15th August 2025

Form The Principals Desk - Mrs Stacey Mullin

Happy Healthy Harold

I’m sure this giraffe is at least 30 years old! The students have enjoyed their time in the van talking through important issues such as friends, change, body systems and safety. The lessons have new interactive activities that engage the students as well as a visit from their favourite puppet.

Dio Athletics

We are very proud of the students that put their best effort into the Diocesan athletics carnival least week. Congratulations to all students!! There were many personal bests made on the day.

We wish Maisie Miller and Ivy McMahon every success at Polding as the next level of competition in athletics.

Well-being Week – Week 5

As parents and leaders of our households we often prioritise our children’s well-being in sacrifice of our own. This week reminds us all that we have the right to be well and we need make time for it – not just this week. When we feel well in ourselves, it transfers to our family and those in our care.

https://beyou.edu.au/fact-sheets/wellbeing

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance at school is essential for students to achieve quality life outcomes.  Everyday counts, as regular attendance helps students:

• Develop a sense of belonging
• Develop and maintain friendships
• Be more engaged at school
• Progress with their learning
• Be more aware of career and life options.

Supporting positive school attendance is a shared responsibility - everyone has a role to play in promoting the regular attendance of students.

INFANTS PLAYGROUND

You would have noticed the new shade structure outside kindergarten that was completed last week. We are so excited that the students can use all the playground now (when the mud has dried up). The students and teachers have been very patient with the constant closure of the grounds for the workmen. Our next task is a cover for the sandpit to stop the wind from creating a sand drift over the grass and path.

Calendar Dates Week 5 & 6

Student Awards - Week 2 & 3

Assistant Principal - Ms Sharna Taranto

PB4L

Our fortnightly PB4L Focus is Include Others, Cooperate and Take Turns. This focus aligns with our school value of Love. The aim of this focus is for our students to embrace the gospel and school value of love by treating others the way they would like to be treated.  This fortnight I encourage parents to talk with their children about how they Include Others, Cooperate and Take turns in their daily lives.

🗣️ Family discussion prompt:

What does it look, sound and feel like when people treat each other with love and respect?

This aligns with the SEL focuses of:

• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

What do relationship skills look like?

• Establishing and maintaining positive relationships
• Understanding and respecting others .
• Effective communication
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Conflict resolution
• Leadership and responsibility
  

Life Education Van

This week, all classes enjoyed an engaging and enriching learning experience with Life Education! Through interactive sessions and hands-on activities, students explored important topics linked to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), including making healthy choices, building respectful relationships, and understanding emotions. The program sparked curiosity, laughter, and meaningful conversations—making learning both fun and impactful.

Here are some conversation starters for engaging children in a conversation about their learning:

• • What was something new you learned today?
  • Can you teach me something you did in class?
  • What was the most fun part of your day?

Bullying No Way- Awareness Week

The theme for 2025 is 'Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.' I encourage all families to make the time to have a discussion with their child/ren this week about what bullying is and is not. Below is some further information and resources to support families in these discussions.

What is bullying?

Bullying can be a complex social issue. It resists simplistic ideas and solutions.

Knowing exactly what bullying is and understanding why it happens are critical to finding positive and evidence-informed solutions for everyone involved.

The national definition of bullying for Australian schools External link says:

Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening. Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records). Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.

Am I being bullied (decision tree)

https://ytn-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/am-i-being-bullied-chart-poster?v=f555e782

Signs of bullying

For parents and carers

Signs a parent or carer might notice include if their child:

• doesn't want to go to school or participate in school activities
• changes their method or route to school or is frightened of walking to school
• drops in academic performance
• experiences changes in sleep patterns
• experiences changes in eating patterns
• has frequent tears, anger, mood swings
• takes money from home
• has unexplained bruises, cuts, scratches
• loses or brings home damaged belongings or clothes
• arrives home hungry.

The signs of possible cyberbullying can be the same as signs of other bullying, but include other behaviours with phones, computers and other devices, for example:

• being hesitant about going online
• seeming nervous when a notification, message or phone call appears
• being visibly upset after using their phone or computer, or suddenly avoiding it
• closes the screen, or hides the mobile phone when others enter the room
• spending unusually long hours online
• receiving suspicious phone calls, emails or packages.

Support for Families:

https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/support-and-advice/for-families

The Kids Helpline also have some wonderful resources to support students with education around bullying.

https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/bullying

Religious Coordinator - Mr Robert Temesvary

ST PAUL’S FAMILY MASS 

A huge thank you to all the families and students who joined us for Sunday’s Family Mass to celebrate First Holy Communion. It was wonderful to see so many from our school community there — especially those who sang in the choir and the staff who came to support. 

Father Priyantha was delighted by the incredible turnout and school spirit shown by our families. 

