Term 2 Week 10 - 5 July 2024

• Year 7: Katherine Mackay, Sasha Osborne, Peter Smith, Flynn Tolman, Danika Walsh, Olivia Wright. 
• Year 8: James Browning, Madeleine Kurilowich, Skye, Ava McCarthy, Annabelle Pankhurst, Emilia Pankhurst, Rilien Smith, Lyila Ward.
• Year 9: Noah Bailey, Wolfe Hudson, Anthony Smith, Ruby Sproule, Tahlia Wall.
• Year 10: Nicola Brenton, Kaitlyn Chadwick, Emma Miller.
• Year 11: Harrison Bailey, Erin van Kal.

• Year 7: Isla Floyd, Indy George, Charlotte Hegerty, Lucy Judd, Orla Kennedy, Lydia Ridgeway, Harrison Simpson, Riley Taylor.
• Year 8: Grace Brett, Scarlett Bull, Lucas Chow, Soraya Drayton, Maesie Hill, Kingsley Liang, Sophie Robbins, Patrick Smith, Sienna Ward, Levi Williams.
• Year 9: Hudson Gidzala, Olivia Rafton, Chelsea Stringer.
• Year 10: Gracie Campbell, Matthew Chow, Annabelle Dening, Bradley Keith, Alannah Koivu, Madelyn Lipscombe, Mia Matlock, William Moffat, Luana Silk.
• Year 11: Ollie Byrne, Sienna Dawson, Annelise Hodge, Ruby Robbins, Emily Toomey, Evangelina Gately.

Kind regards


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

Subject Selection - Year 10
Thank you so much to the parents and carers who attended the Subject Selection evening last week. We are buoyed by your support in the lead up to what will be an incredibly important process for your children.

Please remember to book your in person meeting with a member of the College leadership team on Wednesday 31 July during the day. You can do this via Compass where it says 'Book Parent, Student, Teacher Conference'. All Year 10 students are required to be at this meeting with a parent or carer.

Year 12
An additional reminder that the Trial HSC period is 19-30 August. This is an incredibly important assessment block for the students as it prepares them for the reality of the HSC exams. Please do not plan any days away during this period.

Year 7-11 Reports
Years 7-11 reports will be released at approximately 3.30pm on Friday 5 July. Please take the time to read and celebrate these reports with your children.

Year 11 Assessment Schedule
Congratulations to the Year 11 students who have completed their assessment block this week. The Year 11’s have one more Term of their preliminary course before they start the HSC.

Equipment
Please take the time over the holidays to restock your child's pencil case. It is critical to have a well stocked pencil case to set them up for their learning success.

• Pencil Case
• Pens
• Pencils
• Calculator
• Ruler
• Geometry set
• Glue
• Eraser
• Sharpener
• Highlighter

I wish all students and families a very well deserved holiday. We look forward to seeing you all next Term! 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

St Paul’s College Feast Day activities
The history of any Catholic school in Australia can be traced back to the formative steps where the local community, Catholic parish and often an associated religious order works together towards the establishment of the school. St Paul’s College Kempsey has a rich history dating back to 1947 when the Parish Priest of Kempsey reached out to the Christian Brothers of Australia making enquiries of establishing a Catholic Boy’s school in Kempsey. In 1950 the Kempsey parish purchased a 12 acre block on the corner of Sea Street and North Street at a very reasonable price from a local parishioner and in 1965 St Paul’s College opened on 8 February with 87 students, Brother Cryan was School Principal. The school colours were red and black stripe tie, blue shirts and grey shorts.

On Monday this week, we celebrated the life and message of St Paul with a wonderful Mass celebrated by Father James including representatives from the Macleay Valley Catholic parish, Vincent Court and the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Office. St Paul is studied by our Year 12 students in the Studies of Religion course, and he is most notable by representing the mission of evangelisation that was entrusted to the Church by Jesus Himself. He was also the Church’s first theologian, which is seen in his numerous letters that expound on the Gospels.

