Dear Parents/Carers,

I would like to welcome everyone back from term two vacation. I trust that there has been some time to get out of bed a little later on those bitterly cold mornings.  I can only imagine how hard things have been for those families affected by the third flood in Camden for this year.  I have lived in the Camden area for over thirty years never have I experienced two floods in the one year, let alone three! I am mindful of the need for some families to experience the St Paul’s pastoral way due to the floods. Some families and/or businesses have lost virtually everything and are starting all over again!

This rapidly changing world of flood and drought challenges us all to anticipate some of the directions needed to prepare children for the world of tomorrow. Earth consciousness is being refound with a search for low energy technologies.  As one drives over the Cowpasture Bridge into Camden and sees the erosion caused by the devastating floods one can’t help but be reminded of the impact such devastation has on the wellbeing of individuals or families.

For us as a school community, it is my wish that the pastoral care of our families at this challenging time is close to the hearts and hands of all.  With St Paul, one could well select this passage from Corinthians as the context for our school pastoral care at this time:

Please keep our families who have suffered greatly due to this latest rain event in your prayers during this very challenging time.

Go gently,

Michael Reardon
Principal

Principal Awards

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

Harper Halse, Lexi Nicholson, Thomas Bradley, Austin Markovic,, Georgia Hobbs, Nicholas Bright, Marcus Patricio, Sebastian Patricio, Sophia Carney, Vivienne Carney, Tasley Formosa, Isabella Meekin, Kieran VanDerLinden, Siena Musico, Nikola Vukovic, Ava-Lucia D'Costa, Kiarney Smith, Brooklyn Russell, Mikah Small, Rose Georgeson, 

Sporting Update

Once again due to the floods the playing fields at Onslow Park are now closed indefinitely. Due to it being impossible to get a backup date at the Campbelltown Athletics Track before the Regional Athletics Carnival, the Athletics carnival became purely a trial event held after school.  I thought once we started to come out of the COVID pandemic our whole school events would return to normal.  Unfortunately this hasn’t been the case.  I wish to acknowledge the work of Mrs Fielding who had to run this athletics trial after school at Campbelltown simply because rescheduling was not an option.  Hopefully there will be a carnival later in the term once the grounds are open. One still needs to see the positive, this will mean on this occasion the focus becomes purely participation.

CPS Cross Country

The Wandana Aboriginal Experience - NAIDOC Week

On Monday, 18 and Tuesday, 19 July, the students of St Paul's participated in an incursion coordinated by ‘Wandana’. This group provided for us a range of unique and interactive activities celebrating the history and culture of Aboriginal people.

Students were also given the  opportunity to contribute to three artworks which will soon be displayed in our school.

Our students had a wonderful opportunity to connect with and better understand our local Aboriginal culture.

The St Paul’s Fete is back!

Year 6 Mass & Gathering with Bishop Brian Mascord

Every year the students from Year 6 are invited to attend Mass followed by a gathering with Bishop Brian Mascord. This year the event is being hosted by our Parish, St Paul’s Camden tomorrow, Wednesday, 27 July 2022.

We will join with Year 6 students from Mater Dei Camden, St Clare’s Narellan Vale, St Anthony’s Picton, St Paul’s Moss Vale, St Thomas Aquinas Bowral and St Michael’s Mittagong.

Students are required to wear their full winter uniform (not sport uniform) for this event. We look forward to a joyous celebration for all of our Year 6 students.

Feast Days

On Monday, 8 August 2022, we will celebrate Mary MacKillop's Feast Day. On the following Monday, 15 August 2022, we will celebrate the Feast Day of the Assumption.

These are both important days in our Liturgical calendar and we will be attending Mass with the parishioners on these days. The whole school will attend on Monday, 8 August 2022 and Years 2 to 6 will attend on Monday, 15 August 2022.

Consequently we will not have a whole school  assembly on the Mondays of Week 4 and Week 5. We will however have an assembly on Tuesday, 9 August and on Tuesday, 16 August 2022 to present the Principal awards.

Save the Date - Book Week Parade & Book and Blanket Afternoon

On Tuesday, 23 August 2022 (Week 6), St Paul's will celebrate our traditional Book Week Parade and introduce Book & Blanket afternoon. This year's theme is: Dreaming with Eyes Open. 

To help celebrate this important focus on children's literature we are encouraging students and families to participate in this joyful event. Students will be able to dress up as their favourite book character. During the day, students will participate in a whole school parade. Parents will be invited to view the parade as well as join your child for the Book and Blanket event. Parents are invited to bring their favourite children's book, a blanket and picnic lunch to share with their child. There will be more details in the coming weeks. 

Scholastic Book Club Loop Orders Issue 5 - FREE BOOK OFFER!

Scholastic is giving away FREE books on this issue to help celebrate and spread the love of reading in our school. Receive 1 free book when you spend $30, 2 free books when you spend $50 or 3 free books when you spend $70.

Book Club Issue 5 orders must be placed before Friday, 5 August 2022.