Term 1 Week 2 - 9 February 2024

• The Catholic values of the St Paul’s community will underpin a positive trend in student attendance and participation in Mission initiatives and activities measured throughout 2024.
• Ensure the College pastoral theme of advocacy becomes terminology further used throughout the school and drives positive trends measurable per Term using attendance and pastoral survey data.
• Writing Data will indicate a positive trend in extended responses through the strategies employed by the College as measured by Term 4 assessment data.

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

Principal

kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au

Welcome back for 2024! I am delighted to see that students have returned equipped for lessons and prepared for learning. Long may it continue! Thank you to all parents who have supported their children to ensure they are equipped for learning. We know this is a team effort between home and the College and we are thrilled to be on the journey with you.

Year 11 and 12 Study Periods
We have scheduled a whole year group study lesson for both Year 11 and 12 each week. This will be a valuable time for the students to meet as a year group and be provided with additional intervention on a range of topics. This week Year 11 were onboarded for the program Atomi which will support their study skills during Year 11 and 12. These lessons will also provide opportunities for wellbeing support for the students as they face their final years of school; years that can be stressful and challenging.

Atomi
As mentioned above, the whole of Year 11 and 12 have access to Atomi. Not all subjects are on the platform as it is mainly for exam based subjects, however all students have access to the Study Skills lessons. Your children are encouraged to be using this platform to support their learning throughout their HSC period.

Year 11 and 12 Assessment Blocks
This Term the Year 12 students will have their Assessment Block in Week 8 and the Year 11 students will have their Assessment Block in Weeks 9 and 10. It is imperative that students are preparing for these assessments as soon as the notifications are released, which is during Week 3. If they prepare in advance they will be able to give appropriate time to each assessment without cramming at the end. Please support your children by encouraging them to use a study plan and dedicate appropriate amounts of time at home to each subject.

Give Something Up!
I have spoken to many Year 12 students already this Term about the fact that this is their final year of secondary education. To allow them to be successful in this HSC endeavour they may need to prioritise some study time at home that they haven’t done before. It is wonderful that our students are such all rounders - in the areas of sport, part time work and community involvement. However… to give their HSC the best shot, they may need to give something up. This may mean reducing shifts slightly, tailoring back some commitments, or just sacrificing a little bit of social time. We don’t want them to study like hermits! Just reduce some other commitments so they can give their best to school.

Attendance
Please remember that a strong start to the year with attendance sets your child up to succeed! At this crucial period in the Term the students are getting to know their new teachers and the expectations for each subject. Any unnecessary absence makes things more difficult on return.

Please reach out if you have any questions about the learning for your students.


Ms Kate Fullbrook - Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

kate.fullbrook@lism.catholic.edu.au

Students should be at school every day during the school Term, right from the first day until the last. Family holidays should be taken during the school holidays, not during Term time. In cases where absences are unavoidable, parents/carers are asked to make contact with the College in advance of the absence and to work with teachers to ensure that students catch up with missed material and that school processes are followed for any missed assessment tasks.

Welcome back to 2024
Welcome to returning students and their families and a warm welcome to our new students (over 160 students) and families for 2024. St Paul’s continues to grow as a College interested in providing more opportunities for their students and families and we look forward to working together with you.

Opening Mass
The College celebrated the beginning of 2024 with a wonderful Opening Mass at All Saints Catholic Church Kempsey this week on Wednesday. The opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate Mass with Father James in our Kempsey Church was very special. There were no spare seats as the student body, all staff and parents of many students being commissioned into leadership positions joined together in celebration. As always, so many thanks for Fr James’s guidance and generosity and the work of Mr Matthew Mitchell, Leader of Evangelisation, whose organisation presented a wonderful example of the beautiful St Paul’s community.