The College celebrated a range of activities on Tuesday in the PC challenge, ranging from Tarp Volleyball, Spelling Bee, Trivia, Spaghetti Towers, Sponge Relay, Newspaper Hockey, Giant Chess, European Handball, Gumboot Toss and Vortex. These activities were great fun with so much participation from staff and students, with PC groups E1 and M1 gaining the most house points for their house. We invited a number of local food vans for lunch purchases, and great thanks to the Fuller Food Co. Coffee van, Dunghutti Catering, Cha-Cha Sushi, Sweet Choices Ice Cream, Bellingen Pasta, Kekik Turkish Cuisine, Bubble Tea, Munchie Madness and Flamin' Pizzas.

The Year 12 students conducted a wonderful Talent Show at the conclusion of the day where a range of fantastic performances took place. The standard of performance was first class, and great congratulations to the following students:
1st place: Luana Silk
2nd place: Orla Kennedy
3rd place: Sienna Dawson 
Highly commended: Kurt Nemme, the Barbie Girls, Kyan Gibson-Alvandi and the notable Year 12 pizza eaters.

On Wednesday a number of wonderful students were acknowledged for their outstanding efforts in Attendance (attending each day in Term 1), Platinum and Gold Academic achievers and PBRS winners throughout Semester 1. Congratulations to these students for their outstanding efforts in the first Semester of 2024.

Attendance Awards
Lily Vickers, Charlie Cook, Janay Lewis, Kye Males, Levi Calhoun, Levi Williams, Emilia Pankhurst, Annabelle Pankhurst, Shayla Fox, Leah Quinn, Skyann Davis, Jorja Barnett.

PBRS Points Awards 
Year 7: Stella Hudson, Harry Hupalo, Levi Calhoun.
Year 8: Rilien Smith, Isabella Fuller, Madeleine Kurilowich.
Year 9: Bella Williams, Maggie Brenton, William Czisz.
Year 10: Flynn Welsh, Madelyn Lipscombe, Abby Breitkreuz.
Year 11: Erin van Kal, Charlotte McAlister, Aden Mills, Ruby Robbins.
Year 12: Aiden Smith, Reigan Beljaars, Jorja Barnett.

PBRS Consistency Awards
Year 7: Alastar O’Donnell, Charlie Fuller, Clover Smith, Harry Hupalo, Stella Hudson, Darcy Phillips, Esther Evenden, Seerat Kaur, Thomas Kerrison, Zoe Lee.
Edmund: Chelsea Workman, Madeleine Kurilowich, Matilda Clarke, Sharni Crossley, William Czisz, Jessica Preston, Tommie Parkinson-Davis, Indy Allen, Cleo Schubert, Lincoln McCarthy, Mia Metcalf, Samuel Farrell.
Farrelly: Scarlett Bull, Emily Brack, Jeddah Bean, Emily Walton-Potts, Sophie Preston, Poppy Askew, Layla Thorman.
McAuley: Bonnie Frewen, , Sarah Woods, Annika Williams, Sophie Smailes, Emily Woods, Ethan Fisher, Lily Rose Tester, Greta Johnson, Holly Bulloch.
MacKillop: Tahla Kennard, Finn Cutler, Amelia Wilson, Dylan Latta, Levi Williams, Marcos Scott, Rilien Smith, Sophie Robbins, Tess O’Sullivan, Tylah Rixon, Annabelle Connor, Flynn Edwards, Fonzie Fafie, Hannah Stone, Harry Slapp, Molly Betts, Abby Breitkreuz, Flynn Welsh, Kaitlyn Chadwick, Madelyn Lipscombe, Nicola Brenton.

Mr Geoffrey Melville - Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing

geoffrey.melville@lism.catholic.edu.au

St Paul’s Feast Day Mass
On Monday 1 July, St Paul's College came together to celebrate our annual Feast Day Mass in honour of our patron, St Paul. It was a beautiful and meaningful event that highlighted the strong sense of community and faith that defines our College.

