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Term 4 Weeks 9 - 11
“Today a saviour has been born for you.”
Luke 2:1-14
Christmas Eve Mass Year A
Dear families,
We are fast approaching the end of the school year. It has certainly been a big year full of many challenges however we have managed to achieve many wonderful things. In reading the student reports it is evident that there has been steady growth in the students not just academically but also socially, emotionally and spiritually.
At the End of Year Mass we will officially launch our new vision and mission statements. This work is the culmination of three years of work that COVID has impacted; however we have managed to finally bring it together to create our statements. The St Paul’s community is a wonderful community and as we embrace our new vision and mission statements we will bring alignment to our past and present in order to shape our future. In preparation for this we changed the colour house names midway through the year to the three saints names that have been connected to our school. St Paul (Blue), St Mary MacKillop (Red) and St Dominic (Gold). Moving forward we will be guided by the three saints in developing our understanding of who we are as the community of St Paul’s.
These are our new statements.
Vision Statement
With Christ at its centre, St Paul’s will be a compassionate community of faith and learning, respecting the dignity of all, where each student is inspired to achieve continual growth and success.
Mission Statement
Our Mission is to ensure that every student is respected and educated in an inclusive, compassionate environment, continually growing in faith and learning.
We have also adopted five values that will guide us in our work. They are Respect, Kindness, Spirituality, Community and Determination.
This is an exciting time for our school community and we look forward to working together to build on what is already a wonderful place.
I would like to thank each and every member of the St Paul's community for all that you have done and given in supporting our school. No matter how big or small your connection to our school community please know you are valued and appreciated.
After what has been a long and challenging year I sincerely wish everyone a peaceful and holy Christmas. May the birth of Christ bring renewed energy and a chance to regroup in preparation for 2023. As the end of my first year as the Principal of St Paul’s comes to a close I am truly grateful to be walking alongside each and everyone of you and feel truly blessed to be the Principal of this beautiful school.
Thank you and God Bless,
Year 5 Leadership speeches
I would like to congratulate the students on their speeches. It was evident they had given great thought to what it means to be a leader and the type of qualities that make up a leader. Regardless of the outcome all students will be presented with a leadership badge on Thursday 15 December at the End of Year Mass. This is a joyous occasion where we celebrate our current leaders and thank them for their service and invest in our new leaders. Children who do not receive a captain's badge may feel disappointed however it does not mean they can’t still make a difference as a leader. We find that any one of the students who nominate for the executive roles are a suitable candidate. It is just that there are only five captain badges and on the day we can only award those five executive positions. It is respectful as a community that we acknowledge the students who are successful in receiving those positions and acknowledge the cohort who are going to be our leaders for 2023. On Friday afternoon Mrs Browne and Mr Farrugia will let the Year five children know who the successful captains are and the Year five families will be sent a letter regarding the outcome via compass before the end of the school day.
Farewell
Mari Sullivan has been working as a project officer in the Catholic Education Office Diocese of Wollongong for 2022. Mari has accepted a leadership position in a new school in the Sydney Area. I would like to congratulate Mari on her appointment and wish her well. Mari came to St Paul’s in 2018 from St Anthony’s Picton. During her time at St Paul’s she was the Instructional Coach, Middle leader 1, a technology wizz and a classroom teacher. Mari provided valuable insight, support and guidance into teaching and learning by supporting the staff in their professional development. We are currently advertising the position and will announce the Year 3 teacher for 2023 following the approapte diocesian recruitment process.
I would like to acknowledge Abby Porter Shaw and Cathie Curcuruto whose contracts finish with us at the end of the year. Abby came just when we needed someone to fill in in the library and Cathie has supported our intervention programs. We wish them well for 2023.
Sara Bryant has been working as our Catholic Care Pastoral Support Worker for the past four years. Sara is responsible for some of the wonderful murals that are painted around our school. Sara has decided to move on at the end of the year. We wish her all the best in the future.