Uniform Policy Matters
There has been a number of amendments to the uniform policy that has been communicated to parents prior to the recommencement of school. These amendments have been resolved as the College continues to build further communication channels with families via Compass. We have enjoyed a very positive start to the school year regarding uniform. The wearing of jewellery has improved as has the requirement to wear academic uniform each Wednesday - please ensure all students continue to wear academic uniform each Wednesday. There has been an increase in students with false eyelashes after the holidays, and these are clear breaches that will lead to detentions - please ensure no false eyelashes are worn!

A Day in the Life and Open Afternoon - Tuesday 5 March 2024
The College has received enormous responses from the opening of registrations for the 2024 Day in the Life experience for Year 7 2025 students. Within a few hours of the registrations opening, over 60 families had booked, on Friday morning this number had increased to 117 students registered. This is a wonderful response from prospective families. Please be aware that there is a clear cutoff of 150 students maximum!  For more information about the Day in the Life event and to register, please follow the link HERE.

There will be tours of the College at our Open Afternoon on Tuesday 5 March, finishing with a meeting with Mr David Johns, Principal. The Open Afternoon is open to all current and prospective families and no registration is required.

Stephen Hall - School Wellbeing Officer
The College is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Stephen Hall as our new Student Wellbeing Officer for 2024. Hr Hall comes with significant experience in Pastoral Care and has hit the ground running! Steve will be visiting a number of classes and a specific program with wellbeing check-ins for Year 8 will commence soon.

College Canteen
The College has increased in enrolment again in 2024, mirroring similar increases from the past few years. One matter that has come forward over time is the increased student use of our College canteen. Our canteen manager, Ricki Saunders, provides a fantastic service with a variety of delicious food offerings. If students have not ordered via the Flexischools app, this results in longer waiting times to be served, despite increased staffing in the canteen. I advise families to register with Flexischools HERE to pre-order food from the canteen to lessen wait times and long lines at lunch time. For more information regarding the Canteen please follow the link HERE

I look forward to catching up with families throughout 2024 and please contact me at the College if you have any enquiries.

Mr Geoffrey Melville - Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing

geoffrey.melville@lism.catholic.edu.au

Opening Mass and Commissioning of 2024 Student Leaders 
This week we celebrated the start of a new academic year with the Opening Mass and commissioning ceremony of the 2024 Student Leaders, held at All Saints Catholic Church in Kempsey. This event marked a significant beginning for the academic year, uniting our community in faith, commitment, and celebration.

The All Saints Catholic Church played host to a remarkable gathering of 750 staff, students and parents who filled the sacred space with warmth and positive energy. The enthusiasm of the St Paul's College community was truly a testament to the strength of our bonds and shared values.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Fr James, whose wisdom and guidance added a special touch to the ceremony. His words resonated deeply with all those present, setting a tone of inspiration and reflection as we embark on a new academic year.

The success of this memorable event would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our students. Our gratitude extends to every individual who played a role in making the ceremony a resounding success – from the School Captains and College Leaders to the Ministry Leaders and musicians who lent their talents to create a soul-stirring atmosphere.

The School Captains, leading by example, exemplified the values of St Paul's College. Their commitment to service and leadership was evident throughout the ceremony, and we are grateful for their inspiring presence. The College Leaders, with their passion and dedication, continue to uphold the spirit of unity and community that defines St Paul's.

The Ministry Leaders, who work tirelessly to nurture the spiritual growth of our community, played an integral role in organizing and executing the Mass. Their commitment to fostering a sense of belonging is truly commendable.

A special note of appreciation goes to our talented musicians, whose melodies elevated the ceremony to a spiritual crescendo. Their musical prowess added a harmonious layer to the event, creating an atmosphere of peace and reflection.

As we reflect on the Opening Mass and Commissioning Ceremony, let us carry the spirit of unity, commitment and community into the academic year ahead. St Paul's College is not just a place of learning but a community bound together by shared values and a commitment to excellence.

Thank you once again to everyone who made this event a success. Your collective efforts have set the stage for a year filled with growth, camaraderie and academic achievement.


