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- From the Principal - Mrs Katie Browne
- From the Assistant Principal - Mr Simon Farrugia
- From the REC - Ms Catherine du Bois
- From the School Office
- P&F News
- Canteen for Term 1
- STEM Resources
- Shrove Tuesday
- Pastoral Support
- Catholic Care
- Wingecarribee Shire 2042 Community Strategic Plan
- Calendar Overview
- Community News
As we celebrate Valentine’s day let us give thanks for all the loves in our lives and for those whose daily, constant and enduring love makes our hearts beat with happiness and hope.
Dear Families,
Today is the feast of St Valentine and Ash Wednesday. Today we celebrated Ash Wednesday with a liturgy. During this liturgy we were reminded of our commitment to doing the best we can each and every day. It is fitting that it falls on Valentine's day as this is a day to be inspired to show how much we appreciate and love those who are dear to us. When we do this we are revealing the face of God to each other. God showed us how much he loved us by sending Jesus to walk among us and teach us to love one another. During this lenten season we reflect on what it means to love one another and how we can make good choices each and everyday.
Today we participated in a prayerful and reflective liturgy where all children received the ashes sprinkled on the top of their head. The children sang beautifully and participated reverently. Thank you to Fr Marek for leading us in such a special service.
At the end of 2023 we received news that we would be provided with additional funding to ensure we have two people for the majority of the day in the school office. This was welcomed news. Following a recruitment process we have employed Ms Kate Dance who will work Monday and Fridays for the remainder of the year. Kate will begin on Monday so please join me in making her feel welcome.
Last year we applied for another round of funding through the National Student Wellbeing Program. We have been successful in obtaining another 4 years of funding however we did lose a day. This means that Bernadette Taylor’s role was cut back from two days to one day. This funding is managed through Catholic Care. Bernadette will work each Monday in this capacity. At the end of 2023 we received news that the Government had decided to give a Wellbeing Boost to each school. As a result it means for 2024 we can employ Bernadette for a second day. Bernadette will begin on Tuesday in this role which is managed through the school and is available to support all students in the school. This will give us flexibility to run programs that suit all students at different times and to be creative with how we support wellbeing.
Thank you and God Bless,
P&F AGM
Last night we held the Annual General Meeting for the Parent and Friends Association. I would like to thank the parents who came to the meeting. Your presence was greatly appreciated and demonstrated the commitment you have for your children's education. I would like to thank the outgoing executive of the Parents and Friends Association Tina, Kristy, Brooke, Liz and Becky. These ladies have worked for the past two years to establish the P&F after COVID and set in place structures that will support the incoming executive. For the first time we have been able to fully fill all positions of the executive and establish most class parents which is a wonderful achievement .
Congratulations to the following people on their appointments:
President: Kristy Vella
Vice President: Tina Malady
Secretary: Sweta Dsouza
Vice Secretary: Ayesha Barton
Treasurer: Rebecca Hough
Vice Treasurer: Brooke Pertout
Class Parents
Year 6 : Amy Eggleston
Year 5: Tanyalee Allen
Year 4: Emma Grange
Year 3: Carmel Slater
Year 2: Tanyalee Allen
Year 1: To be confirmed
Kindergarten: Todd Wright
We are still seeking volunteers to be the class parent for Year 1. We are more than happy to have more than one person act as the class parent. The role includes supporting the coordination of the parent group in leading an event for the school and communicating with the executive of the P&F. In the coming weeks we will hold a class parent meeting to establish the social calendar for the year and nominate which events the group would like to organise and run. Year 6 have generously agreed to lead the organisation for the Brigadoon event which has been a long standing fundraising event for St Paul’s and only requires our time. We will be seeking volunteers to man the gates on April 6th.
All parents are automatically members of the P&F and are welcome to attend meetings throughout the year. We will be reducing the meetings to once a term and they will now be on zoom for the rest of the year. The next meeting is Tuesday 12 March 7pm. Class parents will lead the volunteers in planning and running the events chosen for their group. These meetings are less formal and can happen at any time that suits the organising group. The class parent then reports back to the executive the progress of the event at the general meetings. Class parents will be provided with the Terms of Reference so they understand the obligations in managing the event finances.
K-2 Information Evening and Listening Interviews
Thank you to our families who attended the K-2 information evening. Your support demonstrates to your child a commitment to their learning and success at school. If you were unable to attend then please feel free to contact your child’s teacher to make a time to meet. Listening interviews are taking place this week. If you haven't already booked a meeting then please contact the office to make time to meet your child’s teacher and to talk about your hopes for your child this year.
