9 May 2024

Celebrating Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice

Well underway for Term 2, we acknowledge the recent Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice that is celebrated globally each year on 5 May. At St Paul’s College, we paused usual learning schedules last Friday 3 May to celebrate the founder of the Christian Brothers who established St Paul’s College 65 years ago.

With thanks to many staff who organised the day of celebration, especially our Catholic Identity Team, students were able to focus on our exceptional school community and recall their place as part of a national and indeed international community.

Knowing that Blessed Edmund Rice was grounded in service, his Feast Day is a welcome opportunity for all of us to recall our purpose. Serving others is both selfless and life-giving, and we hope for countercultural young people and graduates who know their innate value and its worth to others. Amidst a world where selfishness and personal outcomes are measures of success, we use the historical account of Blessed Edmund Rice to challenge self-fulfillment by way of contributing to something greater than ourselves: community.

Reviewing Practice for Continuous Improvement

As previously communicated, St Paul’s College is currently undertaking a review of its Middle Years Program in Years 7-9, which currently hosts structures driven by integrating subjects and a focus on Project-Based-Learning. This approach to Middle Years has been an exceptional aspect of student-experience since its advent in 2019, when Year 7 moved from Primary Years to Secondary.

Like all components of our college, a commitment to continually improve requires review processes to ensure that practices are delivering the most meaningful experiences for students and the highest outcomes possible. St Paul’s constantly strives for our young people and given that the college has now delivered a cycle of students (our current year 12 cohort were the first group of Year 7 students to undertake the Middle Years Program in 2019), noting that the educational landscape is ever-changing, and recognising that students have changed in profile and grown in number since 2019, provide motivation to review our unique approach to middle years education.

In coming weeks, students and families and staff alike, will be asked to provide feedback as part of the Middle Years Review. This input is crucial and so families are urged to complete the 5 minute survey when it is provided. For our community’s knowledge and transparence, the review seeks to identify what is best for our students, as related to the following measures:

• Student experience
• Orientation to Secondary (high school)
• Student learning outcomes
• Student wellbeing outcomes
• Readiness for success in Senior Years
• ERICA (the college’s Learning Principles: Engaging, Relevant, Innovative, Creative, Authentic) and the college’s strategic directions
• Developments in education (landscape) and external contexts (EREA, CESA, Government Bodies, Research)
• Teacher administration (teacher efficacy, workload, capability, effectiveness, documentation)
• Meeting the requirements of the Australian Curriculum

Please keep your eyes-peeled for the parent survey, with thanks in advance for contributing to this important component of the review process.

*Photo - Mr Foulis recognising Walter Chatindiara on 10 years of service

Welcome to Term 2!

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome I've received from the school community since stepping into the role of Acting Deputy Principal. I've been overwhelmed by kindness, support, and friendliness shown by all members of the community. Being new to a school can sometimes feel like stepping into uncharted territory, but thanks to the open arms and friendly smiles at St Paul’s, I've felt right at home.

I've been particularly inspired by the sense of unity and camaraderie that pervades every aspect of our school community. It's clear to see that this is a place where everyone is valued, respected, and encouraged to thrive. I'm excited to be part of such a vibrant and inclusive community, and I'm eager to work alongside each of you to continue building on the strong foundation of excellence that defines our school.

Learning Conversations

Our Primary and Secondary Parent-Teacher Conversations will be held on Tuesday 14 May from 1.45pm. These meetings provide an excellent opportunity for us to discuss your child's progress, address any concerns, and collaborate on ways to support their academic and personal development.

During your meeting with teachers, we encourage open communication. Feel free to share any questions, concerns, or insights you may have about your child's learning experience. Likewise, we will provide you with feedback on your child's progress, strengths, and areas for improvement.

We believe that a strong partnership between parents and teachers is crucial for the success of our students. Your involvement and support are greatly appreciated.

Frank Ranaldo - Acting Deputy Principal

Welcome back!

