17 November 2023

From the Principals Desk

Colour Run Fun

It was great to see all students and families for our colour run organised by the P&F. Thank you to our group of fantastic parents for their enthusiasm and work.   It provided a day of great memories for our community.

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Kindergarten Orientation Sessions

This has been our final week of orientation for Kinder 2024. The new faces have had a delightful time, getting to know teachers, buddies and the areas of our playground. The most excited faces were those of our Year 5 buddies who have shown fantastic leadership and pastoral skills in the care and engagement with our new children.

Year 5 Leadership Days

On Thursday 23^rd November our Yr 5 students will be working with their teachers on the type of leader they are, and aspire to be, in Yr 6 2024. This is a hugely reflective day for students to identify key leaders in their life and the person of Jesus as leader. They will receive their student nomination form to share with parents and write to why they want to lead our school in 2024. We will hold speeches and our voting in week 9.

Goodluck and Farewell Paula Threlfo

Paula Threlfo has resigned from being our grounds and cleaner at St Paul’s. She has spent many years as part time cleaner and in the last 5 doing the work of both jobs full time. She is always the one to offer help to any student in our school, asking them to help with the garden or the chickens. She worked pastorally as well as keeping the school ship shape. We will miss her here and wish her every success in her future endeavours.

Successes for Students

We have had some wonderful news from our students in the past couple of weeks.

Congratulations to, Xavier Threadgate and Arlee-Rose Sorensen on their nominations for Diocesan Basketball from the region try-outs last week.

2024 Staffing news

Presentation Day

Presentation Day will be run as 3 separate ceremonies as this has been highly successful over the last 3 years. This allows all parents to see their child, and our children not to sit for long periods of time.

Year 6 Reports

COMPASS for St Paul’s Rutherford will no longer be available to our Year 6 families who are leaving the school. All parents of Year 6 are asked to download all your child's reports that are on COMPASS and keep them in your own files at home for future reference.

Assistant Principal

Gymnastics

As part of the PDH/PE curriculum, our students have the opportunity to learn and further develop gymnastics skills. The focus of this strand is on initial movement exploration leading to the acquisition of some preliminary gymnastics skills. These sessions are incorporated into the student’s weekly sport class time from weeks Week 5 to Week 10 this term. We are fortunate to welcomed back experienced gymnasts Jen and her team from Gym Matrix again this year to run our sessions. The students are already having a wonderful time as they further develop their growth mind set skills by taking in new personal challenges.

St Paul’s Christmas Carols

We warmly invite all families to our St Paul’s Christmas Carols on Thursday 7^th December. Entry is from 5.30pm and the first carols will commence at 6:15pm. Every class will present a Christmas carol on the evening. Families are invited to join us for a picnic and sing-a-long on the bottom playground as we welcome in the festive season. Please keep your eye out on COMPASS for further details!

Literacy at St Paul’s

Just as we encourage our students to be lifelong learners, our staff too are lifelong learners. Earlier in the term we held a pupil free day which enabled all of our staff (including learning support assistants) to attend professional learning with Professor Beverley Derewianka. Beverley is a literacy expert and has made considerable contributions to the field of literacy research. Throughout the term our staff have been embedding their new learnings and insights into teaching and learning experiences with our students from K-6 to further develop their Writing skills.

Student Awards Weeks

Religious Education Update

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Last Saturday, the 11th of November, was Remembrance Day worldwide. Thank you to 6M who ran a liturgy for us on Monday the 13th – the readers were spectacular! Thank you also to those that were able to come along and join in this important day on the calendar.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest We Forget

FEAST OF CATHERINE MCAULEY

Saturday the 11th November was also the Feast of Catherine McAuley. Catherine McAuley was the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin.

She was an extraordinary woman, who had a deep faith in God. She was a servant who stepped out of a comfortable lifestyle into a world of poverty and despair. Her vision was to help the poor and, in this endeavour, schools, hospitals and caring for the poor in homes became her life’s work.

The Sisters established primary and secondary schools in our Diocese. These schools were established before public education in a number of towns and, whilst they were founded mainly for Catholic students, right from the very beginning they educated any child who could not get schooling, regardless of their religious faith.

The Sisters’ vision and commitment saw our Mercy schools grow and develop into what our school is today, and we know that a quality education will continue for students in our region.

SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION 2024

Please see below for information on Sacraments of Initiation for 2024. This is a Parish-run School-supported program so if you have any questions, please contact the parish office from the details provided below.

FORTNIGHTLY CATHOLIC LESSON: HOW IS HOLY MASS CELEBRATED?

The topic for this fortnight’s edition – How is Holy Mass celebrated will cover the next part of the Mass – The Liturgy of the Eucharist. Due to the size of this section – we will split it into 2 editions.

When the priest goes to the altar, the second part of the Mass begins. It is the gift-giving part: God gives himself to us. We give ourselves to God. We bring the gifts of bread and wine to the altar. With these offerings, we bring ourselves, our good will, our dreams, our worries … “Lord, take everything and make the best of it!” Now we stand, because Holy Mass is nearing it’s peak.

