St Paul's Bulletin Term 1 Week 6 2025

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Yesterday, we began the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday liturgies. We marked our foreheads with ashes as a reminder of our humanness and that sometimes we fail and need God’s help to succeed. Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving for the forty days leading up to Easter. As the children learn more about Lent at school, I encourage you to ask questions of your children and have some interesting dinner time discussions about our faith journey to Easter. 

As you know, when good behaviour and good teaching come together, our students will succeed in learning. We only have three school rules at St Paul’s, ‘The Golden Rules’: We Are Responsible, We Are Respectful and We Are Learners. See below. PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning) means we explicitly teach these expectations to students and reward them for their great behaviours. Each Friday at assembly, teachers give out a Gold Award, as well as a Merit Award.  

As part of the PB4L processes, children are given a ‘long time out’ if they exhibit extreme negative behaviour. These behaviours include physical aggression, swearing at a teacher or peer, damaging property, stealing, graffiti, yelling at a teacher, verbal abuse, or repeated minor negative behaviours. A ‘long time out’ is a time when a teacher sends a child to another classroom or to the office to diffuse a situation. The ‘long time out’ is not the punishment, just a circuit breaker. A punishment or consequence may follow to help the children learn the correct behaviour. If your child has a ‘long time out’, you will be contacted by the teacher involved to let you know what has happened. We are not asking you to punish further, just seeking your support and keeping you informed. If you have any questions about PB4L, do not hesitate to talk to your child’s teacher. 

Every family should now have attended their Parent-Student-Teacher Goal Setting Interviews with their children. These fifteen-minute meetings are an opportunity for learning to be discussed between children, their parents and teachers. They involve highlighting student strengths, current achievement and next learning steps. Following these conferences parents and teachers should have a clearer picture of their child’s current developmental learning needs and goals. It is essential that all families participate in this process for the benefit of your children. If you have missed these sessions, please contact your child’s teacher to find a mutually suitable time. 

Yesterday Snr Constable Elke Watt from the Lake Macquarie Area Command visited our Years 5-6 children to talk about social media. She talked about undertaking unchristian and bullying interactions on platforms, such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. These activities often take place outside school hours and on private devices and networks. While the school educates our children about online behaviour and bullying, it is up to parents to monitor their children on social media. The police reminded the children that anything they post, even if the child has deleted it, remains online forever and can be retrieved by the police if needed. They also reminded the children that most of these platforms are legally not open to children under the age of 13. If you have allowed your children on these platforms, please check what they are doing and viewing! For more information, please go to https://www.esafety.gov.au/   

We have started conducting tours for prospective families looking at enrolling at St Paul’s for 2026. On Monday, March 10 and Thursday, March 13, we are holding our Kinder 2026 Information Evenings at 5.30pm in the library. If you know of any families interested in enrolling next year, please let them know about these evenings!   

Congratulations to Carly Floyd (Whitbread) and her husband, Joel, on the birth of their second child, Theodore! Mother and baby are all doing well. We all look forward to a visit.  Nanna Vicki looks pretty chuffed too!

With every blessing, 

Greg Cumming 

Principal 

Important Dates

2025 School Dates 

Assistant Principal's Message

NAPLAN

Next week, we will begin NAPLAN testing for Years 3 and 5. Parents of students in Year 5, please ensure their device is fully charged every day, as we cannot charge them here at school. Your child/ren will also need a pair of headphones/earbuds. These should already be at school. Wireless air pods (or similar) are not recommended.

Online Safety: Snapchat

As part of our ongoing commitment to cybersafety, we wanted to provide you with important information about Snapchat, a popular social media platform used by many young people. Snapchat allows users to send photos, videos, and messages that disappear after a short period of time, but it’s important to understand its features and potential risks.

Here’s what parents and carers need to know about Snapchat:

1. Content Can Be Temporary but Not Always: While Snapchat messages are designed to disappear after a short time, it’s important to remember that users can take screenshots or save content before it disappears. This means that content shared on Snapchat can potentially be saved and shared without the sender’s knowledge or consent.
2. Be Mindful of Privacy Settings: Snapchat offers various privacy settings that allow users to control who can send them snaps, view their stories, and contact them. It’s important to review and set privacy settings according to your child’s comfort level and safety. Encourage them only to accept friend requests and share content with people they know in real life.
3. Educate about Snap Map: Snapchat has a feature called Snap Map that allows users to share their location with their friends on a map. This can raise concerns about privacy and safety, as it reveals the user’s exact location. Make sure your child understands how Snap Map works and how to adjust their location settings to protect their privacy.
4. Discuss the Risks of Sexting: Snapchat is known for its disappearing messages, but it’s important to educate your child about the risks of sending explicit or inappropriate content through the app. Discuss the potential legal and social consequences of sexting, and emphasize the importance of responsible and respectful online behavior.
5. Talk about Stranger Danger: Snapchat allows users to receive friend requests and messages from strangers. It’s crucial to educate your child about the risks of communicating with strangers online and remind them never to share personal information or meet up with strangers they’ve connected with on Snapchat.
6. Monitor Time Spent on Snapchat: Similar to other social media platforms, Snapchat can be addictive and impact your child’s well-being if they spend excessive time on it. Set healthy limits on screen time and encourage your child to take breaks from the app to engage in other activities offline.
7. Encourage Reporting of Inappropriate Content: Instruct your child to report any inappropriate or harmful content they come across on Snapchat using the app’s reporting tools. This helps in maintaining a safe online environment for everyone.

