News & Events

Dear Families and friends of St Paul’s,

Week 8 of the term has been a significant mixture of events and celebrations at St Paul’s. Then again, as you all know, that is very much what it is like every week!

You would have all heard, seen, or read about Harmony Week in the news. This is a wonderful opportunity for the whole of society to celebrate Australia’s great diversity of cultures and to acknowledge the positive impact each and everyone has had on who our country has become.

St Paul’s College has, at its heart and one of our core values, Diversity, and Edmund Rice education have Inclusive Community as one of its Touchstones. This means we live harmony week and harmony day regularly, hopefully, every week and day. What this week does allow us to do however is to more formally celebrate the beautiful diversity that exists within our community. These celebrations are many and varied and certainly very well accepted by both students and staff alike.

This week also contained the International Day of Happiness and on Tuesday World Down Syndrome Day. Our primary years in particular were keen to raise awareness of Down Syndrome, so everyone was invited to wear their most eye-catching socks. They were mismatched socks and peoples’ craziest and most colourful socks, but ‘Lots of Socks’ is a celebration that makes all of us different, and yet the same! 

NAPLAN Week

The very much talked about, discussed, debated and argued about NAPLAN tests were conducted this week. We acknowledge several things in this regard. Firstly, we acknowledge that any form of test or exam can bring with it some forms of anxiety for students, and even parents and staff! Secondly, we believe as a college that these tests are exactly that, just a test, just one measure of what any of our students are capable of. We know that these tests are not the be-all and end-all of all achievements and measurements. We look at them as providing us with some information that can assist us in helping students by knowing which areas require additional support. 

Given there are over 40 different languages spoken in our family homes we know that English is not the first, not second or third in some cases, language our families know and understand so we use this data to make sure we provide the very best support we can. Thirdly, however, we do expect that the students, with the support of families, take the tests seriously, give their best and allow other students to do the same. We all need to continually try to be the very best we can be, our most excellent selves and NAPLAN is another opportunity for that to be put into practice.

RAMADAN

Adding to our diversity and harmony-focused activities this week, we would also like to acknowledge the beginning of RAMADAN for our Muslim families. Like LENT for all Catholics RAMADAN is enormously important to them as a time of prayer and fasting. We offer our support and join with them in prayer throughout this time. I know Mr. Hicks is working with some of our senior Muslim students to make they have some time, space and opportunity to practice the prayerful components of their faith.

Take Care and God Bless
Mr Paul Belton

Dear Families,

The development of life-long leadership skills is one of the learning opportunities offered to all students at St Paul’s College. Having effective student leaders supports the development of our College’s core values outlined in Our Common Ground. The leadership journey for our Year 6 students started last week where they were acknowledged at our Primary Years assembly and received their Student Leaders Badge. This week, I have great pleasure in announcing our Year 6 Student Leadership Team for 2023:

Community and Faith Ambassadors

• Luke F, Nimit L, Sophia P and Logan P

Academic Ambassadors

• Ridhi K and Tyler N

Wellbeing Ambassadors

• Saxon D and Summer Z

House Captains

• Dally – Ansh S
• Gleeson – Venesa P
• Marlow – Angong Y
• Nagle – Mihan B
• O’Loughlin – Sienna G

Ms Samantha Stokes (Head of Wellbeing) and Ms Miranda McGlaughlin (Leader of Catholic Identity) were involved in leading the Student Leadership interview process. Our Student Leaders have committed to uphold the core values of the College – Faith, Relationships, Excellence and Diversity, through modelling respectful and responsible behaviour to the best of their ability. Ms Stokes will meet with the Student Leaders regularly to guide them in activities that will benefit the whole Primary Years community.

We also acknowledge and congratulate our Reception-Year 5 Student Voice Representatives (SVR) from each class.  Ms Stokes will be working closely with these students with their important role in identifying issues, and building skills and knowledge that lead to action in the areas our students care most about.

