Filter Content
Transformed by God’s love, we find fresh vision, a light for our way.
Pope Francis
Dear Families,
As we near the end of Lent we reflect on how we are going with our fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Lent is a great time to reflect on the times in our lives when we have felt overwhelmed or in the dark. The past few years with COVID is a great example. It was a challenging time for us and although we cannot not say it is officially over we can begin to reflect on the negative and positive experiences from that time. While we are going through it it may not feel like things are going to get better but in general there is always something we can look back on later and say, “This taught me … about myself”, or “I am a stronger person because of this situation.” With Easter approaching we know that there is hope and things can get better. In the darkness there can be light. Look out for the light and let the light in. Sometimes we need to go through our Good Friday’s before we can experience our Easter Sundays.
Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Farrugia who welcomed Pearl Annie into their family on 15 March. Pearl is a little sister to Isla and Marcellin. All are doing well. While Mr Farrugia is on Parental Leave Catherine duBois is Acting AP and Jess Molloy is taking Year 6.
Lighting the Way 23+
At the Education Mass in Week 6 the Director Mr Peter Hill and Bishop Brian launched the Lighting the Way 23+ strategic plan for our diocese. Mr Hill said,
“The future belongs to those who give the next generation reason to hope. Our hope is in the life and the promise of Jesus Christ, and this is what we invite our students to encounter” — Peter Hill, CEDoW Director of Schools.
You can explore the plan on the online platform via a range of options as listed in the graphic below. This is an exciting time for our diocese. After months of gathering feedback, analysing it and listening to all members of the community the Diocese has identified 5 key areas that will be the main focus:
- Formation in the Catholic Tradition
- Student Learning and Wellbeing
- Belonging in a Connected Community
- System Support for the Core work of Teaching
- Ensuring Catholic School Continue to Thrive
What does this mean for St Paul’s Moss Vale? When we plan we take into consideration our system level focuses. Our current Annual Improvement Plan goals fit directly under three areas. Embedding our Vision and Mission fits directly under Formation in the Catholic Tradition and Belonging in a Connected Community and our focus on improving student learning in numeracy fits under Student Learning and Wellbeing. When we bring alignment to our work we ensure a deeper level of understanding and learning and therefore increased results for our students. Please take some time to look through the strategic plan and familiarise yourself with it.
Thank you and God Bless,
Pastoral Support Worker
Last week Bernadette Taylor began working in our school two days a week as our Pastoral Support worker. We welcome Berndette in this role and look forward to working with her as this role develops within the school community. Please see Barndette’s introduction below.
Hi everyone,
My name is Bernadette Taylor and I am your school’s new Pastoral Support Worker (PSW) on Mondays and Tuesdays. A little bit about myself: Until the end of last year, I had been working as an SSO for over six years while completing my Bachelor of Theology and other training in counselling and support to students with additional needs. I am currently undertaking post-graduate studies in Counselling, as I see that area to be in great need for present times and the future. My faith and love for God, is why I am actively committed to helping others, being present and bringing joy to those I meet each day. I accept that each person has a right to their own beliefs and ideals and support the Catholic social teachings of justice and equity.
I especially enjoy working in schools, as I have five children of my own and live in array of different personalities. I love drawing on my experiences to support children and families. I see open and clear communication as the key to positive relations and hope to become a conduit between schools and community, so to nurture the well-being of the whole community, where children’s safety and care is paramount and individuals are valued, supported, respected and included.
My role as your PSW will involve providing support to the school’s students, staff and families in areas of faith formation, spiritual and emotional needs, well-being, non-therapeutic welfare. Working closely with the school counsellors, I will be facilitating a variety of programs to support any identified needs in cooperation and consultation with the school and parish, such as: the Parish Sacramental Program formation; social justice groups such as St Vincent de Paul Society and CatholicCare; running various personal growth programs; and other school community focussed incentives. I am looking forward to serving you all in any area I am able. Please say hello and introduce yourself to me if you see me around at school.
