Term 4 Weeks 7 and 8

“Stay awake! For you do not know on which day the Lord will come.”

Matthew 24:42

From the Gospel of the First Sunday of Advent Year A

Dear families,

We are nearing the end of the year and there is a lot to do. This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent. A time when we are challenged to stay awake and prepare for the coming of the Lord. At this time of year it can be difficult to prepare for 2023 when we are feeling tired and exhausted after what has been a very challenging year. Yet we need to push on. It is our faith in the impending birth of Jesus that gives us the strength to remain focused on what it is we need to do. As we prepare for the end of the year and 2023 we pray that God will guide us as he did Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem.

In preparing for 2023 we have set the staffing allocations. I am pleased to announce the following staffing allocations for 2023, welcome some new members to the St Paul's community and say farewell and thank you to some staff who will be leaving us.

Staff for 2023

Principal	Mrs Katie Browne
Assistant Principal	Mr Simon Farrugia
Religious Education Coordinator	Miss Catherine duBois
Senior School Support Officer	Mrs Eileen Norman
Middle Leader 1	Mrs Tania Calla-Hunstone
Instructional Coach Diverse Learning Needs	Mrs Mary Lou Claremont 3 days per week
Year 6 Teacher	Miss Catherine duBois
REC Executive Release	Mrs Jo Smith - 1 day a week
Year 5 Teacher	Mrs Rachelle Adams
Year 4 Teacher	Mrs Yvonne Kiah
Year 3 Teacher	TBC
Year 2 Teachers	Mrs Jocelyn Ponticello - 3 Days Mrs Louise Cassidy - 2 Days
Year 1 Teacher	Mrs Joanne Cutler
Kindergarten Teacher	Mrs Tania Calla-Hunstone
Library / Music / STEM	Mrs Jo Smith
Learning Support	Mrs Margaret Burton Half days Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Full Day Wednesday
School Support Officer  Office Administration	Mrs Hayley Barton  Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
School Support Officer  Classroom and Administration	Mrs Maria Cervonaro Mrs Helen Gorton Mrs Michelle Gillespie Mrs Jodie Iliani Mrs Raelene Rowland

The following staff will be finishing with us at the end of 2022: Mrs Lisa Evans, Miss Jess Molloy, Mrs Elizabeth Martinovic, Mrs Bernadette Taylor. We will say farewell and thank you at the end of year assembly. Although their contracts end at the end of 2022 we are not farwelling them completely from our community.

I would like to welcome Mrs Joanne Cutler and Mrs Rachelle Adams to St Paul’s. Both ladies are new to the Wollongong Diocese. I am sure the community will make them feel very welcome.

Transition

Part of preparing for 2023 is supporting our students with their transition into their new grade with their new teachers. We will be providing opportunities for the students to meet their new teachers and get to know them. Some students require an extended transition so appropriate support will be put in place for this. Change can be tricky and unsettling however by providing opportunities to build relationships and positive encounters it can be an exciting time.

Library / STEM / Music

In 2023 we have decided to dedicate time to growing our STEM opportunities. STEM is an approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Mrs Smith will provide all grades learning opportunities that combine each of these subject areas. Part of this is extending our Vex Robotics program. Through STEM, students develop key skills including: problem solving, creativity, critical analysis, teamwork, independent thinking, initiative, communication and digital literacy. These are all necessary skills students require to be successful in the ever changing digital world in which technology is rapidly evolving. The library is the perfect place for this in accessing resources to develop the student’s skills. I would like to thank the P&F for committing some funds to help support us in getting started by being able to purchase resources. Each class will have a full day in the library over a two week period. During this day the class will participate in Library skills, including digital citizenship skills, browsing and borrowing, participate in STEM based activities and have a music lesson.

Camp and Leadership

Last week Year 6 attended camp and Year 5 were able to have two days of leadership building activities. One at school and other at Camp. The students had a wonderful time and took on the challenges put before them. Year 5 will now begin the process of discerning their transition into leadership. This week they have brought home the nomination forms for the executive leadership roles which are School Captain and Colour House Captain. This process is designed to encourage the students to think about what makes a good leader in a school setting. It is not a political election and students are not to persuade other students to vote for them. Year 3 - 6 and the staff will vote following the Year 5 speeches later in the term. Only those students wishing to be considered for an executive role are required to make a speech.