Volunteers Morning Tea
We are having a special morning tea after the End of Year Assembly Thursday 15 December. We would like to invite all volunteers who have helped throughout the year. For example people who attend our working bees, served for the Kinder Orientation morning tea, helped with reading, attended the InitiaLit resource making working bees, came and cooked BBQs, helped run P&F functions and fundraisers and in any other capacity that we have not already listed. We couldn’t do it without you. If you are able to come we would love you to be there. The assembly begins at 9:30am. We expect that it will be finished by 10:30 am. We will have morning tea at that time.
Semester 2 Reports
The Semester 2 Reports will be available in Compass from Friday afternoon. Any parents or carers who would like to discuss your child’s report with the classroom teacher are encouraged to make an appointment through the office. Year 6 parents are reminded to download the student report because once your child leaves the school you will no longer have access to the reports.
Promotions afternoon
On Monday 12 December we will hold a promotion afternoon. From 1:15 pm the students will pack up and move to the classroom they're going into next year. After the break they will spend the afternoon with the teacher they are going to have in 2023 getting to know each other and learning about their new grade.
Christmas Themed Fun Day
On Tuesday 13 December we will have a Christmas themed fun day. Students are allowed to wear Christmas themed clothes and colours for the day.
End of Year Procedures
All teachers will send home student books and personal items by the end of next week. We encourage you to collect the children's books and later in January have a day going through them and talking about what they learnt in 2022. Any student finishing before the end of Week 10 needs to inform the class teacher so we can ensure their items are sent home.
St Vincent dePaul Christmas appeal.
The Year 5 Mini Vinnies group are seeking donations of non-perishable food items for the Christmas appeal. If you can spare a donation then please send in the items this week.
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 this Form. If you nominate someone please ensure you have sought their permission first and the person seconding your nomination has given you their direct consent.
Year 6 End of Year farewell
On Wednesday 14 December at 6pm we will be holding the Year 6 Mass and Supper in the school Hall. This event is for Year 6 students, their parents and families. RSVP’s for additional guests needed to be in by today.
On Thursday 15 December we are holding the End of Year assembly and the End of Year Mass. Both are significant events for Year 6.
On Friday the 16 December Year 6 will attend the Bundanoon Pool for the day. Upon their return we will have a whole school clap out. Parents are welcome to come for this event beginning at 2:45pm.
Students Last Day
The last day for students is Monday 19 December. On this day we will provide supervision. Staff will be moving some classrooms and packing up.
Staff Last Day
The last day for Staff is Tuesday 20 December. This is a pupil free day so staff can complete a full handover in preparation for 2023.
Online safety
As we navigate this new world of online gaming and social media is it necessary that we as parents and carers be vigilant in monitoring our children's use of devices. The eSafety commissioner has excellent resources for parents and carers to read and and follow so you can ensure your child is safe. I urge you to keep up to date with this constantly evolving platform. The following links will take you to two pages that we highly recommend you read before the holidays.
Social Media Use
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/gaming
Many games can improve your child’s coordination, problem-solving and multi-tasking skills, as well as help build social skills through online interactivity with other players. But it is also important to understand what might go wrong and could have a negative impact on your child.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/parental-controls
Parental controls are software tools that allow you to monitor and limit what your child sees and does online.
Parental strategies to support safe online activity
This Year Todd Sampson produced a two part series called Mirror Mirror where he explores the impacts that social media is having on us as a human race. If you haven’t already seen it I encourage you to watch it. There are many benefits to social media and online platforms however things can go horribly wrong if we do not have boundaries and strategies in which to manage our usage and what we see.
We teach children digital citizenship skills however they require supervision and support to be able to be completely safe and know when something is not ok. We find that children think because there are no adults in the chat group that it is ok to use explicit language and sexualised remarks. They often do not realise the impact their comments are having on others. Please monitor your children's devices and what they are saying and seeing.
