St Paul's Bulletin Term 3 Week 5 2025

Principal's Message

For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 

Dear Parents and Carers,  

As we celebrate Book Week, did you know that the Bible is the highest-selling book of all time! This incredible record shows just how much our sacred book means to people all over the world. As we open the scriptures with our children each day, let's remember that the Bible is more than just a historical text, it's a guide that continues to inspire, nourish and support us. I would encourage every family to have a Bible or Children’s Bible in their home. 

Today all families will receive a Compass post inviting them to participate in the consultation process for the new principal of St Paul’s following my retirement at the end of the year. As you would appreciate, the appointment of a principal is a significant milestone for students, staff, families, and the broader diocesan community. It is a decision that shapes the future of the school and its mission. To support this important process, you are invited to contribute your insights through a short consultation survey. The feedback gathered will assist the selection panel in recommending the most suitable candidate for this leadership role. It is hoped that the new appointment will be made by the beginning of next term. 

What an amazing day it was on Monday with our annual Book Week Parade! It was lovely to see so many parents and grandparents joining the fun! Pre-schoolers from Felton Street Preschool also joined us. Everyone’s costume was brilliant, getting into the spirit of the day. Many thanks to Mrs Belinda Mayall, our Teacher Librarian, and her library team for organising the day, including the Book Fair, which raises money to purchase more books for the library. 

We have had a number of calls from neighbours complaining that St Paul's parents have been parking across driveways.  This is both discourteous and dangerous. I have advised those neighbours to record registration numbers and then contact the police or council rangers. While I know parking is challenging around the school, please respect our neighbours and follow the road rules to keep everyone safe.

The weather continues to impact playground spaces at school. We are lucky to have the hard surfaces that we do have, but this is a fraction of our normal play spaces. We know the importance of the children running around for their physical and mental health. The lack of playground space also means the children are in closer proximity to one another and conflict is more likely. Let’s hope the fine weather comes back soon! 

We continue to hear of our Year 5 & 6 children making inappropriate decisions on social media. In today’s digital age, cyber-safety is more important than ever. As a Catholic school committed to nurturing the whole child, mind, body, and spirit, we believe that teaching students to navigate the online world responsibly is part of their moral and personal development. Just as we encourage kindness and respect in our school, we must also promote these values in digital spaces. Parents, educators, and students all play a role in creating a safe online environment by practising caution, protecting personal information, and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. Let’s work together to ensure that our children use technology wisely, guided by faith, integrity, and care for others. For more information and helpful tips, go to Online safety | eSafety Commissioner 

Congratulations to Haze Hungerford, Lily Shaw and Lyla Nash who represented St Paul’s at the Regional Public Speaking Competition last Friday. They were excellent ambassadors for St Paul’s! Many thanks to Mrs Sue Coull for returning to help prepare the children. 

The children and teachers have been busy preparing for our biennial musical, Other Worlds. We have two performances on Wednesday, 3rd September, at 11.30 am and 6.00pm. Grandparents are encouraged to attend the matinee as seats at the evening performance will be at a premium. You should now have received a message from your child’s teacher regarding costumes. If you are not sure what your children need to wear, please contact your child's teacher. Please mark your calendar now! 

With every blessing, 

Greg Cumming 

Principal 

Important Dates

2025 School Dates 

Assistant Principal's Message

Staying Safe and Ethical Online

In today’s digital age, our children are growing up with incredible access to information and technology. At our Catholic primary school, we embrace the benefits of digital learning while also recognising the importance of guiding our students to use technology safely, responsibly, and ethically.

One growing concern in schools across Australia is the use of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) by students to bypass school internet security settings. While VPNs are often used by adults for legitimate privacy reasons, when used by children—especially in a school setting—they can pose serious risks.

What is a VPN and Why Is It a Concern?

A VPN is a tool that hides a device’s internet activity and location. When students use VPNs on their BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) laptops or tablets, they can:

• Bypass school internet filters and security certificates
• Access inappropriate or unsafe websites
• Avoid monitoring and accountability measures put in place to protect them

This means students may be able to search the internet freely, without the safeguards we’ve carefully implemented to ensure their safety and well-being.

Why This Matters in a Catholic School Context

As a Catholic school, we are committed to nurturing not only academic excellence but also moral and ethical development. Using technology to avoid rules and protections undermines the values of honesty, integrity, and respect for community guidelines.

We teach our students that ethical behaviour online is just as important as in person. This includes:

• Respecting school policies
• Using technology for learning, not entertainment or risky exploration
• Being honest about their actions and choices

What Can Parents Do?