Our Reception to Year 5 SVR are:

• Reception Barone – Hartaj S
• Reception Romeo – Larrah A
• Year 1 McGlaughlin/Benneti – Esther R
• Year 1 Burton – Chloe L
• Year 2 Theodoulou/Benetti – Gurfateh S
• Year 2 Stavropoulos – Lucas V
• Year 3 Hayward – Georgina B
• Year 3 Bennett – Thiago D
• Year 4 Jones/Barone – Briella V
• Year 4 Thoday – Divit S
• Year 5 Anthony – Collin P
• Year 5 Costanzo – Manreet K

Wednesday was International Women’s Day.  Our Year 9 girls led a beautiful Whole School Liturgy acknowledging and celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women globally, with the theme #EmbraceEquity. It was also a beautiful example of these young women modelling, to the students in our Primary Years, just how courageous they are in taking on this Leadership role within our College community. I am proud each and every day to be an educator and leader at St Paul’s. Let’s continue to champion equity, respect and inclusion for all of us, regardless of gender.

Take care.

Marianne Loftus
Head of Primary Years
2023 - Empowering Voices

Dear Families and friends of St Paul’s,

Week 6 term 1 already, how can we possibly slow all this time down? Week 6, like all weeks of a school year is full of activity, learning, and adventures. Our year 8 cohort has been away on camp and although the weather has not been perfect we are sure that they are all having a great time. From the stories of the first half returners on Wednesday it was a memorable experience.

I believe one of the greatest challenges schools have always faced, and what is even more important now in such an ever-changing world, is to try to prepare students for their life beyond school. While academic achievement is important the necessity to be good people, resilient characters and emerging adults who understand life is not always about themselves, but rather great love and happiness comes from within when we give of ourselves to others.

This week I was extremely fortunate to hear from an outside external provider of St Paul’s one of the best compliments we have ever received. We were discussing the many and varied options students have as they progress through the secondary years – University, TAFE, VET courses, Apprenticeships etc. The compliment came after we were discussing the notion of what is “cutting edge” in terms of education right now. In her opinion, enabling every student to be encouraged to follow their dreams, their own specific pathway, and to be supported in that is actually “cutting edge". The best part was she said, she knew this is what St Paul’s is already doing and what we are really good at. How nice is that? Combine this with another recent compliment at our School, Advisory Council “word on the street is that we are awesome at caring for the students through our pastoral care structures". These comments are so wonderful and to be honest, I could not have wished for better. It is such a credit to all our staff, teaching and non-teaching who are so friendly and welcoming, always showing genuine care for the students and families. I am sure Edmund Rice, Br Dally, and all our predecessors would agree. We have a great deal to be proud of here at St Paul’s but we also remain committed to continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence in all we do.

Parents and Friends – Inclusive Community

This week we held another Parents and Friends meeting. It was very much a “changing of the guard” meeting where Ms Felicity Bylhouwer handed in her final letter of resignation after six or seven years of formidable service to the community. Both Felicity and Ms Bec Verrall have been the stalwarts of this group for several years and have been absolutely wonderful in their support of the College. We thank them sincerely for their great passion for the college. As we are now growing and more able to fund many of the projects we have not been able to before, the nature of the parents and friends provide can change from a group that raised much needed funds for the College to one that has more of a community building focus. One of our EREA Touchstones is Inclusive Community and we believe that through an active Parents and Friends structure we can reach out even more to our families, especially those who may struggle to communicate with us and us with them.

Please if any parents are wanting or are willing to join this group please let us know, via the front office, our DP Josh Foulis, or email to kcasey@stpauls.sa.edu.au

International Women’s Day

This week we also celebrated International Women’s Day and not only had a beautiful liturgy in our Pastoral Care lesson but also celebrated the amazing work done by our wonderful and very committed female staff members. We are who we are at St Paul’s because of the great sense of community we have and our female staff add enormously to that great sense of family we have.

Cocurricular Recognition

It must be the week of good news, but you can never get enough of that. After Saturday’s round of cocurricular events, we were delighted to receive an email from a teacher of Rostrevor who took the time to write about how terrific our year 8/9 cricket team was. It said:

“I just wanted to let you know how impressed I was with the St Paul's boys. They were friendly, well-mannered and played with a really positive and encouraging team spirit. They represented themselves and the school in an exemplary manner and it was noticed by both myself and the parents from Rostrevor.”

Our thanks must go to our coach Mr Michael Szczpanik (Oliver’s dad) and Mrs Maria Gibson our staff member and manager for their encouragement of the boys and for upholding such terrific values.