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 Monday - Wednesday Mrs Louise Cassidy - 2 Days Thursday - Friday |
|
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 |
Calendar
|
Week 10 |
Monday 12 December Promotions afternoon Tuesday 13 December Christmas themed fun day. Tuesday 13 December P&F AGM 7pm in the School Hall Wednesday 14 December Year 6 Mass and Supper 6pm School Hall Thursday 15 December End of Year Assembly 9:30am and Mass 12 noon, Morning tea for volunteers 10:30am. Friday 16 December Year 6 Pool Day and Clap out 2:45pm. |
|
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 Year 1 to 6 |
Semester 2 Reports
Teachers have prepared and completed the Semester Two Learning Reports. These Reports highlight particular strengths, as well as areas of development for your child. These reports will be made available via Compass on Friday 9th December.
A few things to note with reports:
- There are no predetermined number of A, B, C, D, E achievement levels to be allocated
- Each Key Learning Area must have an overall achievement level indicated
- It is important to note that this reporting process is not based on a bell curve.
- The overall achievement level is for the whole Key Learning Area (KLA) which may contain many strands. Although some KLA ’s have been broken into strands, it is important to note that some strands have more weight than others. The overall achievement is not just a straight averaging of strands.
- The achievement levels / common grade scale are provided by the NSW Education Standards Authority and are included in your report for you to reference.
- Each year level introduces different concepts, content units and skills etc. which can increase in difficulty from the year before. It is therefore possible that your child’s achievement level in a particular Key Learning Area may change. The achievement level of ‘C’ is awarded to children who have achieved sound knowledge and understanding of work covered in that particular grade at this particular time. It means your child is working and achieving appropriately for their grade. This may be different from the traditional ‘C’ from our own school days.
If you would like to discuss your child’s report with their classroom teacher, please make these arrangements through the school office.
Thank you,
End of Year Assembly and Thanksgiving Mass
On Thursday 15th December, we will hold our End of Year Assembly in the school hall, commencing at 9:30. This will be an opportunity to hand out many special awards, give some farewells and announce the Year 6 captains for 2023. After the assembly there will be a short break, followed by our Thanksgiving Mass at 12:00. There will be many students involved during this Mass, including some live music. The new student leaders will receive their badges and recite their leadership pledge in front of the school community. There will also be a special photo presentation shown, celebrating the many achievements and experiences of 2022.
All are warmly invited to attend these events.
Year 6 Farewell Mass and Supper
The Year 6 Farewell Mass and Supper will take place on Wednesday 14th December. This is an important event for our Year 6 students and our staff as we bid them farewell. Mass will commence at 6:00 pm followed by supper, speeches and a presentation in the school hall. Year 6 students are required to wear their summer school uniform.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Thank you
Catherine du Bois
Religious Education Coordinator
Please see letter attached on behalf of Father Marek regarding the Sacramental Program for next year.
This year, our school will again provide hampers for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
They have enough gifts and gift cards but they are desperate for food to make up hampers. All donations can be placed in the boxes located near reception until end of day Thursday 15th December.
Thank you for your support of this very worthy cause.
MEDICATION RETURN
We will be sending home all medications next Thursday 15th of December, along with the 'Consent to Dispense Medication' form for 2023.
WITHDRAWAL
If you intend to withdraw your child from the school, the withdrawal form is available from the office. We currently have a waitlist, so advance notification would be appreciated.
PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES
Existing families in our school with instalments:
If you are currently paying by instalments there is no need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment as your request carries over from year to year unless you wish to amend the frequency of your payments, etg: Weekly to Fortnightly.
Existing families in our school without instalments:
If you would like to pay school fees by instalments in 2023 and have previously not taken up this option for payment, please complete a Request to Pay by Instalment Form which is available on the school’s website or from the school’s administration office. On completion of the request either email it to instalments@dow.catholic.edu.
INJURIES
If a student has sustained an injury please inform the school office as we have to do a care plan and risk assessment. Please also forward any ED report or doctor letter as well.
LEAVE FOR STUDENTS
If a student is going on leave for 10 days or more, parents will need to apply in writing and in advance for this leave.