Mr Matthew Mitchell - Leader of Evangelisation

matthew.mitchell@lism.catholic.edu.au

In Pastoral Care during Term 1, students will participate in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs.

Year 7
Year 7 will focus on Starting High School and Belonging. Starting high school can be stressful, and in the first few days, Year 7 students can feel like the smallest, youngest and newest kids in the College. It’s okay to feel nervous about the first few weeks of school, it’s normal and many Year 7 students feel the same way. It is important for students to be themselves and embrace the changes that are ahead of them.

Please click on the link Starting High School video for further information.

Year 8-11
Year 8-11 will focus on Bullying. The definition of Bullying is:
When a person or a group repeatedly and intentionally use words or actions to cause distress and harm to another person’s wellbeing. Bullying isn’t the same as ‘normal’ conflict between people (such as having an argument or a fight) or simply disliking someone. It’s more about repeated behaviour by someone who has power or control over someone else.

Please click on the link to Reachout Australia for further information on this topic.

Year 12
Year 12 will focus on developing characteristics such as confidence, compassion, courtesy and fortitude. They also are being upskilled in study skills and study planning.


Ms Fiona Stuart - Leader of Pastoral Care

fiona.stuart@lism.catholic.edu.au

The Diocesan Parent Assembly have put together a document for families of secondary students who are new to Catholic schools. This document may be of use to those families, or anyone looking for a refresher on some of the key aspects of being part of a Catholic community.

In coming weeks, all Year 7 students will be offered a copy of the New Testament by Gideon Bibles. Students don’t have to take a copy, but if they do, we encourage students to treat the Bible with due respect and reverence.

Please see the below Mass times for the coming week in the Macleay and Nambucca valleys.

Thank you and God Bless.

Mr Brendan Goswell - Leader of Catechesis

We have reached our maximum numbers for the Day in the Life event on Tuesday 5 March. Registrations will remain open via this link, however students will be placed on a waitlist.

Please contact the College Office on kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au for any queries.

Enrolments for Year 7 2025 open on 1 March 2024. For more information about enrolments, please visit the link here.

All parents/carers and friends of the College are warmly invited to attend the P & F meeting on Monday 12 February in the staff lunchroom at 5:30pm. 

A reminder to parents/carers to inform the College if your child suffers a concussion outside of school hours e.g. while participating in community sport.  Please send emails to kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au

Welcome back to 2024. Once again this year is jam packed full of sporting opportunities for students at the College. Firstly, please be aware that there are a number of Diocesan and NSW Combined Catholic College (NSWCCC) representative pathways now open for students:

Catholic Schools NSW Sport Website
Lismore Diocesan Sport Website

Student Success Over the Holidays
Athletics
Wilton Townsend and Amelia Wilson will be competing in the Little Athletics State Championships to be held at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre at the end of March after competing in the athletics championships held in Tamworth last weekend. Amelia placed second in the 800m, 1500m and 3000m events, while Wilton placed first in the 1500m and 3000m events, and second in the 800m. Congratulations to both students!

Cricket
Flynn Mainey (Year 9) was selected for the NSW U14’s Male State Challenge cricket team, Congratulations Flynn!

Important Dates
Some important dates for students, parents and carers to be aware of:

⦁ Long Distance Swimming – 15 February from 12pm at the Kempsey pool
⦁ Annual College Swimming Carnival – 20 February at the Kempsey pool
⦁ Lismore Diocesan Touch Football trials – 27 February
⦁ Winter sports trials (Rugby League and Soccer for Lismore Diocesan teams) – 5 March
⦁ Diocesan Swimming – 7 March
⦁ Annual College Cross Country – 26 March


Mr Heath Needs - Teacher and Sports Coordinator

heath.needs@lism.catholic.edu.au

Thank you to the students and parents who are ordering food, drinks and snacks on the Flexischools app. Thank you also to the students who are presenting to the canteen before 9am to order their ice creams, orchy cups and drinks. This is already reducing the lines and waiting times. Keep up the good work!

