From the Principal's Desk
Dear Parents/Carers,
As we move towards the end of the term I find myself reflecting on the power of the cross. Jesus said:
“If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him take up his cross every day and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it.”
Luke 9:23 - 24
The Catholic School usually has a crucifix on its walls and on a prayer space or wall in the classrooms, and so it should. The cross is the central religious symbol in the Christian way. The cross points to one mystery of paradox, of limit and of the prospect of transformation through failure. In the striving for excellence in our Catholic school, there is also a space for failure. Somehow the examinations, successes, the sporting prowess of students, special prizes, must never be established as a norm for school endeavour lest the shadow side of the school is ignored.
The paradox of failure is authentic and children need to be in touch with its realities. The Christian position is that on the point of failure stands the prospect of redemption and grace. There is no implication here for opting out from striving for excellence or accepting indifferent efforts but an awareness that we all carry limits whoever we are and whatever we do. By trying to incorporate our failures, our shadow, into our lives, we are more in touch with the wholeness of our journey and growth as people.
Through failure, Jesus offered a way of transformation. The two faces of Good Friday and Easter Sunday belong to the same person, Jesus. Do you allow yourself to also represent the two faces of Good Friday and Easter Sunday? My family reminds me all the time of both! Something to consider as we head into Holy Week next Sunday.
Go Gently,
Michael Reardon
Principal
Principal Awards
Congratulations to the following students who have recently received a Principal Award.
Aubree Bentham-Esner, Archer Linden, Harper Grimson, Samuel Porter, Leo Lonergan, Eden Shephard, Sebastian Armstrong, Ashton Youkhana, Cody Russo, Kalanee Pierce, Nishan Singh, Marcus Mura, Olivia Puckrin, Holly Nightscales, Charlotte Campbell, Pasquale Oliva, Parker King, Alexander Brett, Maya Gerloff, Hannah Gray, Harper Cox, Zoe Farrugia, John Colosimo, Brysen David, Brenden Grech, Mariah Oliva, Ava Grech, Georgie Haddad, Brearne Smith, Nicholas Brajuha
Staff Spirituality Day - Student Pupil Free Day
On Tuesday, 26 April 2022, staff will participate in a spirituality day at Mary Mackillop Place in North Sydney.
This day will be a pupil free day and no staff will be onsite to supervise children.
Great Fete News
Unfortunately I was unable to attend the fete meeting to determine whether we can go ahead with the fete this year. Normally it is in May, due to COVID restrictions it is hoped that we can go ahead with the date set - 17 September (second last weekend of term 3). Not only was there a great turn up for the meeting but most positions for the fete stalls have been filled and the fete committee pairs established. I have listed below the summary from the meeting. My apologies to anyone that I have missed out or managed to get wrong, please let me know! Also a special thank you to Mark Mc Innes for leading the night. I’m excited to see a number of new families come on board either on the committee or the stall holders. Everyone is keen and motivated to enable the story to continue for our students. Every ex student has a story to share about their time at St Paul’s and the great day that was the fete.
A special thank you to the fete committee. There was a nomination and acceptance process on the night. As you can see the fete committee will work in tandem with their colleague.
Below is a summary of volunteers from the evening:
Proposed date TBC - New date 17 September 2022
| Committee Positions | Committe Members |
| Fete Manager | Mark McInnes and Simon Daly |
| Operations and Logistics Manager | Rob Galea and Annemarie Lauricella |
| Sponsorship and Finance | Michelle Galea and Rebecca Rofe |
| General Administration | Rebekah Porter and Julie Puckrin |
| Treasurer |
Michelle Muscat and Roberto Santucci |
| Stall | Stall Coordinator |
| Chocolate Wheel | Glenn Murray |
| Gift boxes | Mrs Colliss |
| Sand Art | Mrs Coco |
| Tattoos | Sonya Borg & Mr Reardon |
| Rides | Emma-Jane Garbutt |
| Face painting | |
| Fairy floss, Popcorn and Drinks | Tanya Lawrence and Sarah B |
| Gelato | Henry P handing over to Aunty of a kinder student |
| Craft | Kate Rasmussen |
| Produce | Anthony Muscat and Renee Stanley |
| Main Raffle | Amy and Amy |
| Hair spray and Nails | Jennifer and Annemaree |
| Donuts | Mrs Santucci |
| Hot Dogs | |
| White Elephant and Books | Julie Puckrin and Emma |
| BBQ | |
| Snow cones | Heather |
| Corn on the Cob | |
| Entertainment | Daniela Ryan |
Next Fete meeting: Thursday, 28 April 2022
First Thursday back after the holidays. This is where we will start planning the work of the stall holders.
PLEASE COME AND JOIN IN, IF YOU COULDN’T MAKE THE FIRST MEETING.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Zoey (4 Hope), who was invited to audition for Gymtastic’s international team. Last week Zoey was informed that she had been offered a position in the performant team and that she will be attending the 20th World Gymnaestrada in Amsterdam, representing Australia from 30 July until 5 August 2023.