MEDICATION
Only medication that is prescribed by a doctor is permitted to be dispensed at School upon completion of a “Consent to Dispense Medication” form which is available from the office. The form and the medication are to be given to the office staff in the original packaging with the student’s name and dosage. We are not permitted to administer Panadol unless prescribed by a doctor and the necessary form completed. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
CHANGE OF CONTACT DETAILS
If you change your address, phone number or email, please inform the school office so that we can update our records.
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded the Principal's Award in Week 7
| Kindergarten | Isaac | Falco |
| Year 1 | Edison | Warburton |
| Year 2 | Asher | Norman |
| Year 3 | Prinsha | Parajuli |
| Year 4 | Oscar | Warburton |
| Year 5 | Xavier | Marr |
| Year 6 | Mitchell | McKeon |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Merit Award in Week 7
| Kindergarten | Rosemary | Wright |
| Year 1 | Blayze | Parmenter |
| Year 2 | Maddison | Isaacs |
| Year 3 | Nicholas | Costa |
| Year 4 | Matthew | Holmes |
| Year 5 | Lucas | Aguinaldo |
| Year 6 | Drew | Leighton-Daly |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Mission Star Award in Week 7
| Kindergarten | Hugo | Allen |
| Year 1 | Peyton | Mathias |
| Year 2 | Jacob | Lappattaranunt |
| Year 3 | Kaitlyn | Aguinaldo |
| Year 4 | Dominic | Bowen |
| Year 5 | Liam | Edmends |
| Year 6 | Pania | Hine |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded the Principal's Award in Week 8
| Kindergarten | Teagan | Connolly |
| Year 1 | Sam | Slater |
| Year 2 | Max | Xu |
| Year 3 | Summer | Cuttriss |
| Year 4 | Annabel | Salmond |
| Year 5 | Kyna | McDade |
| Year 6 | Charlotte | Torrissi |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Merit Award in Week 8
| Kindergarten | Katherine | Lappattaranunt |
| Year 1 | Poppy | Wilson Christian |
| Year 2 | Joseph | Grange |
| Year 3 | Jackson | Reagan |
| Year 4 | Maggie | McKeon |
| Year 5 | Tahlia | Sidorenko |
| Year 6 | Jordan | Esquiliant |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Mission Star Award in Week 8
| Kindergarten | Harper | Babula |
| Year 1 | Henry | Cutroni |
| Year 2 | Lexi | Cutroni |
| Year 3 | Alexa | Cuttriss |
| Year 4 | Monty | Taylor |
| Year 5 | Eliza | Lambourn |
| Year 6 | Nate | Williams |
Please see below the calendar overview for Term 4 2022:
|
Week 9 |
Monday December 5 to Thursday December 8 K-2 Learn to Swim |
|
Week 10 |
Tuesday 13 December P&F AGM Wednesday 14 December Year 6 Mass and Supper Thursday 15 December End of Year Mass and End of Year Assembly 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 - Years 1 to 6 |
Aquathon features swim and run events and held at Wollongong harbour, January 26 Public holiday. Participants come from far and wide.
Click below for details:
KYUP! IS COMING TO MITTAGONG - GIRLS AGED 12-17
KYUP! Delivers engaging, popular, data-backed programs and workshops for teenage girls aged 12 to 17 years old in regional NSW. > check out what we do in this Prime7 News Story in the Central West
The workshop is Government funded, so it is FREE!
Click here to reserve a spot:
POSITION VACANT - BUNDANOON COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL - Certificate III
There is a position vacant at Bundanoon Preschool - Certificate 3 Child Care Educator - 5 days a week, Permanent Part Time, 4 hours a day, Term only, school holidays off.
MINNAMURRA RAINFOREST SUMMER HOLIDAY PROGRAM
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/kids-and-family-activities
PARENT TALK NEWSLETTER
https://ccsp.schoolzineplus.com/parenttalk?nid=24&article_id=259
FREE HOLIDAY BREAK CAMP
https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/holiday-break-camps