Open and ongoing conversations with your child about their use of Snapchat and other social media platforms are essential. By staying informed, setting clear expectations, and promoting responsible digital citizenship, we can help our students navigate Snapchat and other online platforms safely.

Thank you for your partnership in promoting online safety for our students.

Jessica Moulder

Assistant Principal 

Catholic Culture at St Paul's

Opening School Mass and Student Leadership Induction

Last Friday, 28th February, our school community gathered to celebrate our Opening School Mass and Student Leadership Induction. It was a special occasion where we welcomed the new school year in faith and commissioned our 2025 student leaders.

Our newly appointed school councillors—Maeva Clifford, Daisy Lofberg, Lyla Nash, Lincoln Olsen, Alfie Robertson, and Charlie Tye—proudly accepted their leadership roles, ready to serve our school with dedication. We also acknowledged our sports captains, with Minnie Cooper-Stone and Emmie Gibson leading Hunter, Roman Dunzl and Tyson Palmer for Shortland, and Jacob Fitzgerald and Kelela Stanton for Macquarie. Each leader was presented with their badge as a symbol of their commitment to their school community.

Year 6 shared their mission statement for the school year:

St Paul’s, Year 6 Class of 2025, are a group of respectful, friendly, responsible and caring learners.  

As a year group, we aim to be the best leaders, to all  

work together and be compassionate towards everyone and treat them with respect.  

We also strive to be kind, to listen to others and to  

‘Love One Another’, as we use Jesus as our role model.

A highlight of the Mass was our Light of Leadership Ceremony. Each class received a candle, lit from the school candle, as a reminder to carry the light of Christ throughout the year. These candles will remain in the sacred spaces of our classrooms, guiding us in faith and unity.

As we journey through this Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope, we pray that our leaders and students embrace their roles with courage, compassion, and a spirit of service. May 2025 be a year filled with hope, learning, and faith-filled moments for all.

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Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday & The Beginning of Lent

This week, our school community came together to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day. Traditionally, this day is a time to use up rich ingredients before the fasting season of Lent begins. Our students enjoyed delicious pancakes while reflecting on the importance of preparing our hearts for the Lenten journey. Our pancake day also kick started our Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal fundraising. Special thanks to the Year 6 Mini Vinnies crew who were influential in the success of our Pancake Day. We have some exciting initiatives planned during lent. Stay tuned for the updates.

We gathered for the Burning of the Ashes—a special tradition where last year’s Palm Sunday branches were burned to create the ashes for our Ash Wednesday liturgy. This powerful ritual reminds us of renewal, repentance, and our call to grow closer to God.

On Ash Wednesday, we received these ashes on our foreheads as a sign of humility and commitment to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving throughout Lent. As a school, we encourage our students to take this season as an opportunity to show kindness, make sacrifices, and reflect on how they can live out Jesus’ teachings in our daily lives.

Let us pray:

Loving God,

as we begin this Lenten season,

help us to turn our hearts toward You.

Guide us in prayer, strengthen us in our sacrifices,

and inspire us to show love and kindness to others.

May this time of reflection bring us closer to You

and prepare us for the joy of Easter.

Amen.

Project Compassion - Caritas Lenten Appeal

Lent is a special time of year – a time for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and a time to live out the good news for those in need. Caritas Australia invites you to put your compassion into action this Lent.

As individuals, we can make a difference, but when we come together through Project Compassion, our efforts become even more impactful. Our collective kindness has the power to grow, and by uniting with each other and with those living in poverty, we can create BIG, lasting change.

Let’s all Unite Against Poverty! Together, we can make 2025 a year of hope and transformation.

Our Mini Vinnies team will be established tomorrow - stay tuned for their exciting fund raising appeal OR donate via this link: St Paul's Primary School - Gateshead • Project Compassion 2025 

Green Guardians - East Forest moving ahead

Our incredible Green Guardians—a dedicated team of students from Year 2 to Year 6—have stepped up as stewards of creation, caring for our flourishing Tiny Forest and embarking on an exciting new project: the East Forest, with trees generously donated by Trees in Newcastle! 🌳🌿

The transformation has been astounding—some trees in our tiny forest have shot up so high they’re now taller than Mr. Cumming! 🌳😲 With the yarning circle nearly ready for planting and plans underway for a bush tucker sensory garden, our school’s green spaces are thriving.