The Mass was a wonderful success, thanks to the efforts and contributions of many. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the students who participated, especially those who took on roles in the mass. Your dedication and reverence truly made the celebration special. A special thank you goes to Fr James, whose insightful words and spiritual guidance enriched our Feast Day Mass. We are deeply grateful for your presence and leadership. We also wish to thank our talented choir, whose beautiful music added a profound and uplifting dimension to the service. Your hard work and harmonious voices created an atmosphere of reflection and joy that we all appreciated.

Our celebration was further enriched by the presence of special guests from Vincent Court, the Parish Council, and The Catholic Schools Office. Your participation and support are greatly valued, and it was an honour to share this special day with you.
The Feast Day Mass also provided an opportunity to reflect on the symbols and history that surround us. From the altar from the old Bellbrook Church containing a saint's relic, to the house flags of Mackillop, Farrelly, McAuley, and Edmund, and the 1980 banner from when our school was known as Macleay Regional Catholic High School, these elements remind us of our rich heritage and inspire us to continue living by our motto, 'Let Your Light Shine'.

As we move forward, let us carry the spirit of St Paul in our hearts, striving to live with courage, compassion, and conviction. Thank you once again to everyone who made our Feast Day Mass a memorable and meaningful event.

Street Retreat
Last week, four Year 11 students from St Paul's College participated in the Street Retreat held in Brisbane. Isaac Dunbar, Sienna Dawson, Ben Muir, and Eva Gately embarked on this transformative journey from Thursday to Sunday, exposing themselves to the harsh realities of social injustice and dedicating their time to serving those in need.

The Street Retreat is designed to challenge and empower students, equipping them with the knowledge and experience necessary to foster a passion for social justice within their parish communities. By engaging in various activities, the participants gained a deeper understanding of the call of Jesus Christ to serve the poor and marginalised.

Throughout the retreat, students navigated Brisbane using both private and public transportation, as well as on foot. They visited a diverse array of placements, including drop-in centres, sorting warehouses, nursing homes, and facilities for people with disabilities. The students also engaged in food preparation for the homeless and worked with organizations like Rosies, which support people living on the streets.

The retreat schedule was demanding, with activities taking place late at night and early in the morning. Despite the challenges, Isaac, Sienna, Ben, and Eva embraced every opportunity to learn and serve. Working in pairs, they developed teamwork skills and a strong sense of solidarity.

The retreat culminated in a celebration of Sunday Eucharist, providing a moment of reflection and spiritual nourishment for the students. This experience has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on their hearts and minds, inspiring them to continue their journey of service and advocacy for social justice within their communities.

We commend Isaac, Sienna, Ben, and Eva for their dedication and commitment to making a difference. Their participation in the Street Retreat not only represents St Paul's College but also serves as a beacon of hope and compassion in our broader society.

Mr Matthew Mitchell - Leader of Evangelisation

matthew.mitchell@lism.catholic.edu.au

Thank you to our staff, students and local food trucks for making our St Paul's Feast Day celebrations a resounding success and to St Paul's P & F Association for their donation of popcorn and fairy floss machines to provide 400 free serves to the students.

Country Cup Regional Finals
Congratulations to St Paul's U13 Boys Rugby League team who played incredibly well at the Country Cup Regional Finals in Port Macquarie on Friday 21 June. The team will now progress to the Northern Country Finals in Coffs Harbour. Well done boys!

Upcoming Sport

• Rugby 7’s event, boys and girls U14’s, 16’s and 18’s – Early Term 3.
• Athletics Carnival (high jump and long course running events) – Wednesday 24 July.
• Athletics Carnival - Friday 26 July.

Mr Heath Needs - Teacher and Sports Coordinator

heath.needs@lism.catholic.edu.au

Drama
The last week saw the annual Kempsey Eisteddfod take place at the Anglican Church hall. Students from Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 Drama all competed with confidence and flair.

