1st August 2025

Form The Principals Desk - Mrs Stacey Mullin

Welcome to Term 3

Another busy term is upon us. There was a thought many years ago, that term 3 was a
quieter term, this is definitely not the case now. We sent the Term planner out last week
and with the quick turnaround there was an error in week 10 please note that Diocesan
Public Speaking and the Yr1 Excursion are Monday 22/9 and the Stage 1 parish Mass is
Tuesday 23rd September. Please watch compass for any other updates.

Aspire - Congratulations Amelia Kelly

Amelia Kelly 5M, is performing in the Drama ensemble at Aspire this week, we wish her well.

Annual School Visit

Last Thursday we welcomed many visitors from Catholic Schools to talk through the
successes and challenges of St Paul’s Rutherford. This addressed all areas of learning,
wellbeing and facilities for students, staff and parents. We acknowledged that we have
grown in some areas and are working to improve family involvement in the learning of our
students. Next week's goal setting meetings is an opportune time for you to be involved in
understanding your child’s learning and partnering with our teachers in their continued
growth.

Enrolments

As we finalise our transition plan for kindergarten, we have hosted many new families
looking to join our community. Lately, we have also had a number of students arrive in
other grades at the beginning of term 3. Our students were most welcoming in including
them in games, school activities and eating groups. We still have only a couple of
vacancies in different grades and a waiting list in others.

100 Days of Kinder

Today was a wonderful day for Grandparents Day celebrated alongside our kindergarteners
who have been with us now for 100 days. Thank you to our kindergarten teachers. Who
shared a blessing for Grandparents Day and a cup of tea with our community of
grandparents and our kindergarten students who today were 100 days at big school. This
was a lovely celebration of the connection our young children have with our older
generations.

Grandparents Day 2025

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National Tree Day. 

Last Friday a group of student volunteers along with myself and Drew Ashworth from
Catholic Schools planted over 100 shrubs and grasses to rejuvenate the area around the
yarning circle. Our students love playing here which is why the vegetation is struggling. I am
very grateful to Drew who helped plant, but also to Mrs Stefanish-Smith who organised the
shrubs from Maitland City council for us to plant.

Call for more Donations – PLANTS PLEASE

If you have any lomandra or native plants at home that would cope with living under the
trees in the yearning circle, please contact the school or bring them in. We have a lot more
to do before spring. The gardening group can divide them and get them in the ground.

Safeguarding and Mandatory Reporting

Safeguarding is a very important part of our responsibility as educators and adults in our school
community. Although it is a very difficult topic, it is our responsibility to report any matters concerning
the safety of children or vulnerable people immediately. Please remember that if you are a volunteer
within our school, you also have this obligation to report to a teacher or an executive member of staff.

KATHLEEN BURROW RESEARCH INSTITUTE - Money Invested, Money Saved,

Recently there has been much public discussion around the Australian Government's model of funding schools. Catholic Schools NSW have put together some data to explain how government funding for non-government schools—such as Catholic and Independent schools— supports your right to choose the best educational environment for your child while also reducing costs for Australian taxpayers.

Using the most recent data, the report outlines how funding these schools through a mixed education model reduces pressure on public education resources, with savings of up to $6.88 billion annually. The report highlights how school choice benefits families and the broader community alike.

To read more, find the report here: Money invested, Money Saved - July 2025 - Adobe cloud storage.

Infants Area Update

Calendar Dates Week 3 & 4

Student Awards - Week 10 & Week 1

Assistant Principal - Ms Sharna Taranto

Goal Setting Meetings

A reminder that we have our upcoming Semester 2 Goal Setting Meetings, scheduled for Week 3. These meetings are a valuable opportunity for collaboration between students, families, and teachers, helping shape both academic and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) goals for the Semester ahead.

Please check Compass for available time slots and book your meeting at your earliest convenience.

Your input and partnership are essential in ensuring every student feels supported and empowered in their learning journey. This is also a key opportunity to celebrate your child/ren’s achievements from Semester 1.

                                                                                   https://youtu.be/pWZeR1bB038?feature=shared

Winter Uniform reminder:

Boys:

Grey Gabardine classic style school trousers (not cargo style)

Blue, long-sleeve, button-up school shirt.

* Tie (maroon)

• Maroon V-neck fleecy jumper with school logo or zip jacket with school logo.

Plain grey turn-over ankle socks

Black leather shoes (No skate shoes).