Flexischools

Flexischools is the preferred method to purchase food, drink and snacks within the College. All breakfast, recess and lunch orders including snacks and drinks can and should be ordered online to lessen wait times and long lines at lunch time.
Please register with Flexischools HERE

• Order on the Flexischools app - anywhere, any time.
• Please create an account with Flexischools where you can find the latest daily menu available, prices and any specials for the day.
• When searching for our school we are listed under St Paul's West Kempsey.
• If you have any issues with setting up Flexischools or ordering please contact Flexischools Support: 1300 361 769 or help@flexischools.com.au
• You can cancel your order at any time before 9am the day of the order by contacting the Flexischools helpline 1300 361 769 or call the College on 6562 7200 to cancel if your child is sick or absent.

Breakfast - available Tuesday-Friday
Flexischools orders are preferred. Orders through Flexischools cut off at 8.30am. Collection at the canteen before school. Limited items may be purchased over the counter before school.

Recess - available Monday-Friday
Flexischools orders are preferred. Orders through Flexischools cut off at 9am. Collection at the canteen during recess. Orders can also be placed over the Canteen counter before school. Please note - over the counter sales are NOT available during recess.

Lunch - available Monday-Friday
Flexischools orders are preferred. Orders through Flexischools cut off at 9am. Collection at the canteen during lunch. Orders can also be placed over the Canteen counter before school. Please note - there will be limited items for sale over the counter during lunchtime from 1.55-2.20pm. However Frozen Orchy cups will only be available 1.55-2.05pm.

To limit the line wait time and to avoid disappointment it is recommended ordering all items on Flexischools.

Payment at the Canteen - over the counter
Cash and EFTPOS are available. Please note - students may NOT use their phones for EFTPOS, they must use a physical card.

Late orders - over the phone by parents/carers
Please call the College office on 6562 7200. Please note this method of ordering is not preferred. Late orders will be offered limited food choices only. All late phone orders must be paid by card over the phone at time of order.

CAN I VOLUNTEER? – YES PLEASE!!

Volunteers are needed and play an essential role in the daily planning of the canteen. If you can chop a lettuce, slice a tomato and make a sandwich, wrap or roll …. WE WANT YOU!

Whether you are a parent, carer, grandparent or other family member, or a community member who may enjoy a morning out, a cuppa and fill a few orders, then please contact our Canteen Manager by emailing kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au. If you can spare any morning from 9.00-11.30am or a whole day once a week, fortnight or month it would be much appreciated and the kids love to see you here involved in their school. Many long lasting friendships have been made by canteen volunteering. We understand that life is busy, but most enjoy the experience, so why not give it a try?

Ricki Saunders - Canteen Manager

St Paul's Year 7 student, Katherine Mackay, has had a memorable start to her high school experience when she rescued a rainbow lorikeet in distress on the College grounds on Monday.

The lorikeet was paralysed and unable to fly due to Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome (LPS) which is a disease theorised to be caused by a plant toxin ingested by the bird. Katherine was quick to help the lorikeet and take it to a safe place in the College office.

Katherine took the time to create a fact sheet about Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome so that the St Paul's College community are aware of what to do if they find a lorikeet that needs help. Mr Johns was so impressed with Katherine's care and knowledge of the Paralysis Syndrome, that he asked Katherine if she would like to contact FAWNA when another lorikeet that was unwell was found the next day. The bird was taken to the Macleay Valley Veterinary Services to continue its care and recovery.

Please follow the links below for resources on how to navigate Compass:

• Compass App - Notifications
• Compass App - Adding Absence Notes
• Compass App - Accessing Calendars
• Compass App - Newsfeed

Hi, my name is Ashleigh. I am the Family Connect in Schools Worker based within St Paul's College.