The first section of the day was 'Stage 5, Short Play, or Excerpt from Play, Poetry or Prose'. Students entered this section with their Group Devised performances, which they had created throughout the Term, based on a Nursery Rhyme or a Newspaper headline. The results were:

• 1st: Ruby Sproule, Jessica Preston, Tahni Riordon and Jayden Bolton
• 2nd: Kaitlyn Chadwick, Indy Allen and Sophie Perrin
• 3rd: Gracie Campbell, Eva Lemanski and Emily Judd
• 3rd: Emily Woods, Olivia Rafton and Charlotte Burke

The second section was 'Stage 6, Short Play, or Excerpt from Play, Poetry or Prose'. As part of their HSC course, the Year 12 students have to create their own Group Devised piece of theatre. This is a very funny and entertaining performance, which engaged the audience and won first place with their performance titled 'Yummy Mummys'.

• 1st: Phoebe Laws, Amelia Perry, Ellia Baywood, Sasha Shipp and Logan Hill

A little fun was had in the Impromptu section. This section tests the student’s improvisational skills, thinking on the spot, knowing each other's strengths and creating a performance from a given situation after 2 minutes, which is thrilling and challenging. The results were:

• 1st: Ruby Sproule, Jessica Preston, Tahni Riordon, Sharni Crossley and Jayden Bolton
• 2nd: Emily Woods, Olivia Rafton, Charlotte Burke and William Perry
• 3rd: Kaitlyn Chadwick, Indy Allen and Sophie Perrin
• Highly Commended: Gracie Campbell, Eva Lemanski and Emily Judd

After lunch, Shakespeare was performed, with scenes from A Midsummer Night's Dream and Macbeth. This is a challenging task, but was confidently tackled by:

• Shakespeare Monologue Solo
  Highly Commended: Jessica Preston
• Shakespeare Duologue Duo
  1st: Jessica Preston and Sharni Crossley
  2nd: Charlotte Burke and Tahni Riordan
• Shakespeare Play or Excerpt from a Play
  1st: Emily Woods, Jayden Bolten and Will Perry

The final section of the day saw the Year 12 students compete in the HSC Monologue Solo. This section allows the students to perform their monologues that they will present as part of their HSC practical component. The results were:

• Two 1st’s: Ellia Baywood
• 1st: Logan Hill
• 2nd: Phoebe Laws
• Two 3rds: Amelia Perry
• 3rd: Sasha Shipp

Congratulations to each and every performer. You have rehearsed diligently and have proven how talented you all are. A big thank you to Mrs Elizabeth Smith for all her hard work in helping to prepare these students. Looking forward to next year.

Mrs Amanda Jordan - Drama Teacher


Music
A number of St Paul's students performed musical items across two days at the Kempsey Eisteddfod. Evie Barton and Sophie Osborne performed two of their HSC pieces on the piano, in which they received first and second place respectively. Lynete Bridgwater, Amelia Perry, Kyan Gibson-Alvandi and Joseph Rautar performed on their instruments, and Ashley Wilson sang. These HSC Music students not only achieved great results at the Eisteddfod, they were also able to receive valuable feedback from the adjudicator, Lynn Lollback, who is an experienced HSC teacher and marker.

Year 10 student Sam Farrell and Year 8 student Matthew Collins also competed in a number of sections on their instruments. In recognition of their achievements, two students received scholarship awards on completion of the Eisteddfod. Matthew Collins received the Scholarship for Most Outstanding Local Instrumentalist - 18 Years & Under, and Kyan Gibson-Alvandi received the Joe Robinson Scholarship for Most Outstanding Local in Guitar. Congratulations to all of our students involved.

Congratulations to Year 12 student, Evie Barton, who was acknowledged by the Kempsey Macleay RSL this week for her role as the Master of Ceremonies at the sub-branch's ANZAC Day 2024 service.

Well done to St Paul's Year 8 Visual Art students who have made fantastic ceramic 'Quirky Creatures' as part of their assessment this Term - they look amazing!

St Paul's Year 10 Food Technology students have made incredible celebration cakes as part of their assessment this Term. Well done for creating such beautiful and delicious cakes!

With the Semester drawing to a close, now is a good time to reflect on the events that have taken place throughout Term 2.