The Eucharistic Prayer begins with the Sanctus: “Holy, holy, holy…” About 2700 years ago, the prophet Isaiah had a vision of God and his angels. He heard the angels singing this beautiful song. Now with the angels and saints, we sing the same song. Our loved ones already in heaven are singing it, too.

Heaven and earth are united at the Consecration (when bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.) The crucified and risen Lord is made present. While this is happening, we kneel, full of reverence, in humble awe before this miracle.

That is all for this fortnight – the next edition will cover the rest of The Liturgy of the Eucharist.

GOSPEL REFLECTION
THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A
Matthew 25:14-30
The rich man, his servants and the talents.

Sacraments of initiation 2024

Primary Coordinator/Gifted Education Mentor

 NCSS 1.2.1 & NCSS 2.1.3 

20 November – World Children’s Day 

World Children's Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day and is celebrated on 20 November each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide and improving children’s welfare. 

On 20th November 1959, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of Rights of the Child and on the same day in 1989, The UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 

At St Paul’s we are passionate about the rights and the welfare of our children and as such, you may have seen the “Child’s Rights” poster displayed in our front office. 

World Children’s Day reminds us be attentive to our children, be amazed and learn from their bright, imaginative and curious minds. They are our future. 

Library News

Newsletter Library Term 4 Week 6 2023

Author Visit

What a fantastic, creative and inspiring day was had with Tim Harris! The students engaged so well during the presentations and writing workshops. Well Done St Paul’s. It was lovely to see how excited the students were to meet him and the positive influence and impact he has had on student engagement in reading and writing. If you are looking for Christmas book ideas look no further!

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BOOK CLUB

Issue 8 of book club has been sent home this week. This is the last chance for you to get in and gab some great books and activities for Christmas! All orders are due in by the 29^th of November. Orders can be placed online via the LOOP parent portal or correct money and order form needs to handed into the office. Thank you for supporting our school this year with your orders.

Follow link below to order online

Library Lunchtime

Year 6 Canberra Excursion 2023

On the 25^th of October we ventured off to Canberra. After the 6-hour bus ride we had a fabulous time exploring, the governor generals house, parliament house, iplay, Questacon, the mint and the Anzac parade walk.  As we enjoyed our guided tour around the governor generals’ home, we gained an appreciation for the expensive lifestyle some Australians get to live. When we visited Government house, we explored house of representatives and the senet. Parliament was full of marble and stone which gave the rich look. When we were at parliament house, we only got to see a glimpse because we would not have been able to see 4500 rooms in one and a half hours.

Year 1W Assembly

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Term Dates 2023

Term 1 Friday, 27^th January – Thursday, 6^th April
Term 2 Monday, 24^th April – Friday, 30^th June
Term 3 Monday, 17^th July – Friday, 22 September
Term 4 Monday, 9^th October – Tuesday, 19^th December

Week 7 20^th Nov – 24^th Nov

Tues 21^st Nov – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Tues 21^st Nov – Stage 2 Rotations
Tues 21^st Nove – Year 6 Fundraiser Day – Dress as your Kinder self
Tues 21^st Nov – P&F AGM
Wed 22^nd Nov – Stage 1 Rotations
Wed 22^nd Nov – Kinder Rotations
Wed 22^nd Nov – Leadership Day Yr5
Thu 23^rd Nov – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Fri 24^th Nov - Rugby 7’s Gala Day 12yr Boys and Girls – Lake Macquarie
Fri 24^th Nov – 6M Assembly 2pm

Week 8 27^th Nov – 1^st Dec

Sun 26^th Nov – Family Sunday Mass
Mon 27^th Nov – Yr7 2024 Information Night St Peters – Town Hall
Tues 28^th Nov – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Tues 28^th Nov – Parish Mass Yr2 9.30am
Tues 28^th Nov – Stage 3 Rotations
Wed 29^th Nov – Yr1 & Yr2 League Tag Aberglasslyn
Wed 29^th Nov – Opal Visit 10.30am
Wed 29^th Nov – Kinder Rotations
Thu 30th Nov – Let’s Love Water Show Kinder – Yr2 12.20pm – 1.10pm
Thu 30th Nov – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Fri 1^st Dec – Bishop’s Visit 9.30am – 10.30am
Fri 1^st Dec – Vinnies Voucher Day
Fri 1^st Dec – 1M Assembly
Fri 1^st Dec – P&F Disco

Week 9 4^th Dec – 8^th Dec

Mon 4^th Dec – All Saints’ College Junior Campus (St Peters) - Yr7 2024 Orientation Day
Tues 5^th Dec – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Tues 5^th Dec – Stage 2 Rotations
Wed 6^th Dec – Stage 1 Rotations
Thu 7^th Dec – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Thu 7^th Dec – Carols Evening 5.30pm – Bottom Playground
Fri 8^th Dec – Step Up Afternoon – 12pm – 1pm
Fri 8^th Dec – Report sent out via COMPASS
Fri 8^th Dec – 4W Assembly 2pm

