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Dear Parents & Guardians,
As we move towards the end of the year, we have just finalised our staffing for 2021. The total staffing summary for 2021 is included in this newsletter.
It outlines the staff that are on each grade. Prior to this information being shared with you I gave parents the opportunity to meet with me, if necessary, to discuss concerns about their child’s placements for next year. I listened carefully, and made recommendations to them about whom I believed would be the best fit for their child. I didn’t allow parents to make the recommendations, simply because that is not the place of the parent to do so, otherwise, this amounts to a “teacher shopping” approach to class placements which not only is inappropriate but also handing over staffing responsibilities to parents. I’m sure those parents who have their own businesses, wouldn’t be seeking input from their clients about the work responsibilities of their employees. I again stress, the teachers know your child in the school setting best, as well as any issues with friendships. In addition, these class lists are now completed, and moving a child from one class means that another child has to also be moved, through no fault of their own or request from a parent.
As you can see, ringing and making the request at this time of year is completely inappropriate, the opportunity for that has well and truly passed. I ask that all parents honour and respect the decisions that have been made with regards to teacher placement and student placement.
Go gently,
Michael Reardon
Principal
Congratulations to the following students who have recently received a Principal's Award.
Luana Devey, Luca Burnett, Mark Starr, Lucy Farrugia, Olivia Davies, Holly Nightscales, William Porter, Thomas Palazzolo, Charlotte Campbell, Ella Caudle, Elyse Galluzzo, Eva McLaren, William Bradley, Nathaniel Lyakurwa, Logan Nightscales, Taylor Fairbrother, Joseph Iofrida, Sofia Bradley, Domenic Mazzocco, Caelan Mulholland, Fabien Galea, Lucas Muscat, James Bladwell, Georgia Moraghan, Mia McCudden, Harrison Woolford, Lucia Vecchio, Madeline Mazzocco, Kobe Perkins, Matthew Dunbar, Luke Vella, Ashlee Mills, Chelsea Mills, Eryn McCudden, Dakota Leahy, Claire Lynch
SCHOOL FEES - 2021
Following careful consideration the CEODoW fee increase for 2021 school fees are;
Primary Tuition Fee increase of 2% and Parish SEDSO Levy increase of 5%.
2021 Family Fees (per family per annum)
Tuition Fees - $1,712.00 Parish SEDSO Levy - $1,076.00
The school sort permission from the CEODoW to increase the Student Resource Levy for the 2021 school year by $35.00. The school has decided to implement a new initiative around student resources to ensure that students have all resources required for the whole of the school year. When the school looked into this it was found that as the school orders in bulk it is much cheaper and less time consuming for parents. The 2021 Student Levy now covers all student requirements including your child’s pencil case.
The 2021 IT Levy remains the same as the 2020 school year.
2021 Student Fees (per child per annum)
Resource Levy - $185.00, IT Levy - Kinder - Yr 5 - $75.00, Yr 6 - $50.00
Kinder to Year 5 Excursion Levies and the Year 6 T’shirt levy remain the same as the 2020 school year. The Year 6 Excursion Levy was unavoidably increased by $20.00 for the 2021 school year due to an increase in costs associated with the Year 6 Camp due to new regulations following COVID-19.
Excursion Levy (per child per annum)
Kinder - Year 2 - $50.00, Year 3&4 - $70.00, Year 5 $175.00
Year 6 - $460.00 Year 6 T'Shirt - $20.00
Parents will be required to supply the following items for their child for the 2021 school year:
| Parents to Supply for K-6 |
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SCHOOL FEES 2021 –ARRANGEMENTS FOR PAYMENT BY INSTALMENT
School fees in 2021 to be invoiced centrally by the Catholic Education Office under advice from schools. Families are offered the opportunity of paying their school fees by regular instalments over the school year. This is only available to families that have provided the CEODoW with a ‘Request to pay Fees by Instalments” form. If you wish to pay your fees by instalment for the 2021 school year and did not fill out a form for the 2020 school year please download the form , complete and either return the form to the school office or directly to the CEO before Monday, 14 December 2020.
Please note, families may elect to pay school fees by instalment under the following terms and conditions:
- The family must complete a Request to Pay School Fees by Instalment and present a separate request to each school in which their child/children are enrolled.
- Families may have only one instalment frequency. If the family has multiple accounts due to children at different schools, they may only elect one payment frequency eg fortnightly in both schools.
- The instalments must pay the school fee account in one school calendar year with an end date of the first week in December.
- On receipt of the Request to Pay School Fees by Instalment, an Instalment Schedule advising dates and amounts, will be generated by our accounting system and forwarded to the family by email so that payments can commence.
- The Request to Pay School Fees by Instalment will continue year to year until a further notice is received from the family.
- If instalments are not paid as agreed and there is serious default, the school may withdraw the offer of payment by instalment at any time and all fees will be due and payable until such time as a further arrangement is agreed upon with the school. Please note, families will be informed of the withdrawal of instalments in writing by email.
Please note, if you do not elect to pay by instalments, your school fee account will be payable in full 30 days after annual invoicing.
FAMILIES WHO MAY BE EXPERIENCING HARDSHIP
For those families who are experiencing financial hardship, please do not hesitate to contact the school office to access an Application for Fee Concession, either when your 2021 school fee statement is received, or in the case of an existing Fee Concession arrangement, on the date of your annual review.