Many parents may not be familiar with VPNs or how they work. Here are a few simple steps you can take:

1. Discuss responsible internet use with your child and explain why school rules are in place.
2. Check your child’s device for VPN apps or browser extensions. If you’re unsure, contact the office. 
3. Encourage open conversations about what your child is doing online and why.
4. Support our school’s digital policies by reinforcing them at home.

Working Together for Safe Learning

We believe that technology should empower learning, not endanger it. By working together—school staff, students, and families—we can ensure that our children grow into thoughtful, ethical digital citizens.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s internet use or device settings, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or our school’s leadership team. We’re here to help.

Important Security Update for Student BYOD Devices

Action is required for students with BYOD Windows 10 devices as Windows 10 will soon no longer be supported by Microsoft.

To ensure your student device security you should upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible.

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will end on 14 October 2025, meaning it will no longer receive critical security updates.

To stay protected and ensure optimal performance, it is strongly recommended that all students with BYOD Windows 10 devices follow Microsoft’s instructions and upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible. There is no charge for this upgrade.

Why this matters:

• Windows 10 will no longer receive Microsoft updates after 14 October 2025, leaving devices exposed to threats.
• Upgrading to Windows 11 helps reduce security risks.
• Student Work Protection: Staying current helps safeguard assignments, projects, and personal data.

Ways to install Windows 11 - Microsoft Support

Upgrade to Windows 11: FAQ - Microsoft Support

How do I check what version of Windows am I running?

Select Start > Settings > System, then select About. You then see Edition, Version, and OS Build information.

We encourage all families with Student Windows 10 computers to begin the upgrade process now to avoid last-minute disruptions. If you need assistance or have questions about upgrading, please reach out to the IT support team in our school.

Father's Day Stall Volunteers

We are seeking Parent Volunteers for our Father's Day Stall on Thursday, 5th September. If you can help to support the running of the Stall on either Tuesday, 2nd September, 2 pm-3 pm or Thursday, 4th September, 8:30-11 am, please call the front office to put your name down. 

Father's Day Breakfast Volunteers

We are seeking some volunteers who can help man the BBQ and serve our Bacon and Egg rolls for our Father's Day breakfast on September 5th. If you are able to give a hand between 7 am-8:30 am, please call the front office to put your name down.

Jessica Moulder

Assistant Principal 

Catholic Culture at St Paul's

Vinnies Winter Appeal 2025 LAST Milo Mornings at St Paul's!

We’re just 2 weeks away from our last Milo Morning of the season! Last day is Friday 29 August.
Let’s send winter off with warmth, smiles, and chocolatey goodness! 

Don’t forget:
Bring $2
Bring your own mug

All funds raised will go directly to helping those in need stay warm and cared for this winter. Let’s come together as a community to make a difference - one cup at a time!

Year 5 Pilot - New Religious Education Curriculum

We’re thrilled to announce that Year 5 at St Paul’s will be piloting the new Religious Education curriculum starting in Week 6. This innovative program invites students to explore their faith through rich inquiry and reflection, guided by key questions that connect their understanding of God with everyday life.

The curriculum encourages deep thinking and meaningful engagement with questions such as:

• What do God’s people believe?
• How are God’s people called to care for creation?
• What does it mean to be made in the image of God?
• What does it mean to be the People of God?

These questions form the foundation for developing students’ religious knowledge, understanding, and capabilities. Through essential questions, inquiry skills, and opportunities to grow in thinking and faith, our Year 5 students will embark on a journey of discovery and connection.

We look forward to sharing their insights and experiences as the term progresses!

Stage 3 Religious Literacy

This term, our Year 6 students will be participating in the Religious Literacy Assessment on Tuesday 2 September - a key part of our commitment to nurturing faith, knowledge, and understanding in every learner.

This assessment is not about comparing schools, but about recognising where each student is on their learning journey. Religious literacy is more than knowledge, it's about understanding and living out the Catholic faith. A religiously literate person can: articulate key Catholic beliefs and practices, apply critical thinking in religious contexts, demonstrate faith through everyday actions and appreciate and engage with the richness of the Catholic tradition.

Even students who do not identify with a particular faith can grow in religious literacy by exploring the beliefs, practices, and cultural expressions of various religious traditions.

We are proud of our Year 6 students as they take this important step in their faith and learning journey.

MacKillop Feast Day - Friday 8 August

St Paul’s joyfully celebrated MacKillop Feast Day, honouring the legacy of Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first canonised saint and the foundress of the Sisters of St Joseph – the very order that established our school.