God bless
Bernadette Taylor
Launch Explore Summarise Review - Improving student outcomes in numeracy
Last week all teaching staff attended professional development with Professor Peter Sullivan on Numeracy and quality pedagogical practice. These days were energising and engaging. In Term 2 teachers will focus on a series of mathematical lessons in using this model. The Launch, Explore, Summarises and Review model is not just for mathematics. It has applications across many key learning areas. Participating in this professional development is a strategy of our Annual Improvement Plan in improving student outcomes in numeracy. On Monday 24 April staff will return to school to spend the day extending on the work we did last week. This day will be a pupil free day. Students return on Wednesday 26 April following ANZAC day.
Cyclic Inquiry
This year our school will undergo a Cyclic Inquiry. This was previously called a Review. The reason for the name change is to elicit the understanding that we are inquiring into where we need to go by reflecting on where we have come. Part of this process will include the community participating in surveys early in Term 2. Staff will begin looking at what the process involves, analysing data and developing a presentation for a panel of experts in Term 3. We have a lot to celebrate as a school community and we will share these with you as we establish the presentation. At the conclusion of this process we will develop the School Improvement Plan which will guide us over the next 4 years. In writing this plan we will refer to what we discover from the cyclic inquiry and recommendations from the expert panel.
NAPLAN Changes
This week sees the conclusion of the NAPLAN test for Years 3 and 5. Any student who misses a day has until Monday 27 March to catch them up. I would like to thank all the staff who were involved in getting our students ready for NAPLAN and completing all the administrative tasks that were required to be done in preparation. This year was the first year the tests were completed in Term 1. Please see the Minister's Media release for further information about the changes to NAPLAN.
Personal Planning Meetings
We will be holding personal planning meetings in Week 10 and 11.
Families who are invited to attend a personal planning meeting will see a link appear on their compass app inviting you to book a time. Due to the number of meetings we are not able to hold them outside of school hours. Personal Planning Meetings are part of the NCCD process. For further information please see the NCCD website.
Cross Country @ St Paul’s on Thursday 30th March
The St Paul’s School Cross Country will take place at St Paul’s on Thursday 30th March. The course is a 2km course and all students in Year 2-6 will be participating in this event. Kindergarten and Year 1 will joint the rest of the school and will do 1 lap of the course. Sports uniform is to be worn on the day however, student may wear a t-shirt the same colour as their colour house is they wish. Student need to bring their school hat, sunscreen, towel/tarp to sit on, plenty of food and drink for the day. Families are invited to attend and watch on the day.
The age divisions are:
8/9 years
10 years
11 years
12/13 years
The top 3 finishers will qualify for the Diocesan Cross Country Carnival n 2nd May at Nowra.
ANZAC Day march
The school will be participating and will march in the ANZAC day parade in Moss. Students who wish to march are asked to meet in the Queen St car park from 10:30am ready for a 10:40am March. Students must wear their full winter uniform. The march will convene at the Moss Vale Services club with a service. Some of our school leaders will lay a wreath and present a book on behalf of our school community. Further information is available via compass.
Lockdown Practice
We will be holding a lock down practice on Monday 27 March. This is part of our annual compliance.
Special Thank you from the P&F
A big thank you to Gavin Holmes for completing the audits of the P&F books for the last three years. This was a large task and one that would have cost the P&F a significant amount of money if they had needed to use a commercial business. Gavin’s generosity in giving back to our school is greatly appreciated. Part of the audit revealed that we must have two people in the treasurer role. We are desperately seeking a vice treasure to support Brooke with the work. Brooke has set things up really well over the past twelve months and has a great system operating. If you can spare some time to support Brooke in this role please contact the school office.
Brigadoon
Brigadoon is finally on again this year. This is one of our biggest fundraisers for the year. We raise funds by managing the gates. Anyone over the age of 16 can volunteer and then you receive entry into the festival. Please consider if you can spare an hour or more to help man the gates.
Click here: Brigadoon Volunteer Form
Sport News
Phoebe Abbott football
Sacramental Program
The final lesson for the Reconciliation Program will take place on Sunday 26th March. Any child who missed a class can contact the parish office or myself to arrange a make-up lesson. Please remember to bring the student booklets.