A warm welcome to Term 2 for all our students and families, where I anticipate students have taken the opportunity to recharge their batteries in readiness for the upcoming term, while also reflecting on Term 1 interim reports and how they have applied themselves to their studies so far this year. As was addressed at our Term 2 welcome assembly last week, for most students I am sure that there is at least one subject or area for improvement which forms part of their goals for Term 2, while also acknowledging success and celebrating positive achievements.

For Year 7 to 10 students who are working on the core foundations that they will need to be successful in the senior years, application is critical to ensure that a positive attitude and effort are a focus throughout this term, to always give their personal best. For our Year 11 students, this year is critically important as they try various subjects to make the best decisions for Year 12 subject selections in Term 3, therefore consistent application and effort are vital to be in the best position to make informed decisions as part of Year 12 subject selections.

For our Year 12s, there are just under 100 school days remaining for their academic St Paul’s journey. There is certainly no time to waste! It is important to use study and flex lessons wisely while avoiding procrastination and maintaining balance.  To support this, study space arrangements have been made during designated study and flex lessons and during break times, to provide more suitable spaces for quiet study. I urge all Year 12 students to seek support as they need it and make the best use of their time, ensuring they are asking questions and seeking feedback from teachers to help them achieve their academic goals.

A key part of my student address focused on the term ‘discipline’, where I shared a short definition from a keynote speaker who described discipline as “Doing what you have to do, when you have to do it, even when you don't want to”. Discipline is the key to success and the foundation upon which we build our dreams and aspirations and what we need to achieve our goals, and it is the one thing that separates those who succeed from those who fail. While individual motivation will vary from day to day, being successful and achieving our goals whether they be in academics, sport, music, business, or life in general requires discipline and doing what we have to do, when we have to do it, even when we don’t want to. This can also be applied to the way we communicate and treat one another, in a consistent, and kind way to foster the inclusive and welcoming community that is St Paul’s. I wish every student the very best for this term as we work together as students, staff and families to support student success, every day.

Uniform

A reminder to all students and families to ensure that the full and correct winter uniform is being worn each day throughout Terms 2 and 3, which includes the College blazer (to be worn to and from school).

Winter skirts must be no shorter than the bottom of the knee, and the PE uniform is only to be worn on practical PE days. Black sneakers are not permitted as part of the College uniform, as students are required to wear black leather school shoes. Non-school beanies and jackets that are not part of the College uniform are also not acceptable. 

We ask that parents support the College by ensuring that their child presents themselves in accordance with school expectations. This policy, together with all other College policies, can be found on the College website here: 

If there are reasonable circumstances for which your child is unable to wear the full and correct uniform, the College requests that families communicate this with Home Group Teachers via SEQTA direct message, written note, or verbal communication. 

Anthony Farina - Head of Secondary

Dear Families,

Welcome back to Term 2. Over the Term Break, we had the most perfect Autumn weather allowing us two weeks to relax, recharge, enjoy some outdoor activities and prepare for Term 2… and here we are! We have been very pleased with the way the children have come back to school after the holidays. There is an atmosphere of calm and confidence, which makes our College Primary Years a great place to play and learn.

Last Friday we celebrated Edmund Rice Day and what a wonderful celebration it was.  The highlight, for me, was the R-12 cross-year level activities.  This is what Edmund would have wanted – a place for everyone to be together as one, in an inclusive and welcoming environment.  I wish there was a drone to show the incredible atmosphere. EVERY student present joined together to play games, talk and laugh together. What a gift this is.

Our teachers and students are continuously working collaboratively to set new learning goals to improve the learning outcomes! Whilst not wanting to jump too far ahead to the end of term, we will be sending home Semester 1 Reports.  Now is the time to remember that everything we do is an opportunity for, of and as an assessment, every conversation an opportunity for feedback, and every challenge a chance for growth. During this week and next, we have our Parent/Teacher Learning Conversations, which is a perfect opportunity for parents, carers and teachers to speak openly and honestly about the children in our care. I ask that you listen and participate in these conversations knowing that we have your children at the heart of all we do.