Wingham Beef Week
Wingham Beef Week was an amazing success this year for our students. They experienced success in a number of areas right across the competition, from parading, junior judging and meat judging. Our steers and heifers placed well in various aspects of the competition and we had a 3rd place and 4th place in the carcase competition.

Circular Forcing Yard
At the end of 2023, we purchased a circular force yard from Brazzen Barrington Coast. This has now been fitted into place by our Year 12 Agriculture students and will enable students to work cattle in the yards much safer than previously possible. It has also improved the movement of cattle due to its closed in sides and circular motion which is more conducive to better cattle flow.

Pasture establishment
This year we have sown our winter pastures, which are composed of Ryegrass, Red Clover, White Clover and Forage Brassica. These have all germinated and should be ready for grazing in a few weeks. This will coincide with the breeding cows' last trimester of pregnancy, a time when the developing calf goes through the most pronounced growth stage. The cows were all pregnancy tested and are due to calve around mid August.

Liquid Fertilizer Application
In 2023 the farm purchased a Tow and Fert Liquid fertiliser spreader. This is a New Zealand built machine that can dissolve and spread traditional solid fertilisers into a liquid base. Doing this allows the fertiliser to be absorbed directly through the leaf surface of the plant and not through the roots via the soil as is traditionally done.

Products such as microfine Gypsum and Limestone have been spread. It is also planned to spread maintenance applications of urea and biologicals to stimulate soil microbes.

Mr Graham Bramley - Leader of Vocational Education and Training

Vocational Education and Training
The Year 10 students are about to select their HSC subjects in the coming weeks. Now is a good time to think about choosing a VET based subject offered at St Paul's College.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is an important part of the overall curriculum offerings at St Pauls. The College prides itself on its track record in VET delivery, having won an Australian Training Award for our School based VET delivery in 2020. This is something that no other school in our Diocese has been able to do.

St Paul’s College offers a range of courses to our students: 

• Hospitality - Certificate II Hospitality
• Primary Industries - Certificate II Agriculture
• Construction - Certificate II Construction
• Early Childhood Statement of Attainment towards CHC30121 - Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Human Services Statement of attainment towards CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support

The VET courses allow students to develop a variety of work-ready skills that will be highly valued as they progress into the world of work. The College has excellent facilities with which to deliver these courses and more importantly, skilled teachers who have a wealth of industry based experience.

Choosing a VET pathway that balances academic learning with practical skills can be a game changer for many students and offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, providing numerous benefits that can set students up for success, including:

• Real World Skills and Experience
  VET courses are designed to equip students with industry specific skills that are directly applicable in the workforce. By participating in these programs, students gain hands-on experience through practical training, internships, and work placements, which can give them a significant edge in the job market.
  
  
• Career Clarity and Direction
  Engaging in a VET course allows students to explore various career options and industries, helping them make informed decisions about their future. This early exposure can be invaluable in identifying their passions and strengths, leading to more satisfying career choices.
  
  
• Enhanced Employability
  Employers highly value candidates with practical experience and a proven track record in their field. VET courses provide students with relevant qualifications and work experience, making them more attractive to potential employers. This can lead to better job prospects and higher starting salaries.
  
  
• Pathway to Further Education
  VET courses can serve as a stepping stone to higher education. Many programs offer credits that can be transferred to university degrees, allowing students to continue their education without starting from scratch. This flexibility opens doors to a range of academic and professional opportunities.
  
  
• Personal Development
  In addition to technical skills, VET courses help students develop essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and time management. These competencies are crucial in any professional setting and contribute to personal growth and confidence.
  
  
• Industry Connections
  Through work placements and interactions with industry professionals, VET students can build a network of contacts in their chosen field. These connections can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities upon graduation.
  
  
• Tailored Learning Experience
  VET programs are designed to cater to different learning styles and paces, providing a more personalised education experience. This approach can be particularly beneficial for students who thrive in practical, hands-on learning environments.

Our College has a solid reputation in the area of Vocational Education and Training and many of our past students have incorporated a VET course as part of their educational pathway.

