thanks and congratulations to Mr Matthew Mitchell and Mr Maxwell Winn for their fantastic organisation and willingness to try new things which has made these experiences so fulfilling.
Mr Geoffrey Melville - Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing
'Above the Line' Year 10 Retreat
We are excited to share with you the incredible experience our Year 10 students had during their recent retreat, 'Above the Line'. This transformative event took our students on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and spiritual reflection. Guided by a team of dedicated teachers and inspiring external guests, the retreat left an indelible mark on our students' hearts and minds.
The primary focus of the retreat was to cultivate a growth mindset among our students. Throughout the program, they were encouraged to step outside of their comfort zones, challenge their beliefs, and embrace the limitless possibilities that lie 'above the line'. This concept of embracing challenges and approaching life with a positive attitude was woven into every aspect of the retreat.
One of the highlights of the retreat was the large group sessions led by the esteemed Jack Oates. Through these sessions, our students delved into key concepts such as the comfort zone, belief systems, and the power of collaboration. These discussions provided them with the tools to break through their own limitations and truly thrive.
Workshops were also a pivotal part of the retreat, emphasising the importance of teamwork, investigation, and collaboration. Students engaged in group activities that fostered a sense of community and promoted the idea that working together leads to greater success. These workshops not only honed their practical skills but also helped them realise the potential that lies within effective collaboration.
The retreat took a deeper turn during the spiritual night, where students engaged in reflection on the diversity of our community and their own personal challenges. This introspective evening allowed them to celebrate their unique identities and connect with their peers on a profound level. The sharing of affirmations further uplifted spirits and reinforced the idea that each individual's journey is valuable and worth celebrating.
The retreat's culmination was a meaningful liturgy that beautifully tied together the students' discoveries throughout the retreat. Symbols of their personal growth and revelations were linked to God's message of wholeness and embracing our true selves. This poignant ceremony also reminded us all that we are more Christ-like than we often realise, emphasising the importance of compassion, understanding, and unity.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated teachers who played a pivotal role in delivering this transformative experience to our students. Their unwavering commitment and passion ensured that every moment of the retreat was impactful. A special thank you goes out to Mr Melville, Mrs Rafton, Mr Goswell, Mr Tamblyn, Mrs Phillips, Mrs Meehan, Mr Needs, Ms Dunbar, Mr Johns, Mr Robins, and Mr Winn.
We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to our external guests: Jack Oates, Thomas McGhee, Emily Burg, and Erin Denham. Your valuable contributions enriched the retreat and left a lasting impression on our students.
In closing, the 'Above the Line' Year 10 Retreat was a resounding success, equipping our students with invaluable life skills, fostering spiritual growth, and strengthening their sense of community. We are proud of the personal transformations that have taken place and look forward to witnessing the positive impact these experiences will have on our students' journeys.
Mr Matthew Mitchell - Leader of Evangelisation
Year 11 Final Examinations
Year 11 students will sit their Final Examinations from 11 September to 18 September. Students do not need to attend school if they do not have an exam, however, they are more than welcome to use the designated study rooms if they would like to stay at school to study.
The timetable can be found HERE.
Mrs Amy Tovey - Leader of Curriculum
Book Week 2023
Our Book Week celebrations this week were a bit more subdued than the usual book week parades. Instead we have focused on the CBCA awards and encouraging student borrowing by purchasing the CBCA Notables, a great collection of quality reads. These have proved very popular and surprisingly, the recently announced winners of the CBCA Older and Younger Readers section, The Neverlanders and Runt, are about the only notables still on our shelves!
If you are interested in reading more about the CBCA winning entries you can visit their site HERE
Part of this week’s celebrations also included a 'Match Made in Heaven' challenge, where participants needed to correctly match a staff member with their favourite book. This has proven a real challenge with some surprising titles that needed to match perfectly to a certain staff member.
Thursday also saw the running of our Book Week KAHOOT in the library. Student, Patrick O’Sullivan, ably ran the program and we thank him and Ms Vermunt for giving their time to help run a very successful event.
Premier’s Reading Challenge 2023
The Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) has now closed and we congratulate the students listed for completing the Challenge by reading 20 books. In recognition of this feat they will receive a PRC completion certificate early in Term 4. A special mention to Soraya Drayton who has just finished her sixth PRC. Awesome effort Soraya!Congratulations also to Eliza Piggin, William Perry, Kai Etheridge and Patrick O'Sullivan who registered over 10 books in the Challenge and so were eligible to enter our PRC draw.