First Holy Communion

GRANDPARENT'S DAY

Two weeks ago, on Friday 1st August, we joyfully celebrated 100 Days of Kindy alongside Grandparents’ Day, in honour of the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne—the beloved grandparents of Jesus.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the beautiful liturgy, especially our wonderful Kindergarten students who prepared and led the celebration with such care and reverence. You did a fabulous job!

We celebrate the gift of grandparents. These ancestors have given us the gift of life. They continue to give us the gift of love. Grandparents are a valuable and vital resource in our communities. They provide children with stability and a sense of generational connection. Many grandparents are also significant carers in the lives of their grandchildren and a number of them are the primary carers. The students of St. Paul’s wish to express their gratitude and love for their Grandparents. 

Each Grandparent is unique and irreplaceable. As society changes, the role of grandparents changes. But some things about grandparents are constant.

Grandparents provide memories 

Memories help us to understand who we are. For most families, grandparents are the ‘Central Bank of Memories’. Grandchildren never tire of hearing stories about their own parents when they were children.

Grandparents see the inner beauty of the grandchild 

To a grandparent, each grandchild is a wonderful mystery. Other people may look and just see a child but the grandparent sees someone unique, special and loveable.

Grandparents benefit too.

It’s a two-way street! To young children, their grandparents are simply beautiful and they tell them so; they don’t seem to notice the wrinkles. As one grandfather said, “They even laugh at my jokes!” So both generations are helped to see themselves as God

sees us – loveable, good and made in his image.

"The educational task of grandparents is always very important, and it becomes even more so when, for different reasons, the parents are not able to ensure an adequate presence to their children. May the Virgin Mary, who, ..., learned to read sacred Scriptures at the knee of her mother, Anne, help grandparents to always nourish their faith and hope at the font of the Word of God.” 

(Pope Benedict XVI on the Feast Day of Joachim and Anne, grandparents of Jesus) 

We thank our Grandparents for the gifts they share with us. They have given us the gift of life, and they continue to give us the gift of love. Grandparents help us in many different ways – they give us wisdom, guidance, support and love. So, whilst it is sad we cannot be together to celebrate, Grandparents will always be special in our hearts for everything they do. Thank you to all Grandparents, those that are still with us, and those that are not. We love you with all our hearts.

Formation – Year 3

As this is released, students in Year 3 will almost be finished their first special Annual Formation Day on The Eucharist/Communion.

What is Formation?

Formation is a deepening of our relationship with God. Catholic Schools nurture the spiritual development of students in many different ways – Religious Education as an academic subject, celebrations as a faith community and opportunities for social justice initiatives and actions. Formation is an invitational experience to encounter Jesus within our Catholic Faith. This day planned with Year 3, is an invitation for our students and parents to reflect on what it means to be part of our St Paul’s community, explore how we can connect with one another in meaningful ways, and learn how Jesus modelled communion as the heart of love and relationship.

The students will:

• Explore the meaning of community through interactive interactions that highlight the importance of belonging and connection within our St Paul’s family
• Reflect on Jesus’ example of communion and how His life teaches us to love, serve, and build relationships with others
• Participate in group discussions and creative expressions that encourage students to think about how they can live out communion in their everyday interactions.

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: First Communion Celebration – See Schedule Below

GOSPEL REFLECTION

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

Luke 12:49-53

Jesus tells his disciples he has come for division.

Library News - Katina Howard

Borrowing Days for Term 3

Odd Weeks 

Monday Year 6 & 3W 

Tuesday Kinder & Year 1 

Even Weeks 

Monday Year 4 

Tuesday Kinder & Year 2 

Wednesday Year 5 & 3M 

Library Borrowing Cup 

Congratulations to KM on winning the Library Cup this fortnight. 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- Aarshiya 1W, Macie 1M, Tyler 3W, Evelyn 3M.

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. 

Book Fair 

What a fantastic book fair we had this year. Thank you families for supporting the major fundraiser in the library. It was wonderful to continue to see the value of books, reading and diary writing. $8050 was spent by the school community which meant that $2515 commission was earnt to go towards resources for our school. Well done St Paul’s!.

Author Visit Nat Amoore 

What a fun time was had with author Nat Amoore on Wednesday. Lots of laughs were had along with inspiration to enjoy reading and writing. Book orders have now closed, and all students should have received their ordered books.  

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BOOK WEEK

Next week is book week! On Tuesday we have Perform education coming for a drama performance. In preparation to their visit all classes have been learning a dance that will be required as part of the performance. We have closely studied three different text from the shortlisted books during library lessons that will be featured during the production as well.

Thursday is the day for all students to dress up in a character costume! Assembly and parade will run under the COLA from 9:30am-10:30am. Families welcome to stay after the parade for a picnic morning tea. 

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. 