Our students from K–6 gathered with parishioners at St Paul’s Church for a beautiful Mass, filled with prayer, song, and gratitude. It was a special moment to reflect on Mary MacKillop’s life of faith, courage, and compassion, and how her mission continues to shape our school community.

Her powerful motto, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” reminds us daily to live with kindness, purpose, and a heart for service. Her commitment to education and care for the vulnerable is deeply woven into our school’s own motto: “Love One Another.”

MacKillop Feast Day is more than a celebration, it’s a call to live out the values she embodied: faith in action, love for all, and a dedication to learning and justice. We give thanks for the vision of the Sisters of St Joseph and the vibrant, faith-filled community they helped build here at St Paul’s.

Feast of the Assumption - Friday 15 August

Last week, students in Years 4 to 6 came together to celebrate Mass for the Feast of the Assumption at St Paul’s Church, joining with our parish community in a beautiful expression of faith and unity.

This sacred day honours the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven, a powerful sign of hope and promise for all people of faith. The celebration reminded us of Mary’s deep trust in God and her role as a model of love, faith, and obedience.

For our St Paul’s community, the Feast of the Assumption is especially meaningful. It offered a time to gather in prayer, reflect on Mary’s example, and strengthen our connection to God and one another. As we live out our school motto, “Love One Another,” we continue to honour Mary’s legacy and the values she represents.

We are grateful to all who joined us for this special celebration and helped make it a memorable moment of faith and reflection.

Socktober - We're kicking goals for good in 2025!

We're participating in Socktober for Mission Month to make a difference for children in need in Zambia. This year, we are raising funds to help a community overcome a severe hunger crisis by creating a vital Maize Mill. Thank you for supporting our team as we strive to make a difference!

You can donate now via the link below.

Stay tuned for our fun filled Socktober activities 'kicking off' in Term 4!

Aboriginal Education

Introducing Mr Richard (Roo) Faulkner  

Mr Richard “Roo” Faulkner is a proud Gomeroi man, well known in the Newcastle community as a strong Indigenous leader and educator. You may have noticed the children coming home excitedly talking about Roo, our new Aboriginal Education Teacher who brings such energy and rich cultural insight to our school. He’ll be here on Fridays, working alongside Mrs Danni Peachey, our students and staff to nurture deeper connections to culture, identity, and history. We’re thrilled to welcome someone of Roo’s experience and cultural passion to St Paul’s. His presence promises to enrich our school’s journey in understanding and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We look forward to learning, growing, and walking together in reconnection and respect every Friday.

Among the enriching initiatives, he’s launched is a six-week “Bro Speak” program tailored for our Stage 3 Koori boys. Designed in the spirit of similar wellbeing programs across NSW, it creates a culturally supportive space where Aboriginal young men learn to embrace their identity, build self-confidence, explore leadership, and strengthen community connection.

In addition, Roo has started teaching Gamilaraay language to our Year 4 students. Gamilaraay is the traditional language of the Gomeroi (Kamilaroi) people.  Once in decline, it is now the focus of revival efforts, and its speaker numbers have been steadily rising. 

Powaikaliko Malang (Grow Together) Catholic Schools Junior AECG News 

On Wednesday 13th August Ayla (President) and Zac (Secretary), our St Paul’s Junior AECG executive representatives, attended the Powaikaliko Malang Junior AECG meeting at St Patrick’s Primary School, Swansea. During this gathering, each school had the opportunity to share highlights from their NAIDOC Week celebrations, showcasing how they marked the occasion and engaged their communities.

St Paul's Junior AECG News 

On Monday, 18th August, all the Koori Kids were invited to join the Junior AECG Meeting at St Paul’s, and what an outstanding turnout it was! Led by our elected executive representatives, the students energetically shared and explored some exciting new initiatives:

• "Bro Speak" sessions for Years 5 & 6 with Roo — a space for connection, confidence-building, and cultural leadership.

• Gamilaraay language lessons for Year 4, also guided by Roo, helping the younger students to begin learning and celebrating language and identity.

• Awabakal language sessions for Year 3 with Mrs Peachey, strengthening ties to place and linguistic heritage.

• Formation of an Art Committee dedicated to designing story poles and decorative screens for the school’s yarning circle, bringing creativity and culture together.

• And importantly, our Year 5 students were encouraged to begin thinking about nominations for the 2026 Junior AECG representative positions, signaling the next step in leadership!

Kids’ voices were front and center making decisions, sharing ideas, and shaping the cultural and creative life of our school community in a meaningful way.

Minimbah Local AECG News

We warmly invite all members of our school community to attend the upcoming Minimbah Local AECG General Meeting which our school is hosting. This gathering offers a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about Aboriginal education and to contribute to shaping positive outcomes for our students. 