The Winners of our PRC Competition:
⦁ Kai Etheridge - $25 gift card
⦁ Emma Miller - Novel
⦁ Patrick O’Sullivan and Max Pryde - Box of Chocolates
⦁ Eva Gately and Soraya Drayton - Canteen Vouchers
In the end, however, you were all winners in my eyes. Such an amazing effort by all those who entered - thank you for participating.
Retro Games Tuesday
Thanks to the efforts of a small group of committed students and staff member, Ms Dakin, the library at lunchtime Tuesday will now be holding ‘Retro Games’. This little group have been hard at work advertising and organising the first, of many we hope, lunchtime gaming sessions. So if you are interested, visit the library every Tuesday at lunch for great board and card games activities. 
A reminder, this day will be device free in keeping with the retro theme. Students are encouraged to disconnect from their device whilst visiting the library during this day and reconnect socially to their peers via these fun ‘Retro’ games.
A quick reminder to students and parents that the general rule for personal borrowings is three weeks. At the moment we have quite a few books well past this time period so could you please check your emails next week for a list of current library items and the date they were/are due. Any overdues need to be returned (or renewed if still needed) so other students have the opportunity to read them as well.
Thank you for your support.
Kind Regards,
Mrs Patrice Martin, Mrs Cathy Whalen & Ms Karen Irvine- Library Assistants
Lismore Diocesan Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to all students who participated in the Diocesan Athletics Carnival held at the Coffs International Stadium this week. There were some tremendous individual results for the College and St Paul's finished 7th overall. All students should be proud of the way they conducted themselves throughout the day.
A few special mentions:
- Hamish Davies – U12’s Age Champion, Runners up
- Amelia Wilson – U13’s Age Champion, Runners up
Placings
Good luck to all students in the next level of competition at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships in September.
Mr Heath Needs - Teacher and Sports Coordinator
Bullying, in any form, is not acceptable and will not be tolerated at St Paul's. The College can play a role in reducing anxiety and depression by supporting programs designed to improve students' emotional resilience, by tackling issues concerning bullying and school safety, and by building effective family-school partnerships.
These measures can dramatically improve levels of social and institutional engagement.
The College runs programs such as Seasons for Growth and Chilled Out - these programs support and guide students when tackling issues that may lead to anxiety and depression.
Ms Fiona Stuart - Leader of Pastoral Care
The Creative and Performing Arts faculty (CAPA) presents the 2023 HSC Showcase. The exhibition will be held on Wednesday 30 August at 5pm in the Edmund Rice Centre, with music performances beginning at 6pm.
Staff, students and parents/carers are warmly invited to attend. For catering purposes please RSVP your attendance by Monday 28 August to kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au
Please see the flyer below for more information.
The 2023 theme for National Science Week was Innovation: powering future industries. This includes advancing technology in all industries, especially using Artificial Intelligence and hydrogen as a future fuel. St Paul's students in Year 7-10 celebrated Science Week by being challenged to complete an 'Escape Room' where they were presented with a scenario based on a fictional hydrogen production facility. Students had 40 minutes to stop a hydrogen leak by completing eight challenges related to the science and application of hydrogen.
To complement this experience, students also watched a short film about the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their lives and heard a case study about a team of UNSW Engineering students who tested David Unaipon's theory (which was proposed in 1914), that a double boomerang could provide lift. David Unaipon is an indigenous inventor who appears on the $50 note. The aerodynamics of the boomerang was examined by the team who proved that his theory was correct and that the first aerofoil was developed in Australia at least 10,000 years ago.
Year 11 English Studies students attended an excursion to the local Kempsey Shire Council offices for a presentation, and visited the Tourist information Centre to explore the tourist industry at South West Rocks. The Tourism Development Officer, Ashley Gray, outlined the importance of tourism and its function for the Macleay Valley community. The industry is the lifeblood of the Macleay Valley as it meets the needs and complements our growing businesses and local community.
Students were given an insight through Ms Gray’s presentation on the demographics, the target audience, the economic and social implications of having a strong tourism industry in our valley. She encouraged students to think outside the box when viewing tourism as a profession, as there are many opportunities to work outdoors.
Students experienced firsthand the diverse activities that South West Rocks has to offer within the tourist industry. The tour of the town began with a scenic walk around Horseshoe Bay. The group decided to make the most of supporting the local tourism industry by buying fish and chips at the local kiosk on the beach. After lunch, the students visited the Arts and Crafts store where they were impressed by the variety of handcrafts, clothes, crocheting and embroidered quilts which had been skillfully made by local members of the community. The students also visited the South West Rocks Community Art Gallery which showcases the talents of our local artist community.