If you wish to explore your options or seek clarification in the area of VET, I would strongly recommend that you speak to me or with any of our teachers who are only too happy to answer any questions that you might have. We understand that for some, the subject selection process can be overwhelming and we will gladly discuss your options with you.

Mr Graham Bramley - Leader of Vocational Education and training (VET)

graham.bramley@lism.catholic.edu.au

We look forward to seeing the students return to the College on Tuesday 23 July. Please note that the College Office will be closed from 3.30pm Friday 5 July and will reopen at 8.30am Monday 22 July.

The Year 12 group photo will be taken on Wednesday 14 August. All Year 12 students are required to wear full academic uniform including ties and meet the presentation expectations of the College.

Please refer to the College Uniform and Presentation Policy for information regarding uniform expectations.

Wednesday 13 November 2024
Please save the date if you have applied for a position at the College for Year 7 2025. This is a compulsory day for students who accept an offer of a position at St Paul's for Year 7 2025.

NSW Health will be conducting the NSW Schools Vaccination Program catch up clinic on Thursday 24 October for Year 7 and Year 10 students.

Online consent for school vaccinations
If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 this year and have not received their routine school vaccinations, you can provide online consent for them to receive their vaccinations at the catch up clinic.

⦁ Year 7 students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV).
⦁ Year 10 students are offered a free vaccine for meningococcal ACWY.

Please note - Year 8 and Year 11 students who have an online consent/signed consent form from 2023, will be offered catch up vaccinations in 2024.

If parents/guardians consent online they will receive a reminder text 3 days prior to the clinic date.

Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.

Catch Up Clinic for 2024 Vaccination Program:

• Term 4 - Thursday 24 October

To provide consent for vaccination online, parents/carers will need to:

• Visit the online consent portal here.
• Follow the steps to log in to your existing Service NSW account. 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.
• Enter Medicare details for yourself and your child and provide consent.
• If you consent online, you will receive a reminder text 3 days prior to the clinic date.
• Read a step-by-step guide on how to provide consent online. Translated guides are available online.
• If you or your child do not have a Medicare card or you cannot provide consent online, please email the College Office kmps@lism.catholic.edu.au to request a paper consent form to be sent home.

The benefits of providing consent online:

⦁ easily update your child's details.
⦁ receive SMS and/or email notifications when vaccinations are given.
⦁ faster upload of vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination. If you have any questions regarding your child's school vaccinations, please contact the NSW Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.

Do you want to explore more about the Catholic faith or wish to become Catholic?

The Macleay Valley Catholic Parish will be running the RCIA program which provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the Catholic faith, including its teachings, history, and traditions. To register or to find out more, please contact 6562 5182 or pastoraloffice@mvcp.org.au

The Catholic Schools Guide is running a 'Treasure Hunt Competition' which is open to every student attending a Catholic School in Australia. The main prize is $2000 in school fees. To find out more and to enter, please visit the link here.

The competition closes 5pm Friday 6 September.

St Paul's encourages our community to get involved with the incredible array of NAIDOC activities on offer locally during the school holidays. The College will be holding its own NAIDOC celebrations early next Term.

The Kempsey NAIDOC Group is proud to present the NAIDOC Week on Dunghutti Country 2024 program below:

If you or someone you know are experiencing any issues that are causing distress, please contact the services below for further support options.

Family Connect Service
The Family Connect services at St Paul's offers support with ANY issues your children or family unit may be experiencing. The service assists to link families to the appropriate specialist services all while providing a confidential and safe space to work with you and advocate for your needs.

St Paul's Family Connect and Support Worker, Ashleigh Howe, works at the College on Mondays and Fridays. Ashleigh has a professional background in the Family Support, Specialist Domestic and Family Violence and Mental Health spaces, and has worked and supported the Macleay Valley community for over 10 years.

If you would like to talk or need advice or support, please contact Ashleigh via email ashleigh.howe@socialfutures.org.au or text/call her on 0448 526 777.