Week 10 11^th Dec – 15^th Dec

Tues 12^th Dec – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Tues 12^th Dec – Stage 3 Rotations
Tues 12^th Dec – End of Year 2023 Student Award Assembly ES1 9.30am, S2 10am, S3 10.30am
Wed 13^th Dec – Yr6 Graduation Mass 12pm
Wed 13^th Dec – Yr6 Farewell Dinner Telarah Bowling Club 5pm
Thu 14^th Dec – Breakfast Club 8.20am
Fri 15^th Dec – LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS TERM 4 2023
Fri 15^th Dec – Yr6 Clap out 2.15pm

Week 11 18^th Dec – 19^th Dec

Mon 18^th Dec – Professional Learning Day – Pupil Free Day
Tues 19^th Dec – Professional Learning Day – Pupil Free Day
Summer Holidays 20^th Dec – 26^th January 2024

Term 1 2024

Week 1 29^th Jan – 2^nd Feb 2024

Mon 29^th Jan – Pupil Free Day – Staff Development Day
Tue 30^th Jan – Pupil Free Day – Staff Development Day
Wed 31^st Jan – Students Return – Yr1 – Yr6
Fri 2^nd Feb – St Paul’s Swimming Carnival 2024

Term Dates for 2024
Term 1 Tuesday, 30 January - Friday, 12 April
Term 2 Monday, 29 April - Friday, 05 July
Term 3 Monday, 22 July - Friday, 27 September
Term 4 Monday, 14 October - Friday, 20 December

School Student Travel Passes 2024

P&F News

Our Sock drive donated $65 to Mini Vinnies for their missions fundraising effort for the missions!

We would like to thank all the families that assisted in selling the Cadbury and Natural Confectionary boxes.  In particular, we would like to thank The Merchant Family, The Van Spreeuwel Family, The Letham Family and The Newton Family – all of whom went above and beyond by either taking extra boxes or committing to four or more boxes for the pre order. We raised over $2,500!!

This term will see the P&F contribute $5,000 to much needed sporting equipment for the playground.  this is possible as many of you have participated in our fundraising efforts throughout the year.

Wine To Your Door

Term 4 wine raiser went home at the start of the term, if you have miss placed your form or need a new one please either contact the office or send us a quick email for a digital copy. This event will close on the 1 December 2023.

Christmas Disco

When – 1 December 2023
Where – Under the Cola
Time –     Infants 6.30pm – 7.30pm
                  Primary 7.45pm – 8.45pm
Theme – All things festive
Notes…….. PLEASE BRING CASH – EFTPOS is not available

• Canteen will be operating with drinks, candy and ice blocks for purchase from $1.00ea
• Merch shop – glow in the dark, bubbles and Christmas accessories to purchase from $2 - $12
• Younger siblings are welcome to attend and join in the fun
• We will be looking for volunteers for both Canteen and Merch Shop if you can contact the P&F via email if you are available to assist.

2023 AGM

The AGM for 2023 will be held on the 21 November 2023 at 6pm – 30mins prior to our final meeting for the year. All are welcome to attend both AGM and meeting.

What’s New

End of year P&F Dinner and Drinks – date time and location to be set at our final meeting. Dinner is welcome to all those who would like to attend, to celebrate the end of the year. Compass invite will go out at the end of November 2023.

The final meeting for the year will see us set some dates and forward plan for 2024.  If you have some ideas/events you would like to see on the calendar for 2024 but can’t attend the meeting, please send them through to be added to the agenda list.

How to Contact Us

Send us an email – stpaulspandfrutherford@gmail.com
Asked a committee member to invite you to the closed facebook group
Join us at the next meeting either via zoom or in person  

Next Meeting

Tuesday 21 November 2023
6.00pm – AGM
6.30pm – Monthly Meeting
School Library

Uniform Shop Hours 2023

Monday 2.15pm – 3pm
Wednesday 8.30am - 9.30am
Friday 8.30am - 9.30am

Elissa Purdon
Uniform Shop Coordinator

Canteen

Opening days will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, CLOSED MONDAY. Please order via the Qkr App.

Lunch orders will be sent to the classrooms as normal.

Please ensure your child has their current class.

St Nicholas OOSH

Good for Kids

Healthy Lunchbox

Kindergarten Orientation Video

Our 'How to pack a healthy lunch box video' is perfect for kindergarten orientation programs. This fun, 3 minute video will inspire parents and carers and teach them how to easily pack healthy lunch box. Here are some ways you can share the video:

1. Show the video at a parent information night 
2. Email the video weblink to parents
3. Include the video weblink in electronic kindergarten orientation packs
4. Share it on your social media channels

New recipes

• Tuna pilaf
• Vegetable chow mein
• Basic burger patty

New blogs

• What’s in season for spring?
• Taking the pressure off feeding fussy eaters

Have you seen our Nutrition Snippets? 

Nutrition Snippets are bite-sized nutrition tips, facts and recipes designed to be used within newsletters. 

If you have not already signed up, you can sign up to receive our FREE Nutrition Snippets (5 snippets every 5 weeks of the school term) here.