Attendance and Arriving and Departing School
Compulsory school attendance in New South Wales is essential to provide every child with a strong foundation for lifelong learning, preparing them for future challenges. This commitment fosters social cohesion, inclusivity and equal opportunities, serving as a powerful equaliser in a diverse society. By meeting legal requirements, we maintain educational standards and create an environment where all students, regardless of background, can thrive. Your partnership as parents/carers is crucial in affirming the value of education and empowering the next generation for success.
The same applies to arriving and leaving on time. Children who arrive late miss out on the start of the day where the class is settled and the day is often organised. It is important that families have routines at home to help with getting to school on time. If you are having difficulty getting your child to school then please come and see us. We can often help guide you in this process and support you in understanding why your child doesn’t want to come to school. Where possible it is best if appointments can be made out of school hours in order to support children being at school. Please see the two attachments for further information.
School Start and Finish Times
Please note that school supervision does not begin until 8:20 am. We ask that children not be dropped at school before this time as staff are busy preparing for the day and are not able to supervise students. Any child arriving early is required to sit quietly outside the office in the main hallway. Should a family require an earlier drop off they must speak with the principal to make arrangements for one off occasions. At the end of the day students who have not been collected wait in the hallway outside the office while we call their parents. It is essential that all families have their latest contact details in compass and an emergency contact. It can be distressing for children when we cannot contact anyone to pick them up. If you are ever caught up, please phone ahead so we can let your child know.
Parliamentary Inquiry Young People With a Disability
CEDoW would also like to invite parents, families and staff of students with disability in diocesan schools to consider completing the online questionnaire on the Parliament of NSW website if they would like to express their views on education for children and young people with disability in NSW.
School Uniform
Thank you to our families for making sure your children have the correct uniforms. We are very appreciative of the effort to ensure your children look smart and are dressed appropriately. We understand getting some items has been challenging due to the strike on the wharfs and hope that this will be rectified for you shortly. It is expected that all students wear the correct uniform at all times. The uniform requirements can be found on the school website. Please note that students who wear incorrect uniform items will be reminded to wear the correct uniform the next day and will be asked to remove items that are not part of the uniform such as bracelets, necklaces, ribbons that are not navy, blue or white, or added items. No student will be asked to remove a hat, jumper or shoes however a note or phone call home will be made if it continues to be a repeat issue. We thank you for your cooperation with this.
First Assembly for 2024
Our first school assembly will be held on Thursday 22 February from 2pm. This assembly will begin with the beginning of School Year Liturgy and will include the presentation of the Swimming medals and ribbons. Please note the earlier start date.
Following the assembly we ask that parents leave via the office if you are taking your children before the bell, otherwise we ask that you wait until the first lot of buses have left before leaving out the front. This is to ensure we keep people and buses away from each other and are safe.
1:1 iPad program
This year if the first year sees the full implementation of our school managed 1:1 iPad program. This program is essential in supporting many aspects of the curriculum and in assisting parents in educating children about digital citizenship. Please see the attached document that outlines the program. There have been some changes to the Stage 2 element of the program.
Bus Safety Week 19 - 25 February
School-aged children might seem independent, but they still need a hand.
Remember:
- Always meet your child at school or the bus stop. Never wait on the opposite side of the road and call them across.
- Always supervise your child and hold their hand when walking to and from the bus stop/interchange and when crossing the road until they're at least 10 years old.
- Wait until the bus has gone then use a safe place to cross the road.
- Encourage your child to take a seat quickly when they get on the bus and to buckle up if the bus has seatbelts.
Talk to your children about using Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time they cross the road.
- Stop one step back from the kerb.
- Look continuously both ways.
- Listen for the sounds of approaching traffic.
- Think whether it's safe to cross and keep checking until you're safely across.
Bus Flashing lights
Drivers should look out for children who are crossing the road or waiting to cross. Lights flash on buses to warn motorists that buses are picking up and dropping off children.
By law, a driver must not overtake or pass a bus with flashing lights at more than 40km/h.
Lights begin to flash when the bus stops and the doors open, and they keep flashing for about 20 seconds after the doors close. Children are most at risk in the minutes after they get off the bus.
Young children are often unpredictable in their movements. They are still developing the skills that help them to judge the direction of sound and the speed and distance of vehicles.
Due to their large size and mass, buses can cause severe outcomes for other road users in crashes. Motorists can help reduce the risk of a crash and keep children safe by:
- slowing down to 40km/h when bus lights are flashing, unless a lower speed limit applies
- looking out for children crossing the road near bus stops, in school zones or along bus routes
- giving way to buses when they merge back into traffic.