We have also begun interviews for Mid-Year Receptions for 2025 and 2026 Receptions. It has been a delight to witness the enthusiasm and sense of excitement in the children who will be joining our community. This process is a privilege and certainly not one to take for granted.  Every conversation is a joy.  

I look forward to a great Term 2 where we will continue to do the very best for your children.  This can only happen with your help and support. Together we can achieve great things.

Marianne Loftus - Head of Primary Years

At St Paul’s College, we are committed to ensuring that all students in our community are confident, capable, fluent, and reflective readers. To accomplish this vision, the teaching of reading in the primary school is guided by evidence-based practice and current research on the Science of Reading. Students at St. Paul’s College are involved in a high-quality literacy program that focuses on the five components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension vocabulary, and oral language.

In the Early Years, students engage in explicit teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness using the InitiaLit program. Students in Reception to Year 2 will bring home Decodable Readers that focus on the sound and letter correspondence they are learning in class. These readers should be read independently by your child using blending strategies.

When students are equipped with the skills to successfully, accurately, and confidently decode unfamiliar words, they will begin to read natural readers or everyday texts, generally around Year 2. Students in Year 2 to Year 6 are then encouraged to choose “Just Right” books which they can decode independently, comprehend, and find interesting.

There are many great ways to support your child in learning to read at home:

Read with your child every day, including books, poems, and nursery rhymes.
If your child does not want to read independently, read the reader with them and have them follow along.
Celebrate every book and effort your child makes in reading.
Spend 10 minutes a day after school using Nessy Learning to consolidate skills (Rec-5)

For more ideas and information about developing reading skills and the Science of Reading, click the link below.

Literacy Hub for Families

Tuesday 28 May, 6pm at CBC Adelaide 
We are proudly committed and connected with Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), our governing body who tirelessly support our community. Their work and likewise the work of our College, is driven by the EREA Charter. Most appropriately, EREA renew this Charter as part of ongoing improvement and ever-changing contexts. 

Members of our St Paul’s community are invited to join the Edmund Rice Education Australia national community to imagine how our school, and all Edmund Rice Education Australia schools, can be the best they can be for our young people and for our world. We need your help to shape the future for 41,000 plus young people. 

These forums are happening across the country and each session provides an opportunity to discuss with others what you value about your school and what you hope it might strive to become. What comes out of these discussions will assist the EREA national community to renew its understanding and articulation of what it means to be a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition. Christian Brothers College (CBC) Adelaide is hosting the Charter renewal and Mission Strategy Open Forum at 6pm on Tuesday 28 May and all members of our community are invited to attend. Please register your attendance here.

Thank you for considering this important opportunity.

Josh Foulis - Acting Principal

On the 11th May 2024, Year 7 and Year 8 students had the opportunity to attend the G.A.T.E.WAYS THiNK Masterclass Program - 'MIND:BLOWN!'  This event was for students attending Catholic Education SA schools and was hosted at Mary MacKillop College, Kensington. The MIND:BLOWN! workshop provided opportunities for high-ability students to engage in enriching and thought-provoking challenges that were based on real-world situations.

Here’s what some our students had to say about the program:

“It helped me think outside the box.” - Rachel K 

“Learnt lots of new things and new ways of thinking.” - Hugh M

“It was an exquisite learning experiencing.” - Theo D

Christabella Iuliano - Key Teacher: Gifted and Talented Education

Congratulations to our Year 11 student Lachlan C, who has recently been selected in the SA State U18 Indoor cricket team. The team will be competing in Melbourne in July this year.

Well done Lachlan!

Click for the Week 2 fixture

Click for the Week 1 results

Monday to Thursday, between 3.20pm and 4.20pm, students from Years 5 to 12 are welcome to attend Homework Club in the Resource Centre. Staffing for Week 3 and Week 4 will be:

Week 3

Monday - Tania Vial
Tuesday - Early dismissal 1.45pm No Homework Club
Wednesday - Stewart Fraser
Thursday - Amber Dias

Week 4

Monday - Maro Seal
Tuesday - Trisha Harding
Wednesday - Stash Domiszewski
Thursday - Christabella Iuliano