My Professional background is in the Family support, Specialist Domestic and Family violence and Mental health spaces, I have also worked within and supported this community for the last 10+ years.

I will be based within St Paul's College to support with ANY issues your children or family unit may be experiencing and will assist to link you into the appropriate specialist services all while providing a confidential and safe space to work with you to advocate for your needs.

If you feel you would like to talk or need some advice or support, you can self-refer by texting or calling myself on 0448 526 777 or speak to your pastoral care team who can also link you in with the Family Connect in Schools program.

It is important for all St Paul's students, staff and families to keep road safety in mind. Please take the time to talk with your child about travelling to and from school safely.

Some safety tips:

• Be alert and aware by travelling distraction-free. Ensure students take off their headphones when walking, exiting or entering the bus and crossing the road.
  
  
• Choose a safe place to cross. The fastest way, may not be the safest way. Walk the extra distance to use a pedestrian crossing or traffic island.
  
  
• Keep safe getting in and out of the car. Always use the door closest to the kerb.
  
  
• Keep safe getting on and off the bus. Wait at the bus stop and stand at least one step back from the edge of the road. Wait until the bus has gone, before you cross the road.
  
  
• Bus Stops/Bus Interchange Areas. Model safe behaviour while waiting for the bus. Remember that younger students look up to you, so please lead by example, so they learn to behave safely while waiting for the bus and travelling on the bus.
  
  
• Student driver reminder: If your child will be driving to and from school, remind them that they are required to adhere to all road rules and drive in a safe and responsible manner. Inexperienced drivers commonly underestimate the risks associated with particular driving behaviours or situations and overestimate their capacity to deal with them. Have a caring conversation about road speeds on the route that they travel, where they will park and the importance of wearing a seatbelt. According to recent research 1 in 5 teens has been found to consistently not wear a seat belt.

Restricted licence holders including learner, P1 and P2 drivers are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding. This includes the use of hands-free and Bluetooth functions. Ask them to keep their phone in their bag or glovebox.

The following video highlights the risks of casual speeding:

Be a positive role model when you are a pedestrian, passenger and driver. Children learn from what they see, as well as what we say.

Source: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/

Please note that the College has a Traffic Management Plan which can be viewed on the College website here.  

This week is Bus Safety Week (19-25 February), which raises awareness among all road users on how to stay safe on and around buses, helping to reduce injuries and fatalities. It also raises awareness among students about safe bus travel.

Parents/carers are invited to 'Have A Say' about travel to and from school in NSW. Please follow the link HERE to have a say on walking and bike riding to school by completing a survey, taking a quick poll or sharing your ideas.

Mathspace webinars for parents and carers are running next week. The webinars help to ensure that students feel supported while working on Mathspace at home.

Please follow the zoom links below to register for the webinars:

• Tuesday 13 February - 6pm
• Thursday 15 February - 9pm

Please see below a series of advice tipsheets from the Catholic Schools Office for families regarding your child starting high school.

All parents can now access a comprehensive online resource created by RealTalk Australia that provides access to a collection of resources to support parents and caregivers in exploring a diverse range of topics including:

• Puberty and personal development and identity
• Online Safety
• Friendships
• Consent and respectful relationships
• Impacts of Pornography.

The online portal provides a range of resources suitable for parents of both primary and secondary school students. Please see this flyer, which provides information about the resource and instructions for accessing the online portal.

The 2024 NSW School Mountain Bike Series event combines mountain bike Cross Country (XCO) racing with entry level Gravity Enduro racing. Please follow the link HERE for more information and how to register for the event.

The Macleay Youth laneway festival will be back in 2024 to celebrate Youth Week in our shire!

When: Saturday 13 April 2024, 2-6pm
Where: Clyde Street Mall, Kempsey

There are currently paid opportunities for youth aged 12 - 25 to be involved in the Laneway Festival. To find out more, please visit the website HERE.