Dear Parents/Carers,                                                                        

We are now two weeks out from the end of the year and I can give you an indication of where our staffing is situated for next year, mindful that one late change can cause a domino effect, should there be one.

At this stage, we have sent out numerous notifications reminding parents of the deadlines for class placement concerns regarding their child. I have met with those parents who had concerns for their child’s placement in 2025. At no point in time did I allow parents to determine where their child was going to be placed concerning the staff. Parents know their children well in their setting, we know your child best in the school setting. It is a parent’s responsibility to listen to their child’s worries about next year and support them through this. However, it is important to understand that this is for some children the perfect opportunity for you to begin the resilience building process for your child, something that becomes more challenging every year.

Friendships should never really be a part of the conversation, unless there is a particular friendship that doesn’t bring out the best in your child or another child. Therefore, classes at St Paul’s will never be based on the friendship groups in each grade and the statement “My child has none of their friends in their class” would not be a reason for juggling classes in such a situation. In fact, this is a perfect opportunity to begin that resilience building process with your child and allow them to broaden their friendship groups.

Finally, imagine if you expected the same for your child when they go to high school. I would be somewhat surprised if it received any attention unless there was a major friendship matter that needed attending to. This year I have met with several parents for placement in 2025. I wonder how many parents have requested to meet with their child’s high school for 2025 for the same reasons? Whilst there are definitely parents who need to share with me concerns about their child’s placement each year, I’m sure they know in most cases whether it is necessary and if so, book the appointment.

Class lists for 2025 have now been finalised and I will not be extending any further opportunity for this to be reviewed as it places undue stress on everyone involved and the opportunity has been provided for this matter to be proactively addressed. 

I have attached the staffing summary for next year to enable all in the community to see the big picture at St Paul’s 2025.

In 2025, Mrs Gallagher will take on a role at St Paul's in a permanent casual teaching capacity, and the following teachers have accepted positions at other schools for the 2025 year.

• Miss Huska - St Justin's, Oran Park
• Mr Messina - St Thomas Aquinas, Bowral
• Miss Young - Holy Family, Ingleburn

We thank them for their time at St Paul's and wish them the best of luck for their future endeavours. 

Class Teachers - 2025

Go Gently,

Michael Reardon
Principal

December P&F Meeting 

The December P&F Meeting will be held Wednesday, 4 December 2024 beginning at 7:00pm in the school hall. The meeting agenda is attached. The P&F are continuing to trial the zoom meeting option for those who cannot attend in person. (Link Below)

https://dowcatholic.zoom.us/j/67192179977

Congratulations

Congratulations are extended to Victoria T (Year 5) who has been cast to play the character of July in the musical Annie playing at the Capitol Theatre from March 2025.