2min Parking Drop off Zone
Please note that the parking zone at the front of the school is a 2 min drop off zone which means drivers must not leave their car. If you need to walk your child into school then please park outside of this zone or across the road in the parish car park. Police and council traffic rangers do monitor this area and will fine you if you have left your car in the pick up zone. It is also illegal to complete a U turn on this road and you can be fined if caught. We ask that drivers be patient when dropping off and aware of the buses.
NAPLAN
In 2024, NAPLAN will be held from Wednesday 13 March to Monday 25 March.
Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 who are enrolled at a school are expected to participate in four NAPLAN tests:
- writing
- reading
- conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation)
- numeracy.
All schools in NSW undertake NAPLAN online. However, Year 3 students do the writing test on paper. Teachers will ensure students are familiar with the format of the tests before the NAPLAN test window.
Supporting your child
NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school.
It is important to remember that NAPLAN is not about passing or failing, but about assessing learning progress.
The best approach for preparing your child for NAPLAN is to encourage your child to do the best they can on the day.
Excessive preparation or the use of coaching providers is not recommended.
Public demonstration site
The public demonstration site is available for students, teachers and parents to familiarise themselves with the types of questions, tools and functions available for the NAPLAN tests. It includes demonstration tests for each NAPLAN year level, test domain and alternative tests for students with disability.
Tailored testing
Tailored testing provides a more precise assessment of students’ performance in the areas of reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy by adapting to responses.
Students at each year level start with a similar set of questions. Depending on the number of questions they answered correctly, the next set of questions may be more, or less, difficult.
Students should not be concerned if the questions are more difficult than expected.
A student’s NAPLAN result is based on both the number and difficulty of questions the student answers correctly. A student who completes a more difficult set of questions is more likely to achieve a higher score (and a higher proficiency level).
Watch a video (3:06 length) to learn more about tailored testing.
More information
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher in the first instance.
For more information about NAPLAN, visit:
Thank you,
First Reconciliation Enrolments
On Tuesday 13th February Miss du Bois and two of our captains, Sakari Curcuruto and Matthew Holmes, attended the annual Project Compassion Caritas Launch at John Therry Catholic College in Rosemeadow. Also in attendance were representatives from all the schools in the Wollongong Diocese. The aim of Caritas Australia is to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.
During the liturgy, Bishop Brian described how Caritas Australia supports people living in poverty all around the world. A representative from Caritas Australia explained how our donations can make a big difference in other peoples’ lives. For example, $7 could buy a chicken and $65 can help provide a goat for a family in need.
After the liturgy there were some delicious refreshments and much socialising. The school blazers, worn by Matthew and Sakari, were a nice edition to their uniform.
It was an enjoyable and informative experience.
Catherine du Bois
Religious Education Coordinator
We we have a company called Lunch Bunch Canteens who will be fulfilling our lunch orders each Tuesday and Thursday.
Please find the menu below and how to order details.
If families are getting rid/throwing out any hot wheels tracks/cars, marbles or ping pong balls the school would be happy to take them to add to our STEM resources.
Yesterday the students in Year 5, with the assistance of some parent volunteers, supplied the students with pancakes and a variety of toppings. All money raised will be donated to Caritas & Project Compassion. Thank you to the parent volunteers for cooking, Year 5 students and Mrs Adams and Mrs Smith for organising the event and the school community for participating and donating money to Caritas.
Thank you for all of your donations, we raised an amazing $703.40!
Welcome back everyone! A special welcome to the new families who have arrived
this year, I very much look forward to meeting you all. It has been a pleasure seeing
the students smiling faces back at school. I thought I would give you a brief update
on my role this year as there are a few changes to CatholicCare support at St Pauls
this year. My new title is Student Wellbeing Officer (SWO) and I will be working
onsite each Monday. I will be facilitating a variety of programs such as Seasons for
Growth, Keepin' It Cool for Kids, Let's Be Friends Together, along with the choir,
gardening group, other student wellbeing support, and our popular morning tea each
term.
My role as SWO will be supporting any student, staff and family in cooperation and
consultation with the school and parish, such as: the Parish Sacramental Program
formation and social justice groups such as St Vincent de Paul Society. I look
forward to serving you all this year, keep an eye out for various activities and please
reach out to me through the office if you have any questions.
