St Paul's Catholic Parish Primary School Camden
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20 Mitchell Street
Camden NSW 2570
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Email: info@spcdow.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 02 4654 8900
Fax:  02 4654 8999

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Parents/Carers,                                                                        

We are close to the 2023 finish line! This will culminate tonight with our Christmas Carols community celebration and then on Friday, our end of year mass. I can see how tired all are, but I also see regular examples of the sense of belonging and school morale that is the glue that keeps us connected as a community.

A school with a strong sense of belonging like ours has helped those children who feel some dislocation in their lives. Amidst our community initiatives and friendship through learning, we offer the children some community which is welcoming and stable in a world of the thirty second grab and quick fix! Our school spirit and identity (well known in Camden) is a multifaceted phenomenon and seems to rise from many sources eg how we welcome new parents, regular school assemblies and liturgies, participation in public events together, the loyalty of teachers, parents and children for the school, celebration of school events and school rituals are just a small list that comes to mind as I draft this final newsletter.

When we live the above we fight corporate consciousness which if we aren’t careful comes at the expense of the individual child. The bonding of students occurs when they experience an affinity for the school as a place where they are recognised as people and feel linked with others. Bonding through community offers support and affirmation for each person in our school. The children then know their presence in the St Paul’s school community is significant and they have some real contribution to make to its growth.

Finally, at the Christmas carols tonight and our end of year mass, consciously, “Suck it in!” Then say to yourself, “I helped create this”, fully in the presence of our loving God.

May the birth of the Christmas child bring great joy and happiness to you and your family this festive season.

Go gently,

                                                        

Michael Reardon
Principal

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Principal Awards

Congratulations to the following students who have recently received a Principal Award. 

Frederick Booth, Giulia Giorgi, Isla Richardson, Evangelene Bustos, Summer Yesilada, Addison Russell, Rose Georgeson, Kate Moroney, Amelia Carr, Lily Vella, Joel Taylor, Jacob Gajewski, Mariah Leahy, Olivia Puckrin, Annabelle Gajewski, Elizabeth Knapp, Austin Markovic, Isla Fuller, William Kneller, Jayde Evans, Tobias Itskos, Madeleine Wright, Giuliano Mula, Peyton Stanley, Vivien Camaj.

Christmas Art Competition

Congratulations to both Heath and Ruby who were finalists in the Christmas Story Art Competition and exhibition. The school community are very proud of your acheivements.
On Sunday, 3 December 2023,  I was 1 of 100 finalist from Wollongong,  Sydney and Bathurst catholic Diocese in the Christmas Story Art Competition and exhibition. I was excited to receive 2nd place in the yr5 category. 
My artwork 'The inquisitive Shepard' was inspired by the passage: 'Do not be afraid; I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people'.
Heath Kemp
On Sunday, 3 December 2023 I had the pleasure of attending the University of Notre Dame as I made it to the finals of the Christmas story art competition.
My art work was inspired by my aboriginal heritage and the passage Isaiah 40: 3-5, 'Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.' 
My art work uses aboriginal dot painting to tell the story of Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlem. 
I received two awards for my artwork, the journey award and the Notre Dame award. 
 
I would also like to congratulate Health who got 2nd prize for year 5. 
Ruby Humphries

 

Parliament Visit

Jonathan Sparkes-Howarth recently had the honor of representing St Paul’s at NSW Parliament House as the guest of The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong, MP of Macquarie Fields.

Jonathan was treated to a private tour of the House of Representatives, Chambers, where the Speaker sits, along with the exhibition of ‘Yeribee’ indigenous experiences and shared a three course lunch with Anoulack.