From the Principal's Desk
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I have experienced a few conversations with students this past fortnight that have reminded me about how important a climate of affirmation for us all is. It encourages our students to feel a sense of self worth and to know that their gifts are appreciated. It is like a few words of affirmation seeks a new creation in each child or person, allowing talents to come to fruition. Psychologists tell us that only 20% of a person’s talents are realised during their lifetime. That is why wellbeing and pastoral care at our school is so important as it helps to create a climate whereby our children are provided with opportunities for realising their talents, talents that are theirs and due recognition is given to such talents. Affirmation reaches to all aspects of school life, from our school assemblies, which are the most fun for my week, to individual presence in the classroom. Affirmation is a powerhouse that challenges the peer group which inhibits or stunts the giftedness of other students or each of us.
In light of my thoughts, I had two conversations with students who represented our school recently during the Diocesan Athletics Carnival and the Cross Country. They spoke to me with great animation, happiness and confidence as they shared their special gift with me. I asked them to write about it and I would share it in our newsletter. Below are their contributions:
On Friday 26/7/19 I went to the All Schools Cross Country at Eastern Creek. I ran with 74 other boys aged between 8 - 9 years from all over NSW. I was part of the MacKillop Team. We had to wear a team singlet and shorts.
The track had different surfaces - gravel, grass and tar. It was also a bit hilly. At the end of the race we congratulated each other. For me, the race was a good experience and I enjoyed it.
On Friday I competed in 3 events such as the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. I was supposed to compete in long jump but sadly my severs was not good (common cause of heel pain).
First up I had the relay. In my relay team I had three teammates. I was happy with my team and we came first in our heat and actually came first over all out of all the Junior Girls Relay.
100m - I was really nervous for the 100m heat but I won. I used blocks to start my race. I came first over all in the 100m Junior Girls heat and made the finals.
100m Finals - I was extra nervous for the finals and used blocks again to start off my race. I won this race again and got first overall in the 100m Junior Girls Final.
200m Heat - In the 200m I was really sore but still pushed through to get everything done. I came first in my 200m heat and there was no final so it went by time and I came first overall.
By the end of all my races I was sore and tired but then I realised I won Age Champion.
Now how did those stories make you feel? One child’s affirmation I’m sure brings you great positivity too, it certainly does so for me as I write this newsletter.
Every child OR adult needs to experience their special time in the sun!
Michael Reardon
Principal
Year 6 Representatives
Congratulations to our new Year 6 representatives added to the Student Leadership Team for Terms 3 & 4.
- Evangaline Vella - 6T
- Alexander Keramea - 6F
- Charlotte Cornett - 6H
A special thank you to the students who did this role in Terms 1 & 2.
- Charlie Humphries - 6H
- Steffanie Sammut - 6T
- Rachael Maatouk - 6F
We give 3 students from Year 6 each semester an opportunity to be on the Student Leadership Team to give more of our students the opportunity to build on their experience as leaders in the school.
School Uniform
In recent days some of our students have come to school with new haircuts that fall outside our school policy. No child should have a cut shorter than a number 3. This is to ensure consistency of expectation that is there for the better good of all. Hair standards are also part of the uniform code of the school. The uniform code reflects the discipline code in the school. If you allow your child to leave your home out of uniform then what message does that convey to your child about our uniform code, which everyone signs up for upon enrolment?
This has been a concern raised at P&F meetings and it is the wish of this parent community that the following hair policy be followed. Please ensure you monitor closely the hair policy when visiting the barber or hairdressers.
HAIR
Students are required to wear their hair in a neat and tidy manner. Haircuts should be of an even grade. Hair should be well brushed and combed and it is assumed that hair will not be in such a condition as to invite comment. Ribbons must be school colours. No oversized bows and hair embellishments.
BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Extreme styles, bleaching, colouring or dyeing of hair are not permitted.
- Gel, mousse and hair spray or other substances should not be used.
- There will be no undercuts, steps or shaved lines within the hair.
- Nothing shorter than a Number 4 comb is acceptable.
- Hair should not extend to cover the eyes or touch the shirt collar (boys).
- Boys hair should be of a length not to attract attention. ‘Man buns’ are not permitted at St Paul’s.
- Students who do not abide by the haircut requirements will be asked to fix the identified problem.
- Long hair is to be tied back or plaited. Ribbons and bands of school colour are to be worn.
Transition to Summer Uniform
As the weather becomes warmer, from next Monday, 2 September 2019, parents can choose either full Winter or full Summer uniform for their child. Full summer uniform only must be worn from Term 4.