Meetings

This week I will be attending a Principal's Business meeting. Mrs Carolyn Hadley will be at School Tuesday in my and Mr Farrigia’s absence to care for the school. On Wednesday I will be attending the Principal’s and Clergy meeting.

Beach Safety Program

Years 3 and 4 and Years 5 and 6 will be tending the beach safety program at Sandon Point. This is an important part of the PDHPE curriculum addressing safety around water.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Matthew Holmes and Emiko Curcuruto. Both students received awards at the CEDoW Sports Awards. This is a wonderful achievement. 

Kindergarten 2023 Transition Playgroup

Our first Kindergarten Playgroups are almost finished. Orientation day is Thursday 1 December. We look forward to seeing all the students and families on this day. Thank you to our current Kindergarten parents for supporting the morning tea following the orientation meeting.

The remaining dates are as follows:

Friday 25 November 1:30pm to 2:30pm

Tuesday 29 November 1:30pm to 2:30pm

Orientation Day Thursday 1 December 9:30am - 11:30am

P&F AGM.

The P&F AGM is fast approaching. It will be held on Tuesday 13 December at 7pm in the School Hall. All positions will be made vacant and an election held for new office bearers. If you would like to be a part of a working committee that works to develop the community of St Paul’s then please consider taking on an executive role in the P&F. Nominations can be made using the form located under P&F Heading. If you nominate someone please ensure you have sought their permission first and the person seconding your nomination has given you their direct consent.

Learn to Swim K-2

This begins in Week 9 Monday 5 to Thursday 8 December. More details will be sent home soon. Students will catch a bus to and from the pool. 

Assembly Change for this week only.

We will have assembly on Friday morning 9am this week only, due to Year 5 and 6 being at the beach.

Important Dates

Week 7	Tuesday 22 November Principal's Business meeting Tuesday 22 November Kindy 2023 Playgroup Wednesday 23 November Clergy and Principals Meeting Wednesday 23 November Year 3 and 4 Sandon Point Thursday 24 November Year 5 and 6 Sandon Point Friday 25 November Assembly 9am Friday 25 November Kindy 2023 Playgroup
Week 8	Tuesday 29 November Moss Vale High School Orientation Day Tuesday 29 November Kindy 2023 Playgroup Thursday 1 December Kinder 2023 Orientation Friday 2 December Stage 1 Excursion
Week 9	Monday 5 - 8 December Learn to Swim K-2 Thursday 8 December Assembly and P&F Raffle
Week 10	Monday 12 December Promotions afternoon Tuesday 13 December Christmas themed fun day. Tuesday 13 December P&F AGM Wednesday 14 December Year 6 Mass and Supper Thursday 15 December End of Year Assembly and Mass, Morning tea for volunteers. Friday 16 December Year 6 Pool Day and Clap out.
Week 11	Monday 19 December Last Day of School for Students Tuesday 20 December Pupil Free Day Staff Handover.
Week 1 Term 1 2023	Friday 27 January Pupil Free Day - Staff Development Monday 30 January Pupil Free Day - First Aid training Tuesday 31 January Students return to school.

Katie Browne

Principal

Our AGM will be held on Tuesday 13th December in the school hall. If you would like to nominate someone for an executive position please fill in this google form:

Please make sure the person you are nominating is aware that they are being nominated. The google link will also have a brief description of each role and what is involved.

The positions are President, Vice President, Treasurer, Vice Treasurer, Secretary and Vice Secretary. If you would like to be more involved within the P&F, but can't commit to an executive position, please still come along as any help is much appreciated. We are hoping to have more people involved so that we can look at having class parents, and starting up some sub committees for events throughout the year. If you think you would be able to help in any way, it is a great way to meet parents and give back to our fabulous school making it bigger and better in years to come.

Kindergarten	Harper	Babula
Year 1	Evan	Pertout
Year 2	Sazal	Gurung
Year 3	Maddie	Hely
Year 4	Xander	Eggleston
Year 5	Daisy	Luker
Year 6	Kaydee	Cuttriss

Kindergarten	Izabella	Russell
Year 1	Carter	Insley
Year 2	Katie	Cumming
Year 3	James	Grosvenor
Year 4	Lilly	Allen
Year 5	Jordy	Norman
Year 6	Antonio	De Michiel-Worgan