Warm regards,
Bernadette Taylor
Student Wellbeing Officer
Catholic Care will be offering some Community Programs this year. Some are in person and some are online. See flyers below.
From Wingecarribee Shire Council:
Council is reviewing the Community Strategic Plan and is seeking your support by promoting an online survey to parents, school students, staff and other members of your school community.
We want to hear ideas on what would make our Shire a better place. Input will help to inform our Towards 2042 Community Strategic Plan which is a collaborative project with the Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO).
Through this consultation, Council is seeking feedback from the community on the key aspirations and priorities for our Local Government Area (LGA).
People can get involved by completing an online survey. The more input we receive, the better informed our planning will be. People can complete the survey individually or as a group.
The survey is open NOW until 15 March 2024. Simply scan the QR code below or visit https://participatewingecarribee.wsc.nsw.gov.au/. You can also call us on 02 4868 0888 for more information.
Primary school-aged children can also participate by completing a Drawing Sheet capturing their ideas on what they would like to see in their future village or town. Schools are encouraged to coordinate drawing activities with students and return the collated art works to Council, also by the 15th March 2024. The Drawing Sheet is attached for your convenience but can also be accessed on our project webpage. Completed Drawing Sheets can be:
· delivered to Council's Civic Centre at 68 Elizabeth Street Moss Vale
· mailed to PO BOX 141 Moss Vale NSW 257 or
· scanned to mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au
Please ensure any submissions are addressed with the subject matter: Community Strategic Plan and include the name of your school and contact details. Selected art works may be featured in future Council documents, with students formally recognised for their contribution.
Please see below the calendar overview for Term 1 2024:
| Week 3 |
Monday 12 February to Friday 16 February - Year 3-6 Listening Interviews Thursday 15 February - Swimming Carnival - Year 2-6 at Moss Vale Pool Friday 16 February - Gymnastics K-6 |
| Week 4 |
Thursday 22 February - First Assembly for 2024 - 2:15pm Friday 23 Feburary - Gymnastics K-6 |
| Week 5 |
Friday 1 March - Gymnastics K-6 |
| Week 6 |
Thursday 7 March - Assembly 2:15pm Friday 8 March - Gymnastics K-6 |
| Week 7 |
Tuesday 12 March - P&F Meeting 7pm Wednesday 13 March to Monday 25 March- Year 3 & Year 5 Naplan testing period Friday 15 March - Gymnastics K-6 |
| Week 8 |
Thursday 21 March - Assembly 2:15pm Friday 22 March - Gymnastics K-6 |
Week 9 |
Monday 25 March - School Photos Friday 29 March - Good Friday (Public Holiday) |
| Week 10 |
Monday 1st April - Easter Monday (Public Holiday) Tuesday 2nd April - Pupil Free Day Thursday 4 April - Assembly 2:15pm Friday 5 April - Gymnastics K-6 Saturday 6 April - Brigadoon |
| Week 11 |
Tuesday 9 April - P&F Meeting 7pm Friday 12 April - Gymnastics K-6 Friday 12 April - Last day of term 1 |
Parent Talk Newsletter
Southern Highlands Men's Health Month 2024
It has been a while since our last event however, we are so eager that the committee of the Wingecarribee Health Association for Men Inc. (WHAM INC) has decided to start early, with this year’s event coming in March.
The last few years have left our community with a lot to consider as time has passed and the ageing process has continued. Time waits for no Man.
The line up for this year will focus on our seniors with talks looking at Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia, Loneliness and Prostate concerns.
Our speakers are locals representing Parkinson’s NSW, Dementia Australia, Lifeline, and our local Urologist. These talks will focus on educating people about what these ailments are, how to recognize it and what services are available. There will be an opportunity to ask questions.
The venue for this year has moved to the Henrietta Rose room in front the
Bowral Library, 16-24 Bendooley Street, Bowral
We will be presenting on a Tuesday evening from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
Remember to spread the word. These talks are for everyone, bring along a friend and women are especially welcome.
The Poster and Schedule is attached.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Tom Carroll, 0419482208, carroll.tom747@gmail.com
Secretary, Wingecarribee Health Association for Men Inc. http://www.wingecarribeehealthassociationformen.org/
Bowral Blacks
2024 Registrations now open
Moss Vale Dragonflies Netball Club
Moss Vale Netball Club is currently registering players for their winter competition commencing in March.
Moss Vale Hockey Club
Southern Highlands Rugby League Football Club
Southern Highlands Rugby League Football Club is a non contact rugby league program run by NRL Development Officers and open to all 5-12 yr olds in the Southern Highlands.