On the final part of the excursion, the students saw the outside of the Trail Bay Gaol and walked up to the German Monument. The Year 11 students could appreciate just how much the Macleay Valley has to offer the tourism industry and agreed that it was important to look after our beautiful landscapes, fauna and flora, and to support our local businesses and community.
St Paul's Year 10 and 11 Geography students engaged with the Kempsey Shire Council’s Simtable this week. The Simtable is a 3D interactive tool that can simulate the impact of bushfire, storm and flooding events on a specific area. Students recreated the topography of the Macleay, overlaid it with aerial photos to create a 3D effect, then input weather, fuel and vegetation data to see the potential impact of extreme weather scenarios. Students then introduced several mitigation strategies to evaluate their effectiveness.
Thank you to Mrs Meehan and the Kempsey Shire Council for organising this learning experience.
This week St Paul's Year 11 Agriculture and Primary Industries students travelled to Breeza in the state's North West to visit a working cropping farm owned and operated by the Tudgey family.
The students were able to observe some of the technology being applied to the cropping sector and were able to see first hand the highly technical items of equipment such as the various harvesting and crop protection equipment being used in the industry.
The Tudgey family crops around 6000 hectares of land, some of which is under irrigation. This enables them to produce a variety of summer and winter crops on the highly productive soils of the Breeza Plain.
The students were able to see GPS Guidance at work as well as the application of other technologies such as the Weed it Camera sprayer which can detect very small green plants growing in the field. This technology has decreased the amount of chemical being applied to fields as well as reducing the amounts of fuel, labour and soil structure damage.
Other issues discussed were the use of genetically modified crops such as cotton and the pressure that mining is having on these important agricultural areas in terms of water availability, skills shortages and environmental impacts.
The students were also able to spend time at the AgQuip Field Day. This is Australia's largest field day and showcases every imaginable type of gadget that is being used in farming. A great opportunity for our budding young Agriculturalists.
On Monday 28 August, students from the Year 11 Catholic Faith in Action classes will be visiting East Kempsey Cemetery to participate in a prayer service led by Fr James.
In line with the Church’s Spiritual Works of Mercy, we will be offering prayers for the souls of the departed.
If any of the St Paul’s community would like us to pray at someone’s graveside, please email the details to Mr Brendan Goswell, brendan.goswell@lism.catholic.edu.au
As part of an English assessment task, St Paul’s Year 7 students have created picture books for students from Kindergarten to Year 2.
The students' picture books will be on display at the Kempsey Library until Saturday 7 October. Parents/carers, families and friends are invited to view the incredible books that the Year 7 students have produced.
Ms Jodie Day's PC class has decided that their theme for this Term would be "Thinking of others and making them smile". After much discussion, the students agreed to create googly-eyed pet rocks and to offer a chocolate reward to any student/staff who found a pet rock on the College grounds and returned it safely to Room 30 during PC time. So far, 10 out of the 20 escaped pet rocks have been found and returned.
Congratulations to the winners of week 2 of poetry month: Max Pryde, Sienna Dawson, Olivia Opdam, the Year 11 Ancient History class and Mr Paul Posterino.
The final challenge for the remainder of August is to write a poem of no more than 20 lines to celebrate or praise an object that you see or use every day. Students and staff can submit their entries before the end of August via the QR code below or follow the link HERE
Congratulations to the winners of week 2:
Max Pryde (Year 7)
Hop, skip the kangaroos jump the river
splosh, splash one was a bit short
hip, hop he joins them again.
Sienna Dawson (Year 10)
The trees are singing
From the undergrowth and heights
As wind passes by.
Olivia Opdam (Year 11)
Soldierbirds sing sweet songs as they settle on silent wire,
a soft sun lullaby swaying in melodies I aspire.
I did not sleep in silence's sweep, I envy the bird's beak.
Year 11 Ancient History Class
Whispers of Persepolis
Workmen chatter; mountain cracks; chisels and hammers clang: Persepolis comes to life.
Crowds roar; music sings; the king of kings greets silence: Persepolis is alive.
Death cries; inferno blazes; crackling wood splinters and crashes: Persepolis has fallen.
Mr Paul Posterino (Staff)
What was once a woodwind tune through a bamboo flute
Now becomes the badass bassoon: The Tyrant Typhoon,
Beech trees bowing left to its will; uprooted, open wound.
