Dear Families and Friends of St. Paul’s,
This week we took another giant step toward normality! We were fortunate to hold our very first 2022 assembly in the gymnasium! Our “Academic Assembly” is normally held in week one of term one! Obviously, all things COVID have prevented us from having these celebrations and so it was wonderful to be able to do that again. At this assembly, we welcome back the high achievers of the Class of 2021. There were some outstanding success stories there and we were able present the 2021 School Dux, Hayden Reddick. What made it even more special was to be able to then share a morning tea with the families in the new senior centre. It was an incredibly special time in our history.
Unfortunately given the growth of the student numbers over the last 12 months we were unable to fit the whole college in, so we had all the students from Year 7 through to year 12. What was marvellous, though was this celebration presented us with the opportunity to have a co-ed assembly with the girls in Year 7 and 8 joining us for the first time. It was such a delight to hear young Kadijat and Prisha speak of their experience of being welcomed into the college, along with our first group of Year 7 and 8 girls. As we have said before, despite the impact of COVID on the community the first term of this year was absolutely wonderful. Not only are we now operating in that co-ed setting but the new courtyard, bathroom facilities and senior learning centre have all allowed the college to take on a whole fresh look and more importantly a whole new feel. We are sure that all our old scholars and all past staff and families would be immensely proud of the “new St Paul’s.”
More Exciting Opportunities
Again, as all things (hopefully) return to the new normal, we have been able to provide the students with many more of the amazing opportunities that are able to enjoy as a part of the holistic education all students receive at the College. This week the Year 10 Outdoor Education class went off on their kayak journey camp, our Year 7’s are undertaking the very important CLS (Christian Service learning) experiences, the Year 10’s are preparing for a week’s work experience (thanks Ms Jo Williams) and the Year 11’s are preparing for what will be one of the most memorable experiences in their whole college life, the Year 11 Retreat. Our APRIM, Mr Joe Hicks is preparing a tremendous program for the boys, and we are certain it will be an amazing spiritual and fun experience for them.
Sacrement of Reconcilition
Congratulations to the nine students on their Reconciliation this week. Many thanks to Mr Joe Hicks, Ms Maria Girolamo-Corbo and Ms Kristynn Ross (Catholic Identity Team) for their support of these students.
Parent / Student / Staff Learning Conversations
I would like to thank all the staff, students and families who have participated in the recent learning Conversations. While again, not all back to the face-to-face preferred style, they are so especially important in the support we give each other in enabling the students to become the absolute best they can – which is all we ever ask! These opportunities provide feedback and feedback is one of the most crucial components of success.
We all very much look forward to the rest of the term and being able to share more of the great opportunities that we have missed so much over the last couple of years.
Take care, God Bless
Paul Belton
Dear Families,
What a wonderful fortnight of learning and connection we have had in the Primary Years. It is such a privilege to walk through the classrooms and see the children engaged and ready to chat about their learning.
Years 3 and 5 students participated in the annual NAPLAN testing and we were so proud of their resilience, persistence and, for some, enthusiasm in sitting the different tests. NAPLAN is one aspect of gathering data on students’ Literacy and Numeracy skills. The data comes out later in the year and is one of many modes of assessment that is used to help inform the Teaching and Learning experiences of our students.
All classes from Reception to Year 6 also participated in National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) this week and the Primary Years was abuzz with excitement! NSS promotes the value of reading and literacy and exploring the fun of books, not only locally and nationally but across the world. The students worked in cross-age groups with different teachers on varying activities. They read the book “The Family Tree” written by Josh Pyke and illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh, then made bookmarks, butterflies, gumnut pictures, magnets, nature paintings and find-a-words. There were even some mathematical activities, more reading and meditation. If you haven’t had the chance, take the time to ask your children about their chosen activities. It’s always a great way to hear what they are doing at school and find out how much they enjoyed it.
Finally, I attended a very spiritual and moving Reconciliation Liturgy where both Primary and Secondary students gathered in the chapel and were prepared beautifully for Reconciliation by Kristynn Ross and the Catholic Identity team. Fr Matthew presided over the celebration and there was such a sense of calm and reverence in our chapel. It was also so lovely to see families able to attend and support their children at this special time in their Faith journey.
Next week we see the Year 4s attending camp at AFL Max and look forward to hearing all the wonderful stories upon their return.
Take care and have a great fortnight.
Marianne Loftus
Head of Primary Years
On Wednesday 27 May, all primary students had the opportunity to participate in National Simultaneous Storytime. This is an annual event whereby every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes and many other places around the country.
This year our students were part of the 2,186,347 people reading together at exactly the same time from over 59, 000 locations around the world. Not only Australia but New Zealand, UK, US, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia and many more.
After this the students participated in activities run by the primary staff. These included the JP students making nature art, gum nut pictures, bookmarks and learning about the life cycle of the Eucalyptus tree. The older students participated in meditation, yoga, reading, creating family trees, colouring, and other craft activities.
It was great to see the students working together and enjoying the activities planned for them.
A big thank you to the students for embracing and enjoying what staff had planned. Thank you to primary teachers for organising their activities.
We look forward to another successful year in 2023!
Ms Rosemarie Sgro
Resource Centre Coordinator
On Wednesday 25 May 2022, nine students continued their faith journey and received their Sacrament of Reconciliation in our chapel, with a liturgy celebrated by Fr Mathew. The students have been engaging in lessons preparing them for this Sacrament, exploring the idea of sins and forgiveness in life. Students will continue to further engage in sacramental lessons to prepare them for their Confirmation on 16 June 2022, and Communion on 30 June 2022.
Rehearsals are in full swing for our 2022 College Musical - All Shook Up. The cast are excited to be learning songs and dances to the music of Elvis.
The musical will be held Term 3, week 4. Tickets will be available from College Reception closer to the performances.
Middle Years - Years 7-9
As you may be aware, this year marks the reintroduction of Debating in the Middle Years. We have 2 teams participating. Our Year 7/8 team: Prisha Koirala, Jasmine Fawcett, Kian Rampal, Zachary Yard. Our Year 9 team: Archer Ellis-Steinborner, Jean Tonna Hernandez, Tamer Abou Hamandez, Jamie Agius, Vivaan Trived
Students debate, back-to-back on Monday nights and our first debate was held this week on the 9th May.
This week, our Year 9 team won by default, as the opposing team forfeited. However, all was not lost, as the team had an opportunity to prepare for its debate and engaged in some well-needed practice time.
Our Years 7 – 8 team won their debate against Glenunga International High School convincingly, with Prisha Koirala receiving the award for debater of the night.
The topic: That balloons & confetti should be banned. [Affirmative]
Thanks to all students who have stepped up to form part of the debating teams. We look forward to seeing more of their challenging but rewarding work.
Thanks must also go to Mr Matthew Muscat, who worked hard to prepare the students for their respective debates, with limited time for preparation available.
Ms Vial & Mr Muscat
(Debating Coaches)
On Saturday 14th May at The Bend, St Paul's students took part in the 6 hour race against 150 other teams. It was the first time for three of the students, unfortunately, our Captain was out sick.
Whilst the team started well, on lap 3 the chain broke. On lap 8 Harry had the fastest lap of the day for us. Then they had a tyre puncture, which they were able to repair and get back out racing again. Unfortunately, at around the 5.5 hour mark the back tyre went again and was unable to be repaired. The team worked well together with fixing the bike on several occasions. Most of the team also had some flips and rolls during the race.
It was a challenging day for the team and we are proud of them for showing resilience and determination.
The next race is 17-19th June at Victoria Park.