Our Green Guardians will keep our chickens happy, our gardens lush and healthy, and ensuring our school stays free of weeds and rubbish. Their passion and care for creation are truly inspiring! Stay tuned for more updates as our school continues to grow greener together!

Sacramental Program MacKillop Parish

Please find attached the Sacramental Program Letter from MacKillop Parish. 
Dates for Sacramental Program 2025

Reconciliation

• Session 1 – 17^th March @ 6.30pm
• Session 2 – 24^th March @ 6.30pm
• Sacrament – FRI 28^th March @ 6.30pm

Confirmation

• Session 1 – 28^th April @ 6.30pm
• Session 2 – 5^th May @ 6.30pm
• Sacrament – FRI 9^th May @ 6.00pm

First Communion

• Session 1 – 9^th June @ 6.30pm
• Session 2 – 16^th June @ 6.30pm
• Sacrament – 21/22 June @ Mass

Please use this link: Sacramental Preparation Form | Mackillop Charlestown to register your child to participate in the Sacramental Program. 
If you are not sure, or have any questions, you are warmly invited to attend the first session on March 17.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sports News

Diocesan Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to the following students who represented St Paul's and the Lakes Region at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival last week- Abel Beeton, Archie Cummings, Alfie Robertson, Harry Skippen, Cash Phillips, Nash Woolley, Sam Yager, Minnie Cooper-Stone, Harper Degan and Ellie Thompson. There were many PBs achieved and some wonderful results at such a competitive carnival- congratulations- we are very proud of your efforts!

Winter Sports Trials

Congratulations to all students who trialed at school and region level for a place in the Diocesan winter sport trials. The following students will be representing our school/region at the various pathways trials on the 25th March. Best of luck!

Soccer- Maeva Clifford

Rugby League- Ayden McCosker, Lucas Keating, Jed Snowden, Sonny Bradford, Archie Cummings, Levi Grainger

Netball- Marli McDonell; Daisy Lofberg

Hockey- Harry Skippen

A reminder to these families to please register ASAP by following the instructions given previous. Details of each trial can be found at the following website. Home | CSNSW Sport Portal 

Please be in touch if you have any questions.

School Cross Country

Our School Cross Country event will be held on Thursday 27th March (Week 9) here at school. All students are encouraged to participate with their class for fun, however, we are asking any students who are wanting to trial to represent St. Paul's at the Diocesan level to register their interest prior to the day. Students will be asked at school to indicate their interest

For those registered, the first 3 students in each of the age groups listed below will progress through to the Diocesan Cross Country, however, they must complete the course in the qualifying times listed below. Please note, the 8 and 9 year old ages are combined, as are the 12/13 year olds.  The Diocesan Cross Country will be held on Wednesday 14th May at Maitland Park.

Girls 8/9yrs- 2km under 13mins; Boys 8/9yrs- 2km under 11 mins; Girls 10yrs- 2km under 13mins; Boys 10yrs- 2km under 11 mins; Girls 11yrs- 3km under 18mins (3km); Boys 11yrs- under 16 mins (3km); Girls 12/13yrs- 3km under 18 mins; Boys 12/13yrs- 3km under 16 mins.

Infants (those younger than 8yrs) will participate in a 'fun run' on the day.

School Athletics Carnival

Our School Athletics Carnival will be held Term 2 Week 1 Tuesday 29th April. Later this term we will be asking for any parent helpers for the day. If you think you would be  available to help on the day, please ensure soon that you have completed the volunteer induction.

Please find following some photos of our recent sporting stars- our school swimming representatives, our swimming age champions and winning house captains, and those students who trialed at school and region level for the Diocesan Winter sports trials. And congratulations to Issy Roberts who represented the Lake Macquarie Dolphins in the NSW State OzTag Championships. Well done everyone!

Abbey Edwards 

abbey-jane.edwards@mn.catholic.edu.au 

Recent Sporting Stars

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Parent News

Calling 4 Volunteers

We will be seeking Parent Volunteers on Tuesday, April 8th, at 1:45 p.m. to sort, wrap, and organise the gifts for the raffle on Wednesday, April 9th. If you would like to lend a hand for an hour, please contact the office to put your name down. 

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. 

Gifted Education News

2025 Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards

Key dates
• Entries opened on Saturday 1 March 2025.
• Submissions close Monday 30 June 2025.
• Winners announced at 10 am on Friday 5 September 2025.

For more information on the competition and how to enter CLICK HERE.

The optional theme for 2025 is “All the Beautiful Things”.

Wes Yarnold

Gifted Education Mentor

Creative Arts News

Office Messages

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. 

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

IMPORTANT - School Fees

Anyone wishing to continue with a special Fee Agreement in 2025, please contact the office 4943 6369 to make an appointment with the Principal to discuss. It is necessary to reapply for an extension of the agreements into 2025

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. 

Community News