When calculating numbers attending, please include siblings, but not your child in Year 12. If your attendance intentions change please contact the College kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au or 6562 7200
RSVP here
For further details of the day please refer to the information sent home by Miss Emma Tamblyn, Year 12 Coordinator.
Former student success
St Paul's is blessed with exceptionally talented and high achieving students and we love to hear about their achievements after their days at St Paul's are over.
If you have any information regarding former students' successes, we would be grateful if you could email bernette.vankal@lism.catholic.edu.au with details and if possible, please include photos.
Each year, St Paul's College provides the venue for NSW Health to conduct the NSW Schools Vaccination Program. PLEASE NOTE: NSW Health has a new process for collecting consent for your child to receive their vaccination at school. Please read the information below provided by NSW Health.
Vaccination Program Date remaining in 2023:
Term 4 – 17 October 2023
· Year 7 catch up (HPV & Boostrix)
· Year 10 & 11 Nimenrix (meningococcal ACWY) catch up
Online consent for school vaccinations
If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 this year, or is in Year 11 and missed their Year 10 vaccinations in 2022, you can now provide online consent for their routine school vaccinations.
- Year 7 students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Year 10 students are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
Vaccinations will only be provided at school if consent has been received.
How to provide consent:
- To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school
- Click the login with ‘Service NSW Account’ button and log in using your Service NSW details. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you don’t have a Service NSW account, refer to Service NSW to create one.
- Update or confirm your personal details in Service NSW as required.
- Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:
⦁ Enter your child’s personal details
⦁ Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
⦁ Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement
⦁ Provide consent
If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper-based consent form (please contact the College office on 6562 7200 to ask for a hard copy form).
Read a step-by-step guide on how to provide consent online. Translated guides are available in Arabic, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese.
For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination or contact the Port Macquarie Public Health Unit on 02 6589 2120.
Wednesday 15 November 2023
We are very much looking forward to welcoming all our Year 7, 2024 students to their Orientation Day at St Paul’s College on Wednesday 15 November 2023. Please note that this is a day for enrolled students only.
PROGRAM COMMENCES - 8.55am
PROGRAM CONCLUDES - 3.25pm
Important Information:
Absence - This is a COMPLUSORY day for all enrolled students to attend. Please inform your child’s primary school that they will be absent on this day. If your child is unable to attend the Orientation Day please contact us as soon as possible to advise us of their absence (before 8.55am Wednesday 15 November 2023).
Transport - It is the responsibility of families to arrange transport for their child to and from the College for this day. Please note, your child's primary school will NOT be arranging transport.
Bus - Families will need to communicate with the relevant bus company regarding bus transportation to and from the College. Students travelling to and from the College by bus will use the College bus bay area. Staff/students will be there to welcome students and will assist students in the afternoon to ensure that they catch the correct bus.
Car - If transporting your child yourself please drop them off and pick them up outside the main Sea Street entrance. Staff/students will be there to welcome students and assist in the afternoon. Please DO NOT use the North Street entrance/car park.
Arrival - Students are required to be at the College by 8.55am. On arrival at the College students will be escorted to meet with staff who will be delivering the day's activities.
Uniform - Your child should wear their primary school sport uniform including hat.
Lunch - We will provide a sausage sizzle for lunch. If your child has special dietary requirements or requires additional food to satisfy their appetite at lunchtime please send alternative/additional food with them.
Your child should bring the following with them:
- school bag
- pen
- their own recess
- water for the day
- additional/alternative food if required
Medication - If your child would normally carry medication such as an asthma puffer or Epipen please ensure that they have these with them on the day. If they require other medication through the day please contact the College via email kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au to discuss arrangements.
If there is any information that you feel the College requires to ensure the health and wellbeing of you child during Orientation Day please email kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au
This is a very important day for all our Year 7, 2024 students. The program that has been prepared will be engaging and will provide activities allowing students to get to know their year group, their teachers and an orientation of College classrooms and related facilities.
We look forward to seeing your children at Orientation Day and getting to know them across the day.
The Catholic Schools Parent Assembly has a series of on-demand webinars available for parents and carers of children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Please download the flyer below to allow access to the webinar replays:
The Tamworth Interschools Horse Extravaganza (ISHE) will be taking place from 13-16 October at the AELEC in Tamworth. Entries open on 14 August. If your son or daughter would like to represent St Paul's College at this event, please contact the parent team manager, Shelley Ball - 0411 169 303.
The Interschools Horse Extravaganza program can be found HERE.
