Dear Parents and Guardians,

I trust that most of us by now are back into the school and family routines of a new year.  I must admit, by Friday I am very much ready for a break as schools are such incredibly busy places.

The Kindergarten grade has settled into school so quickly, by far the best start in my time at St Paul’s.  This is a credit to your preparation in assisting your child’s readiness for school and the wonderful procedures and plans implemented by the Kindergarten teachers.  Behind the scenes, working quietly is Mrs Brunetta who coordinated the Best Start Assessments and Brigance Assessments, used to create the class placements across the kinder grade. 

As I reflect on the above, I begin to ask myself why this is the case?  I believe this is due to a number of things that our school community does well.  Our school has a strong sense of belonging and this helps the children who feel a sense of dislocation in their lives.  A school with such an identity offers the children some community which is welcoming and stable in a world of change. So what is school identity?  Here it is a multifaceted phenomenon and seems to be created from many sources; our Kinder Orientation Program, so diligently put together by Mrs Brunetta, our regular assemblies and liturgies, participation in community events, cultural and sporting fixtures, the loyalty of the staff and parents for our school, all go together to create our sense of belonging.

In our school the  children bond well together in most cases because of this affinity they experience daily here.  Such bonds offer affirmation and support for all. Our little ones have settled in so well because they already know that their presence in the school community is significant to the group and as they journey with us they will come to realise their presence makes a real contribution to the St Paul’s way, Truth, Faith, Love.

Go gently,

Michael Reardon
Principal

Mr Reardon and Mrs Debrincat away over the next two weeks

This week and next week both Mrs Debrincat and I, along with principals and RECs from other Catholic schools in our immediate area, are attending a Spirituality and Formation Conference in the United States.  In our absence Mrs Brunetta will be Acting Principal and members of the Leadership Team will be closely assisting her in running the school. We are so fortunate to have such capable leaders in our school who are well skilled at running the school in our absence.

I will be back at school on Tuesday, 3 March 2020.

Class Parent Reps

So far, we have had only four people put their name down to be a Class Parent Rep.  This role was established to assist the school community in “rallying the troops” when we need some extra hands for community events.  Grandparents Day, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Christmas Celebrations, St Paul’s Fete will only go ahead when we can get support from you, the parents, to run such events.  I’m sure if these events were cancelled, there would be huge disappointment, yet for many who would express this disappointment, could do something to ensure it doesn’t happen.

Please consider nominating yourself as a Class Parent Rep and complete the attached note or email your interest via info@spcdow.catholic.edu.au

School Captains/Leaders Badge Ceremony 

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

Veronica Waltisbuhl, Anthony Macri, Bianca Kral, Thor Taylor, Kurtis Hambridge.

Bullying is never ok. It’s hurtful and can impact someone for a long time.

Bullying is defined as a form of repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour directed at one or more people that is meant to cause fear and distress/harm to another person’s body, feelings, self esteem, reputation.

What is bullying?

It's more than just a fight or disliking someone.

• It’s being mean to someone over and over again
• Bullying is when someone or a group of people who have more power than you repeatedly use words or actions to hurt you
• Bullying can happen anywhere – at home, with friends, online, at school or on the bus

On Thursday, 30 January 2020, our competitive swimmers attended the St Paul's Swimming Carnival. In the hot & steamy conditions, all students swam in various events with enormous determination and St Paul's spirit. Special congratulations to Christina who broke the U11 Butterfly record which was set back in 2011.Thank you to our parent & staff community, for their support with this event. 

Age Champion Results

Age Champion awards will be presented at this Fridays assembly.

Reminder

On Tuesday, 25 February 2020 at 6:30pm, St Paul’s will be hosting a presentation by Mr David Emery – Operations Manager, ICLT Diocese of Wollongong, in the school hall. At this event Mr David Emery will speak and share practical skills about how to best manage your child’s device at home. 

We encourage at least one parent from each family to attend the evening. You will be required to bring your child’s iPad and know their password to unlock their device.

When:   Tuesday, 25 February 2020

Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Location: School hall

Bring: Your child’s iPad and their password to unlock the device

If you have yet to return the RSVP, it has been attached below.

Sacrament of Penance Programme

Ash Wednesday ~ 26th February

Unfortunately, Father Michael will be returning from overseas and arrive after a very long flight on the morning of Ash Wednesday. Accordingly, the Masses across the parish will be a little different compared to previous years. Please be mindful of the following: St Paul’s 9:15 AM with school kids. St Clare’s 12:00 Noon for school kids, St Aloysius at 5:00 PM & St Paul’s at 7:00 PM. 

New Canteen Price List