Sunsafe School hat with school logo (only available from uniform shop)

In winter

• Additional Maroon fleecy tracksuit –with school logo (only available from uniform shop).

Girls:

Maroon and grey tartan pinafore (AVAILABLE LOWES)

Long or short sleeve white blouse with Peter Pan collar.

Tab tie on elastic (same as dress).

Grey stockings or white turn over ankle socks

Black leather shoes (No skate or ballet style shoes).

Maroon V-neck fleecy jumper with school logo or zip jacket with school logo.

Hair accessories should be maroon, white or same as dress.

Sunsafe School hat with logo (only available from uniform shop)

Life Education

We are excited to welcome back Happy Harold and the Life Education Van this Friday 8^th August – Thursday 13^th August. The Life Education program—guided by everyone’s favourite giraffe, Healthy Harold will focus on a variety of skills including; self-awareness, safety and emotional intelligence.

Each year level takes part in age-appropriate modules that spark curiosity and build essential skills. Below are the module focuses for each grade:

Kinder: Harold’s Friendship

Year 1: Growing Friends

Year 2: Ready Steady Go

Year 3: The Inside Story

Year 4: Friends & Feelings

Year 5: Relate, Respect, Connect

Year 6: Take a breath

Why It Matters to Families?

These lessons open the door for important conversations at home. Parents and carers play a huge role in reinforcing what’s learned. In partnership, we can help our children grow into safe, resilient young people.

Religious Coordinator - Mr Robert Temesvary

WELCOME BACK FOR TERM 3

A warm welcome to all as we begin another exciting term together. Today, we celebrate the special occasion of Grandparents’ Day—a beautiful reminder of the love, wisdom, and faith passed down through generations.

As we dive into the busyness of the term, let us also remember the importance of slowing down to reflect and pray. Taking time for quiet moments with God not only nurtures our spiritual life but also supports our mental wellbeing and helps us make thoughtful decisions.

I look forward to the journey ahead, embracing both the challenges and the blessings that this term will bring.

A Prayer for the Season

Lord Jesus, Thank You for the gift of life and the beauty of each season in Your perfect timing. In this busy time, I seek Your wisdom and peace. Calm my hurried heart and lift my spirit above the hustle and bustle. You are the Author of peace and the source of heavenly tranquillity. Help me to rest in Your presence and praise Your holy name. Amen.

FEAST OF ST. MARY MACKILLOP - 8th August

Mary MacKillop was born on 15 January 1842 in Melbourne, Victoria. Her parents were born in Scotland and came to live in Australia. She had three sisters and four brothers. Mary cared about the people who had no one to look after them such as boys and girls who just roamed the streets, children in the country who had no school to go to, people who were old and sick and people who had nowhere to live, Mary wanted more than anything to help these people.

Mary went to work as a teacher in a little country town in South Australia called Penola. There she met Father Julian Tenison Woods who also wanted to do something for the poor children who could not afford to pay the money needed to go to school. Together, in 1866, they began the first St Joseph’s School in an old stable. Two of Mary’s younger sisters also taught in the school and other young women came to help them.

On 19th March 1866 (St Joseph’s Day) Mary started to wear a simple black dress and began the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph. Now as a Sister, she dedicated her life to doing God’s work. As more and more young women joined Mary as Sisters, they were able to start more schools. All children were welcome at the Josephite schools, which provided free Catholic education.

In Adelaide, they opened a place for women who had nowhere to live, an orphanage for children who had no parents to look after them and a house where poor people could come and stay. The Sisters visited people who were in gaol and those who were poor and sick.

Mary MacKillop was kind to all people, even if they did not agree with her. She died on 8 August 1909 in Alma Cottage, North Sydney. Mary helped many people during her lifetime and after she died, the Sisters of St Joseph kept on doing the good work she had started.

Mary MacKillop kept her faith in God and bravely challenged those who did not support her vision for a more caring world. Mary is an important Australian who spent her life helping people, especially children. She is Australia’s first Saint.

© Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph 2005

www.sosj.org.au

Sacraments of Initiation 2025

Below are the events to mark on the calendar for those completing their Sacraments of Initiation this year. For any information, please contact me through the school office.

Next up: Ritual of the presentation of the Gifts – See the schedule below for dates

GOSPEL REFLECTION

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Luke 12:13-21

Parable of the rich man with a good harvest.

Library News - Katina Howard

Term 3 Week 

Borrowing Days for Term 3 have changed.