It has been a terrific week or so for the College.

Take care, God Bless

Mr Paul Belton 

Dear Friends of St Paul’s

This week we begin the most important time in our Catholic calendar – Lent. This season is not only important in itself, but more so because it culminates in the celebration of Easter Sunday, the resurrection of Jesus and the ultimate symbol of sacrifice and hope.

On Wednesday we held two Ash Wednesday Liturgies, one for the Senior School and one for the Junior School. Both were very beautiful celebrations and all our students were particularly reverent throughout. This is credit to our Catholic Identity Team of Mr Joe Hicks, Mrs Maria Girolamo-Corbo and Ms Mirada McGlaughlin. Our students clearly understand the significance of this season and also that it is a time to not only give something up and give to those less fortunate than ourselves but also to undertake actions that enhance the respect we have for each other.

Academic Assembly

Last Thursday we held our Academic Assembly, where we celebrated the many successes of our Graduating Class of 2022. Not only were our academic achievements outstanding and the best they have been for a number of years but we also had a great deal of success in assisting students transfer from schooling into various trades. 

Definitely the highlights of the assembly were the presentations of our 2022 Dux, Lucas Sacca and old scholar Mr Chris Edge (prominent lawyer and current Chair of our School Advisory Council.) Both men were outstanding in how they reflected on their positive experiences at St Paul’s and inspirational in their message of perseverance, determination, and faith. As we have said often, we have so much of which to be proud at St Paul’s and this extends across the entire history of the College.

College Tours and Enrolment Interviews 2024 and 2025.

Over the last week we have also held more College Tours and Enrolment Interviews. We are receiving so many enrolment enquiries and visitors for tours that we have had to split the tours into Primary and Secondary, while asking all our senior leaders to both attend those and assist us with the interviews. We have the absolute pleasure of meeting so many wonderful prospective students and families and yet also know that over the next few years we will not be able to fit everyone in.

If current families have younger siblings or know of friends who would like to attend St Paul’s it is absolutely necessary that they get their applications and enrolment forms into the College at least two years prior to the actual starting date.

Primary Picnic

I know Mrs Marianne Loftus has mentioned the Primary picnic in her article, but I wanted to add both my thanks and appreciation of all the students, staff and families who attended. It was a lovely occasion and another welcome opportunity for our community to spend more quality time together.

Take care, God Bless

Mr Belton

Dear Families and friends of St Paul’s,

Welcome back to the 2023 academic year at St Paul’s. As you may have seen or heard already our theme for the year is “Empowering Voices.” In a Catholic College in the Edmund Rice tradition, this is not only important but an intrinsic characteristic we hold dear.

Our current College Strategic Plan (available on the College website HERE) has five strategic directions and one of these is Empowering Voices. The meaning of the two words themselves is important as they give a clear indication that all members of our extended community, parents, caregivers, students, staff, and old scholars should feel able, encouraged and empowered to make a positive contribution to this great community. Having been encouraged, it is our commitment that the voices will then be listened to. Through this commitment we will ensure that child protection, safeguarding and an excellent education are at the forefront of our work.

In a rapidly changing world, our students need to be able to express their understandings of what is important to them and to also be able to influence all things that have an impact on them. What is crucial for us collectively is to provide the Catholic, Edmund Rice Education values and lens through which the students can come to understand and enact what will make our College and our world a better place for all.

Many different and varied opportunities will be provided for everyone to ensure this theme is being actively lived out.

A Great Start to the Year.

We have begun this year with significant growth again, in both staff and student numbers. Our student population has exceeded one thousand for the first time in the College’s history. With this increase has come the employment of another thirty new members of staff. The quality of staff has again already been evident, and they have all collectively brought great passion, skills and commitment to the vision of the College. We are here to enable every student with the very best opportunities to empower the students to fulfil their unique God-given potential through active participation in the community. This is so clear whenever we meet.

Our beginning of year Mass was nothing short of inspirational. With the COVID world denying us of many opportunity to gather together we were blessed to have all 1200 members of the community gathered in the gymnasium to celebrate the Eucharist together. We were blessed to have Fr Philip Marshall preside and his amazing ability to communicate with the very young, and the not-so-young was inspirational.

