News & Events

Dear Friends of St Paul’s,

Our start to the 2022 school year continues to be extremely positive, despite all the world problems that surround us! Like all society we have been impacted by the COVID scenario but nowhere near as bad as other schools or communities, and our processes are well and truly established and working well. As always, we ask that if any family has any concerns, please contact us and we will assist you in any way we can. Our community relationships have always been built around trust and our commitment to our three-way partnership (student/ family/ college) remains as strong as ever.

Communication is always the key, and we will continue to be proactive in this space and ask that you feel free to contact us whenever you need.

Lent

As a Catholic College in the Edmund Rice tradition, we are very aware of our mission and obligations in remaining authentically Catholic while being extremely inclusive and welcoming families from all different faith backgrounds. Next Tuesday and Wednesday, we enter the most significant period in our church’s calendar – LENT. Lent is a season of preparation and perspective! We celebrate on “Shrove” or “Pancake” Tuesday and move into the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday. On both Tuesday and Wednesday, we will share with our staff and students a clear explanation of the significance of these days and this season.

The preparation we refer to in preparing for Lent is that which explains the build-up to the greatest feast in our calendar – EASTER. The death and resurrection of Jesus is an event that not only changed the world at the time but is one that is even more than ever, relevant to all of us. We must help all our students understand that the world they are growing up into often teaches a set of false values, beliefs that are so very different, in essence totally opposite to what St Paul’s College and all great religions and faith traditions teach. All great religions have the same set of core beliefs like treating every person equally, having a sense of gratitude for what we do have, growing with a sense of humility, acknowledging that the world is not all about the “me”, growing in hope and even more importantly empathy for those who struggle far more than us. Lent is such a great time to practice these virtues and make a positive difference in the lives of others. It is in doing this that we help ourselves and live a far more fulfilled and happy life.

Building program

The world around us is constantly challenging us and throwing the odd “curveball” to make our lives interesting- to say the least! Stage one of our redevelopment program that the College has undertaken for the last 18 months is nearing completion. The main courtyard looks terrific and is now all open for use (but has several issues to be rectified) and the new Senior Centre and amenities block is getting closer to the finish line – hopefully before the end of the term.

We are so very grateful for the way the entire community has accepted and acted so positively during this difficult period of transition. The promise of what is to come is very exciting and will be a just reward for everyone for their patience and understanding. Thank you all.

Take Care.

God Bless

Paul Belton
Principal