Odd Weeks

Monday Year 6 & 3W

Tuesday Kinder & Year 1

Even Weeks

Monday Year 4

Tuesday Kinder & Year 2

Wednesday Year 5 & 3M

A new borrowing term planner has been sent home to pop on the fridge or your child's room as a reminder. I understand how tricky it can be remembering which child, on which day, on which fortnight!

Library Borrowing Cup

Congratulations to 3W and KW on winning the Library Cup in week 10 term 2 and week 1 term 3. The cup is presented to the class who has the highest percentage of borrowers for the week.

Premiers Reading Challenge (PRC)

Congratulations to the following students who have completed the challenge this fortnight- Axel KW, Amelia KW, Matlida 3M and Oliver 6M.

3M continue to be in the lead to win the class party! Challenge closes at the end of the term so not long to record your books.

Apologies for the incorrect weblink address shared on the original PRC letter that went home at the beginning of the year. The website has been updated with the new web address link to log books read at https://online.education.nsw.gov.au/prc/studentExperience.html#/

Overdue Notices

The third and final overdue notices have been sent home for unreturned books from February to July. If received, please log onto the Qkr! app and pay the $15 fee. Thank you to the families that have already paid and have been searching for the books. It has been great to see many books from previous years also being returned that had been missing. Occasionally a book will be found in the classroom or library space so please be in touch if you think the book is at school.

Book Fair

Week 3 we welcome the Scholastics Book Fair to the Library!

This is our major library fundraiser for the year with the commission earned providing more books and resources in our library space. Books, diaries, posters, gem kits and various stationary items will all be available ranging from $2 - $35.

All students will have the opportunity to purchase with their class on the following days.

Monday Year 6 & Year 3

Tuesday Kinder & Year 1

Wednesday Year 2, Year 4 & Year 5

The Book Fair will also be open to parents and carers before and after school.

Monday 4^th August 3:00pm-3:30pm

Tuesday 5^th August 8:20am-9:00am & 3:00pm-3:30pm

Wednesday 6^th August 8:20am-9:00am & 3:00pm-3:30pm

Thursday 7^th August 8:20am-9:00am

Purchasing is simple with a few options.

1. Completing the Book Fair Pre-Payment (preferred option)
2. Cash
3. Eftpos

Please see compass post for more information

Author Visit Nat Amoore

Wednesday 13^th August

Follow the link Nat Amoore Author Event to purchase her books through Larrikin House. Books will be delivered to school.

Book Club 

There will be NO Issue 5 book club being sent home due to the Scholastic Book Fair at our school during this issue.

CBCA Shadow Judging

A group of students participated in the Shadow Judging Book of the Year lunch club, reading and critiquing 6 Picture Books. A special criteria was used to analyze each book resulting in a vote for first place. The students voted for A LEAF CALLED GREAF By Kelly Canby. Creative responses were also created on chosen books, creating dioramas. I have loved listening to the thoughts, opinions and conversations between the students about features of a picture book and what they like/dislike. We look forward to hearing the winner during book week.

Book Week 2025 – Book an Adventure

Save the date Thursday 21^st August St Paul’s Primary book parade! It is time to start planning and preparing book week costumes for the parade. Come dressed as any character that has been on an adventure. Assembly starts at 9:30am under the primary COLA. Parents welcome to stay for BYO morning picnic recess

Please don’t hesitate to contact the library staff for any issues or enquiries via email at Katrina.howard@mn.catholic.edu.au

Penny.sneddon@mn.catholic.edu.au

Happy Reading!

Seasons for Growth 2025

Congratulations to all our students who took part in this year's Seasons for Growth

Seasons for Growth 2025

Primary Coordinator & Gifted Educator Mentor - Mrs Amanda King

Raising Children Network

We would like to draw your attention to an excellent resource available to all Australian families, the Raising Children Network. This government-funded website is Australia’s premier parenting support platform, offering free, reliable and evidence-based information developed by local experts in child development and health.

The Raising Children Network provides a wide range of high-quality articles, videos, and apps to support parents and carers at every stage of their child’s growth. From the early days of caring for a newborn through to the teenage years. Content is carefully tailored to suit different developmental stages, helping families navigate both the joys and challenges of parenting.

Importantly, the website also includes resources to support the wellbeing of parents and carers, recognising the vital role you play in your child’s life and the importance of looking after yourself.

We encourage all families to explore the website at raisingchildren.net.au to access this comprehensive and trustworthy source of parenting information.