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

Primary Coordinator & Gifted Educator Mentor - Mrs Amanda King

The Power of Questions: Building Your Child’s Reading Comprehension

When we read with our children, we’re not just helping them read the words, we’re helping them understand what’s happening in the text.  One of the easiest ways to build comprehension is by asking questions before, during and after reading. Questions get children thinking, making connections and predicting what might happen next all important skills for becoming confident readers.Why questions help:

• They keep children interested and focused.
• They help them notice details.
• They encourage thinking and problem-solving.

Simple questions you can use with any age:

• Before reading: “What do you think this book will be about?”
• During reading: “What’s happening here?” or “What do you think will happen next?”
• After reading: “What was the most important part?” or “Why do you think that happened?”

It doesn’t have to be a long discussion, even a quick question or two can make a big difference. The aim is not to quiz your child, but to start a conversation that helps them understand and enjoy the story.So next time you read together, try asking a few simple questions. You might be amazed at what they notice! 

Sport Coordinators - Melinda Walls & Jess Stefanish-Smith

 DIO Athletics Carnival

On Wednesday, 6 August St Paul’s had 6 students represent the school as part of the Lower Hunter Regional Sports team at the DIO Athletics Carnival held at the Hunter Sports Centre, Glendale. Nate B, Darren G, Adelaide H, Brydie J, Ivy M, and Maycie M all represented a range of sports from sprints to long jump and shot put. We are extremely proud of their efforts on the day and the way they represented the school. Congratulations to our athletes.

Polding Representatives

Following an extremely successful DIO Athletics Carnival, 2 of our students will be progressing to the POLDING Athletics Championships as a team member of the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese team on Friday 12^th September 2025.

Congratulations to:

Maycie Miller Year 3 – 8 Years 100m

Ivy McMahon Year 6 – Senior Girls Shot Put and Senior Girls Discus

Infants Mini-Athletics Carnival

We're really disappointed to have to cancel Week 2’s Mini Athletics Carnival due to the wet weather. We know how much the students were looking forward to it, and we share in their disappointment. Fingers crossed for some sunshine later this term—we're hoping to reschedule for the end of Term 3 and will keep you updated!

Stage 3 Netball Gala Day

Unfortunately, the rain got us AGAIN! We are currently awaiting a new date to be set by Netball NSW and will advise when this date is set.

Soccer Gala Days

Stage 2 – Thursday 28 August Speers Point

Stage 3 – Thursday 4 September Speers Point

Nominations will be open for both days in the coming days. Students have now nominated themselves and further information will be shared with families via Compass in the coming week by the staff member looking after the teams for the stage team. Keep your ears peeled!

Basketball teams

We're excited to announce that we have registered both a girls' and boys' team for the Basketball NSW Primary Schools Tournament in Term 4! This is a fantastic opportunity for our years 3-6 students to represent the school and have some fun on the court. More details, including dates and training information, will be shared soon—stay tuned!

Sporting Schools Term 3

This term all students will be involved in a Gymnastics program from Week 6 to Week 10. Cessnock PCYC will be running the program weekly for each class on a Thursday. Therefore, ALL students will be required to be in their sports uniforms on this day.

2026 Swimming Carnival – Early Notice

We will be holding our 2026 Swimming Carnival on Thursday 4 December. SAVE THE DATE! All students will be attending activities for our infants and Year 6 students included in the day. We will be seeking parental/guardian assistance for the day with timing and other roles with the infant's activities for smooth running. If this is something you will be able to assist with, please make sure you have registered your Working with Children Check details with the school through the office.

STOP THE PRESS!!!!!!      EXCITING NEWS!!!

Late last week, 4 of our Year 5 students received the exciting news they have been selected in the Basketball NSW Northern Under 12’s John Davidson Country Jamboree to be held on Coffs Harbour in October. We would like to congratulate Ruben D, Arlee-Rose S, Lily F and Grace M and look forward to hearing from you upon your return.

In addition, Ruben D and the Under 12’s boys- Maitland Mustangs - division 1 - will be heading to Hawkesbury on Friday 15th August to compete in the State Championship round. The top 8 NSW teams will compete at this event. We extend our best wishes to Ruben and the team for the event.

School Fees

Thank you to the families who consistently meet their school fee obligations throughout the year. Your ongoing support of Catholic Education is sincerely appreciated.

We have only 15 weeks remaining for fees to be paid in full. Please ensure your payments are on track to be cleared by the due date of 30^th November 2025. If you have any questions, please contact the school office for more information.

Health Care Cards

 If you haven’t already submitted your Health Care Card, please do so using the link below.

https://cefmsmn.t1cloud.com/T1Default/CiAnywhere/Web/CEFMSMN/Forms/FillOut?formDef=542f8b0a36f27c118b055b26d933c4fe&suite=CES

 Financial Support

If your family is experiencing financial difficulties, we encourage you to contact the school to arrange a private and confidential meeting.

Thank you 

Mel & Sharon

Good for Kids