Dear Parents & Friends,

As I begin to draft this newsletter, it is a very peaceful time in my office at 7.30am in the morning and there are no problems to solve, the sun outside is speckled through the trees and it is a beautiful time to sit and reflect about our Listening Assembly.

Firstly, I was amazed at the response from parents to the invite. We had over one hundred acceptances, by far the largest group I have facilitated this process for. I must admit, the promise of great food from The Chef and I would have really helped here.  In addition to this, I had more than half the staff volunteer to come and help facilitate the process.  We must never forget the commitment given to the school by the staff at St Paul’s.

I’m sure some would have also come simply because they were inquisitive and wanted to see where this would go. However, after the event, I know that the community genuinely wanted what was best for the school and their children and this was very evident in the outcome. It was very clear about what was valued by the community as well as the new ideas that can make our great school an even better school. 

The next step in the process is for me to meet with the President of the P and F and complete the report that summarises the Listening Assembly outcomes so that we can share them with the rest of the community.  Further discussion about the outcomes will also form part of the agenda in future P and F meetings.

On another matter, as I go out to dismissal each afternoon and look into the carpark I now see the speed humps installed, slowing vehicles down and making this area safer for our students and families. This was an initiative that generated some discussion at a P and F meeting and was followed up at council and has had a positive outcome.  A special thank you to those involved who made this happen.  However, the speed humps don’t prevent people from stopping in the middle of the roadway and dropping their kids off rather than parking their car first and walking their children through the carpark to the safety of the school grounds.  As parents, there are times when we become so focused on dropping off the kids and getting to work that our common sense radar is switched off and dangerous behaviours such as this can take over.  This is just a reminder, not to become one of those parents who place convenience before safety!

Go gently,

Michael Reardon
Principal

KINDERGARTEN 2020 
Applications are now available for collection from the school office. Applications Close Friday, 12 April 2019 at 3:45pm 

2019 SCHOOL FEES
To assist you, yesterday, all families were emailed a running school fee invoice showing all payments made to date. Payments can be made in full or part using the following methods : Bpay, Eftpos, cash, cheques or credit card.  If you are having difficulty paying your school fees, we ask that you do not ignore your fee statement and make contact with Mr Reardon by email info@dow.catholic.edu.au

WINTER SCHOOL UNIFORM
Students may begin to wear their Winter School Uniform from Monday, 29 April 2019.  All students must be wearing full winter school uniform as of Monday, 13 May 2019 - Week 3, Term 2.

To assist with this transition to winter uniform. The clothing pool will be open  Monday and Thursday afternoon - Week 11, 3pm to 4pm, in addition to the usual Monday morning 9:00am to 10:00am. 

VISITOR SIGN IN
All volunteer helpers in our school MUST sign in at the school office before going through to the area of the school where they are volunteering. For your own safety and in compliance with school regulations, please do not enter through a side gate or go directly to the classroom or canteen. You must sign in via the school office first.

OFFICE LOAN UNIFORMS
If your child has visited the School Office and been given the use of an Office Loan Uniform, please ensure that it is laundered and returned to the School Office promptly so that is available for another student that may be in a similar situation.

ANZAC Day March
St Paul’s will  march at the Camden R.S.L Sub Branch ANZAC Day Main Service. The March commences at 10.30am from Elizabeth Street. Staff will be marching with students. If you wish your child to participate in the march with their school they will need to gather on Elizabeth Street near Camden Tyre Service at 10am. Students are to wear their sports uniform.

EASTER EGG RAFFLE
The St Paul’s Easter Egg Raffle will be drawn on Friday, 12 April 2019. Thank you to those families who have donated and purchased tickets. Please keep them coming in.

THANK YOU!
Thank you to the outgoing P&F President, Amber Linden and Vice President, Michelle Galea for their hard work and contribution to the school during the past three years  they have held these roles.

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