All parents, carers, Elders, and community members, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, are encouraged to attend and participate. Your insights and voices are vital in fostering a culturally inclusive and supportive educational environment.

Mural News

We're are still currently awaiting a stretch of favourable weather to proceed with the next phase of our mural. Fingers and toes crossed we can have this completed by the end of the term. 

Sports News

Library News

Book Week at St Paul’s

WOW! – We must have had the rain gods looking out for us on Monday morning! Despite the forecast, the skies cleared, and the sunshine shone just in time for our Book Week celebrations. What a wonderful community we have here at St Paul’s.

The costumes and outfits were nothing short of amazing, taking us all on a colourful adventure through stories and imagination. From classic characters to modern favourites, our students truly brought books to life.

The smiles on so many beaming faces showed just how much joy the day brought. A special highlight was our incredible Year 6 flash mob, which had everyone cheering and set the perfect tone for a week of reading fun!

Belinda Mayall 

Teacher Librarian 

St Paul's Gateshead 

Book Week 2025

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Parent News

Year 6 Graduation and End of Year Events 

St Paul's School based Year 6 Graduation will take place on Tuesday, 16th December, 6 pm-7:30 pm.

Year 6 Beach Day is Thursday, 11th December. 

Year 6 Clap Out Tuesday 16th December, 2:15 pm.

 More details to come closer to the date. 

Volunteering at St Paul's

Please see the below link if you would like to register to volunteer at St Paul’s. Our school is always in need of volunteers for many school activities. We will let you know once we receive your clearance from your registration; this must be received before you volunteer. 

Upcoming information sessions and webinars for parents and carers

Parents and carers are the most important educators in their child’s life. As well as partnering directly with our school to support your child’s learning and wellbeing, there are a range of webinars and information sessions provided each month by reputable providers specifically for parents and carers- free of charge. To view a list of upcoming webinars and information sessions that may be of interest to you, click the link below at any time. The list will be updated weekly throughout the school term, so be sure to check the page regularly.

www.mn.catholic.edu.au/our-community/supporting-parents-and-carers/upcoming-parent-and-carer-information-sessions/

Another useful resource for parents and carers to access timely information on a range of topics including cyber safety, mental health, positive parenting, school survival, diversity and inclusion and healthy bodies is via School TV. Our school invested in this online platform so that our parents and carers can conveniently access reliable information from credible sources all in one place - when you need it most - not just at a specified webinar time.  It includes videos, fact sheets and podcasts all delivered by leading psychologists and experts.

To access our school’s SchoolTV site visit https://gatesheadsp.catholic.schooltv.me/ 

Creative Arts News

Calling all Rock n’ Rollers!! Learn Guitar at school with Ricky’s Music Tuition

Open to Years K to 6, students will learn everything from Billy Eilish to Post Malone, to Imagine Dragons, to AC/DC. Students will learn in small groups at school, and have the opportunity to perform as part of an ensemble, enjoying the excitement and experience of being a real musician with skills that will last a lifetime. If you are interested in your child being involved, please email enrol@rickysmusictuition.com.au

Office Messages

IMPORTANT - School Fees

We would like to kindly remind all families that fee payments should have started now, as per the school’s payment schedule. For families who have already started making payments, we sincerely thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Your continued support is deeply appreciated.

For those who have not yet started payments, we kindly ask that you start making regular payments moving forward. The Catholic Schools Office requires a steady payment schedule, and timely payments are essential for maintaining the smooth running of the school.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the payment process, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you once again for your support.

Volunteering
Throughout the year, we invite parents/carers to volunteer at the school. To volunteer, you must complete the volunteer's induction. 

Complaints, Resolution and Feedback

St Paul’s Primary School, The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) and Schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are committed to providing a positive, safe environment for all staff and students. There are occasions, however, when members of our schools and wider community are concerned about something happening at a school that appears to be unsatisfactory or unreasonable.

If you have a complaint, please follow this procedure. 

Parish News

Children’s Liturgy is held every Sunday at 9:30am during Holy Mass. WE ARE NOW BACK IN ST PAUL'S CHURCH! We have a beautiful, dedicated room at St Paul’s Gateshead where we hear and discuss the Gospel each week, working our way through the Liturgical Calendar.

There’s always lots of friendship and fun activities.

Safeguarding is our highest priority. Children’s Liturgy will only go ahead if there are two volunteers with current Working With Children Checks.

All are welcome! We look forward to meeting some new friends!

Jacqui Wilson (school mum at St Paul’s Primary) and the Children’s Liturgy Team.