Important Message
Due to the restrictions in place for COVID-19, students are not to exchange Christmas cards or candy canes.
Provision of Water
A reminder the school bubblers are still not be in use. With the weather warming up, we ask that you please ensure your child has sufficient water for the school day.
Please do not send you child to school if they are sick.
The Sacrament of the Eucharist
Congratulations to our Students who celebrated their First Communion.
On Saturday, 21 and Sunday, 22 November 2020, a large number of students from St Paul’s together with students from our sister school St Clare’s, as well as other members from the parish celebrated their First Holy Communion. The candidates were beautifully prepared by their parents and supported by our priests and parish assistants. A big thank you to Fr Michael, Fr Joseph and Fr Anthony for offering this opportunity to our students. We pray that these young people will be forever connected to Jesus’ love, peace and blessings.
Mission Project
As we come into this season of Advent, we are taking this opportunity as a school community to help our Catholic mission agencies and to teach our children the true meaning of Christmas, ‘giving’.
In our classrooms, we have investigated groups that need help and what type of support they require. We also looked at how we can assist those in need. We thank you for the guidance you have given to your children at home in support of our mission focus.
We ask the children to return any money they have collected or donated in the envelopes provided, during this week or preferably on our ‘Christmas Fun-day’ on Monday, 7 December 2020. We look forward to sharing the amount collected with you soon.
Christmas Fun Day for Students
Students will participate in a Christmas Fun Day, Monday, 7 December 2020 (Week 9). On this day, students will be allowed to wear an appropriate Christmas themed or coloured t-shirt, school sport shorts and school sport shoes. No singlets allowed. Santa hats can be worn however, school hats must be worn at break times.
Enrolment for Reconciliation
If your child is in Year 2 or above, and wishes to make their First Reconciliation they will need to be enrolled in the next parish Sacramental Program which is currently underway after each parish Mass. Please read further information in this newsletter (Parish News) for details.
The Season of Advent
Sunday marked the beginning of the church's liturgical season of Advent. Advent is a season observed as a time of waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. Advent is a time to reach out to others in the spirit of love and share what we have been given. Advent is a time to remember all that God has done for us and give praise to God’s name.
One of the Symbols of Advent is the wreath. Many families will have an Advent Wreath at home where they light one candle each week in joyful and expectant hope of celebrating Christ’s birth. The lighting of the candles marks our growing anticipation of the coming of Christ’s light. We too, can light a candle in the silence of our hearts. We can name one thing that we can be more aware of this Advent Season that will draw us more deeply into Christ’s light and love and that will make us a light for others.
Advent Prayer - Hope
Heavenly Father,
as we begin this Advent,
give light to our eyes and peace to our hearts.
May the Lord find us watching and waiting in joy when He comes.
We pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen
Blessings,
Maria Debrincat
Christmas Art Competition
Christmas Tree Competition
Thank you to Mrs Huxley for supporting the students in creating this amazing Christmas Tree. If you’re visiting Narellan Town Centre don’t forget to vote for St Paul’s!
https://www.narellantowncentre.com.au/whats-on/496-local-schools-christmas-tree-artworks
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who has helped with covering books for the library this year. Your work is very much appreciated.
Library Returns
Truth Love & Faith Awards
On Wednesday, 25 November 2020, select students from K-6 were awarded with a Truth Love and Faith Award. Students were very excited, shocked and astonished when their name was called out and they received their award. The students who didn’t receive an award were extremely supportive and demonstrated great respect for those who did.
I want to congratulate each and every student of St Paul’s for their efforts in this uncertain year. Even though they may not have been a recipient of the Truth Love and Faith award, they can hold their heads up high knowing that they got through a tough year.
Mackillop Awards
For Parish news and information, or to book Mass during COVID-19 please visit the Parish website.
https://www.stpaulscamden.org.au/
Sacrament of Penance Programme for 2020/2021
P&F Meeting - Wednesday, 2 December 2020
The last P&F meeting for the year will be held on Wednesday, 2 December 2020 at 7pm in the Heritage Hall. Below is the agenda for the meeting.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we will need to limit the number of attendees to a maximum of 20. If you would like to attend, you must RSVP via email info@spcdow.catholic.edu.au by 12pm, Wednesday, 2 December 2020.
| Wednesday, 2 December 2020 | Canteen Caper Day | |
| Wednesday, 2 December 2020 | 7pm | P&F Meeting - RSVP needed |
| Monday, 7 December 2020 | Christmas Fun Day | |
| Wednesday, 9 December 2020 | 10:30am | Year 6 Farewell Mass |
| Wednesday, 9 December 2020 | Year 6 Farewell Dinner - The CUBE | |
| Friday, 11 December 2020 | Swimming Carnival - Year 3-6 Competitive Swimmers Only | |
| Monday, 14 December 2020 | Year 6 Day Camp - Wedderburn Christian Campsite | |
| Wednesday, 16 December 2020 | Last Day of Term 4 for Students | |
| Friday, 18 December 2020 | Last Day of Term 4 for Staff | |
| Wednesday, 27 January 2021 | Staff return - Term 1 2021 | |
| Thursday, 28 January 2021 | Years 1-6 Students Return |