In addition to the Opening Mass we have held parent information sessions, a Yr 4 camp to AFL Max and our very beautiful Reception Rite of Passage / Welcome ceremony. This week our co-curricular program kicks off and our School Advisory Council meets to discuss our aims for the year and provide direction and challenge to the Leadership team of the College.

We encourage members of the community to make contact with us should you wish to join a committee such as the School Advisory Committee and Parents and Friends Committee. We are always on the look-out for people with lots of passion and energy!

2023 promises to be a very challenging but exciting and rewarding year for this great College. I encourage everyone to get involved in some way or another.

God bless.

Paul Belton

The conclusion of the 2022 school year comes with great celebration for our Year 12 students. We acknowledge the collective work that has been undertaken by students, families, and our entire staff throughout their academic, spiritual, and personal journey during their time at St Paul’s. It is with great pride that I detail the excellent SACE, ATAR, and apprenticeship achievements of the class of 2022 graduates. For the fourth consecutive year, 100% of eligible students achieved their SACE. Our students have demonstrated the skills and capabilities to flourish and contribute productively to the world beyond school and will continue to hold a special place in our community as Old Scholars of our College.
 

From January 2023 St Pauls College OSHC provider is changing to EXTEND.

EXTEND is Australia’s largest family owned and operated Outside School Hours Care provider.

The 2023 St Paul’s service will feature before and after school care together with a new vacation care program.

Registration and service information is now available via the Extend website. For further details please visit: https://www.extend.com.au/school/st-pauls-college/

Extend’s customer service team is on hand to help with all enrolment, booking and school holiday program enquiries.
Email: support@extend.com.au or call 1300 366 437.

We look forward to our new OSHC partnership with EXTEND.

Dear Families and Friends of St Paul’s,

While the 2022 school year is rapidly ending there is still a great deal of activity occurring and many more essential tasks to be completed before we sign off for Christmas.

Over the last fortnight we have again been kept busy with the following:

• Year 6 Rites of passage celebration
• Year 10 retreat
• We welcomed all Catholic Education SA Principals, Deputy Principals and senior leaders for meetings and a dinner in our new MacKillop building
• Year 11 Final Year Liturgy, where we farewelled some students who are leaving to joining the workforce and challenged the returning students to step up into the position of college leaders for 2023.
• Transition day for all new students from Reception through to Year 7. This was a student free day for our Year 7 – 11 students, the Year 11’s preparing for their exams.
• Year 11 Exams this week.
• The final parents and friends meeting of the year where we farewelled and thanked two outstanding mothers who have committed many years of service to the college. Mrs Bec Verrall and Mrs Felicity Bylhower. We will thank them more formally at an upcoming school function but from a personal point of view and on behalf of the College I would like to sincerely thank and congratulate both ladies on what has been an outstanding level of commitment to our community. Their servant leadership and desire to see St Paul’s flourish, while supporting all families new and long term, has been nothing short of amazing. Thank you both so much.
• Extra transition visits for students with additional needs.
• Another successful College Tour
• And last but by no means our all-important year 12 Graduation Dinner.

This function is so important in the life of the College and symbolizes yet another Rite of Passage where our students attend their last official school function and well and truly become members of our old scholars fraternity. For many parents it symbolizes the completion of much sacrifice and commitment to both the students, the families, and the College. For some this has spread well over a decade and with a number of children. We thank them all for their contributions to the college and wish them all well in the future. Hopefully, we will catch up with many next year when they have the first of hopefully several reunions.

Staffing appointments

We have continued with our staffing processes for 2023. There is a lengthy list of staff movement and welcomes, given our continued growth and I will announce all of that in the last newsletter of the Term. But a recent appointment I would like to highlight this week is the announcement that our outstanding Head of Wellbeing in the Secondary Years, Mr Nick Callary, has been offered the opportunity to work at St Joseph’s College in Port Lincoln as Acting Deputy Principal for 2023. We congratulate Nick and wish him well for this new experience.

Hence, there is still much to do, still much happening and still very much to celebrate. Enjoy the last few weeks of the term.

Take care and God Bless

Paul Belton
Principal

Photo: Primary Years Precinct ground works have begun