Students will make their First Reconciliation on Friday 31st March at 10:20 in the church. Since this is during school hours, parents are not required to attend. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.
Holy Week
The school will be performing a play to remember the events of Holy Week. This will take play on Tuesday in Week 11 at 12:00 midday in the school hall. All students will be involved in the play, particularly through singing songs and acting. Most students will be required to wear plain, dark clothes for the play unless they have a special role. More information will be sent out in the coming weeks. Parents and visitors are invited to attend this event.
Thank you
Catherine du Bois
Religious Education Coordinator
Mother’s Day Stall – P&F
Gym on Fridays for all classes
We have engaged a specialist sports company, Gymnastrix, to conduct gymnastics lessons with all classes on Fridays. The company provides qualified teachers, who deliver the program and assess the children against NESA syllabus outcomes. They also provide all the necessary gym equipment for the program. The cost of this program is included as part of your school fees. All children will need to wear their sport uniform on Fridays for Term 1. Please note that there has been a change of date for the last week of School due to Good Friday. In week 11 gymnastics will be on Monday 3rd April.
Winter Uniform – Term 2
Just a reminder that students will wear the winter uniform throughout Term 2 and Term 3. With the weather now turning cool, we want the children to be warm and comfortable. Our uniforms are available through Whytes in Argyle Street. Hats and accessories are available from NSW Uniforms (online) Ethne Drew. Our uniform details including contact details for our suppliers are available under the “Parents” tab on the school website.
Book Club
The latest book club catalogue will be sent home with students this week. The last day for orders is Monday 27th March 2023.
Kindergarten Enrolments are open for 2024
If you have a child who is ready for school in 2024 or you know someone who has, our enrolment period is open. We have had strong demand for places in recent years for the limited spaces we have available. Applications can be picked up from the school office or downloaded from the school website. The first round of interviews will be conducted in Term 2. The first round offers of enrolment will be made at the end of Term 2.
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.
If your child is Asthmatic or Anaphylactic please ensure the necessary plan has been forwarded to the office along with any medication so that it can be processed. We also need a "Consent to Dispense Medication" form to be completed.
Payment of School fees
See document from CEO below:
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.
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.
The 60-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of children and young people in Catholic schools in NSW and ACT.
The link is:
Bernadette Taylor
Pastoral Support Worker
Please see below the calendar overview for Term 1 2023:
|
Week 9 |
NAPLAN Continues all week Tuesday 21 March Harmony Day Friday 24 March Gymnastics |
|
Week 10 |
Tuesday 28 March Year 5 Bake Sale Thursday 30 March Cross Country Carnival Friday 31 March Gymnastics |
|
Week 11 |
Monday 3 April - Gymnastics Thursday 6 April - Last Day of Term 1 |
|
Week 1 Term 2 2023 |
Monday 24th April - Pupil Free Day Wednesday 26 April Students return to school |
If your child would like to buy something from the bake sale - all money will be donated to Project Compassion. Items will be priced between 50 cents and $2.
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded the Principal's Award in Week 7
| Kindergarten | Zoe | Barton |
| Year 1 | Amarlia | McAndrew |
| Year 2 | Evan | Pertout |
| Year 3 | Jasmine | Solari |
| Year 4 | Gurshaan | Bains |
| Year 5 | Oscar | Warburton |
| Year 6 | Cooper | Salmond |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Merit Award in Week 7
| Kindergarten | William | Lin |
| Year 1 | Jacob | Stevens |
| Year 2 | Ida | Thompson |
| Year 3 | Katie | Cumming |
| Year 4 | Summer | Cuttriss |
| Year 5 | Anthony | Wexler |
| Year 5 | Min | Zhou |
| Year 6 | Eliza | Lambourn |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Mission Star Award in Week 7
| Kindergarten | Jack | Edwards |
| Year 1 | Izabella | Russell |
| Year 2 | Edison | Warburton |
| Year 3 | Max | Xu |
| Year 4 | Nevaeh | Hine |
| Year 5 | Bella | Canham |
| Year 6 | Shannon | Reynolds |
