We're excited to announce that Season 2 of the Accelerating Change podcast is now live and you can listen to Episode 1 now.
Join Dr Paul Browning and Sue Keay, Chair of Robotics Australia Group for a conversation about the future of robotics and the impact of disruptive technologies, the gender gap in AI and robotics, and advice for young people wanting to get into robotics or quantum computing.
Don’t miss an episode by subscribing to the podcast on the Accelerating Change website.
With NAPLAN tests being scheduled for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 next week, now seems like a good time to remind ourselves that, at St Paul’s School, we have intentionally committed ourselves to a holistic understanding of what constitutes a good education.
At the heart of our Ways of Being framework is the belief that true human flourishing requires that we be thriving in all aspects of our lives – physically, psychologically, intellectually, socially and spiritually. By integrating both Realms of Thinking and Ways of Being across the whole school, in a variety of different contexts, we are continuously putting this commitment into practice – with a focus on both what the child is learning and who they are becoming. While we believe that each child is born with unique predispositions, capabilities and personality traits, we also believe that the education of the child (at home, at school and for the rest of their lives) involves the development and optimisation of both intelligence and character.
Central to pastoral care and the development of character and virtues at St Paul’s School is the House system (as well as, obviously, interactions with classroom teachers and tutors). In the Secondary School, Houses are split into Tutor Groups, each composed of a mix of year levels. This “vertical” tutoring aims to shift the culture of a traditional school into one which better reflects the workplace – where people are required to work alongside others of various ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. Ideally, students remain in the same Tutor Group, with the same principal pastoral carers, for six years, allowing strong relationships to form between the Tutor, co-Tutor, child and parents.
Again, in the Secondary School each year, Global Citizenship Conversations (GCCs) are conducted, in which the Tutor meets with a student and their parents at critical learning junctures, to engage in a deep, reflective, positive and even spiritual and life-enhancing conversation. These conversations are about the whole child, a holistic conversation that considers all aspects of a students’ education, not just their academic progress (as per usual parent teacher interviews). I bring this to your attention now because the first round of GCCs will be advertised early next week. Parents of students in Years 7, 8 and 11 will be encouraged to make appointments to come to the School and meet (or catch up with) their child’s Tutor. I do urge all parents to take up this opportunity, as a practical way of demonstrating that you share our commitment to the development of the whole child.
Mr Nigel Grant
Executive Director of Faith & Community
Last week, our Year 2 students visited Mr Sheriff ALL the way down in the loading dock of the Tooth Building!
Welcome back to St Paul’s Music for Term 2! It’s going to be a busy one…
Important dates to note:
Music in the Dark
We’re so looking forward to 2022 Music in the Dark. Bring family and friends, and picnic chairs, and enjoy an entertaining afternoon and evening of music under the stars, with delicious food and drink to purchase provided by the Music Supporters’ Group. All St Paul’s Music ensembles will be featured at this event, and parents will be emailed more detailed information soon, including ways to assist the MSG on the day.
Solo Competition
Registrations are now open for auditions for this hotly contested event. Students should check their emails for details. Registrations close at the end of Week 3 and auditions begin in Round 4.
Save the date - our annual Pink Day is coming up on Saturday, 21 May.
Pink Day is held each year, usually on the first home game of Term 2, and has quite a carnival atmosphere, with all Firsts teams (netball and hockey for girls; rugby and tennis for boys) playing in special pink jerseys etc. raising funds for Breast Cancer Research. We hope to see you all there!
As we continue to celebrate the 25 Year Anniversary of the St Paul’s International School, this week we look at the High School Preparation (HSP) program, which is the Intensive English Program offered at the International School, and some of the early and more recent recognition for this nationally and internationally recognised program.
Why do students choose study the English language overseas?
There are many reasons to learn the English language and most SPIS students and their families recognise the importance of English for their future studies, business, travel, developing an enhanced global world view, adding to cultural understanding, social interaction, development of communication skills and so much more.
English is spoken by around 360 million people and taught in over 118 countries. It is the most commonly taught additional language in the world. English is also the language of science, mathematics, technology, tourism. Each of these industries use English as its common language to allow professionals to communicate, negotiate and collaborate with their colleagues. It is the language of business and in an increasingly globalised world, is an incredibly useful language to learn.
About the SPIS High School Preparation Program
St Paul’s School has welcomed students from across the world for long and short term programs since 1997 and has established a reputation nationally and internationally for delivering high quality educational programs through our High School Preparation Course and for our high level of care of students through the homestay program.
Our High School Preparation program prepares students (12 – 18 years old) for entry into the Australian High School System, by helping them to adapt to the tasks and assessment styles they will encounter in mainstream classes, either at St Paul’s School or another Australian School.
Students in the High School Preparation program develop their general English, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through interesting and age-appropriate topics each term. English for Maths and English for Science are also part of the intensive English language program. Students will also participate in specialty subjects, which may include Australian studies, Literature HPE, Food Technology, Drama, Music and Visual Culture.
In more recent years, students in HSP are also being introduced to the Realms of Thinking framework which aims to foster creative dispositions in our students to help prepare them for High School and life beyond school.
Individual student needs are catered for at all levels and excursions to support and enhance learning opportunities are organised in line with the course content. Students are considered part of the St Paul’s School community from the day they arrive. They are placed in a house and attend Tutor group in the main School every morning. This helps them integrate into the community, provides opportunities to make friends and valuable information about daily school life. The House system and the Tutor group play an important role in the pastoral care of the students and helps them start preparing for their transition into the Main School.
NEAS (the National ELT Accreditation Scheme (Australia)
All SPIS intensive general English language courses have achieved the endorsement of NEAS (the National ELT Accreditation Scheme (Australia) which is the Global Leader in Quality Assurance for the English Language Teaching Community. The SPIS programs have achieved rigorous NEAS Quality Endorsement for the following courses:
The purpose of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework is to:
Since 1997 SPIS has welcomed students from around the world with the majority from our south-east Asian neighbours such as Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Macau, Philippines and South Korea. SPIS has also hosted students from countries across Europe, Africa, South America and island countries around the Pacific such as East Timor, West Papua and Papua New Guinea.
The HSP program is taught by trained and experienced ESL teachers who have a passion for supporting our second language learners. Their commitment to the HSP program and their willingness to adapt to the changing needs of our students is another reason for the reputation our program has developed over the years.
We are proud of the achievements of all students who have passed through our International School and maintain strong connections with our past students. They are regular visitors to our campus and form an integral part of the St Paul’s School community.
Looking back at the High School Preparation in photos
World open day news report (1998) photos with students; Morrie Kwok, from Hong Kong, Maria Pereira, from Brazil, Toshika Higashi, from Japan, and Sam Chen, from Taiwan.
Weekend Australia 11/07/98 – John Howard with SPIS students
2001 class photo in an old SPIS classroom
Vietnamese students (2008)
HSP Class (2001) outside the old SPIS Building
Students on excursion to the Caboolture Historical Village 2017
The majority of students who complete the HSP program go on to graduate from Year 12 at St Paul’s School. This is a photo from the 2005 Year 12 Valedictory.
We're looking for Homestay families to host an international student at St Paul's School.
For more information or to register your interest, please visit our website.
There are a couple of webinars coming up in May and June provided by the eSafety Commisioner aimed at helping parents navigate online safety with their children.
Mr Radford is a member of our Maintenance team and a dedicated Bonsai enthusiast, who recently brought in some of his collection for us to enjoy. He has over 400 bonsai trees in his care, each requiring slightly different watering conditions, pots, and weeding. “It takes a lot of patience and time to grow, sculpt and care for Bonsais. Some of these trees are 50 years or older.”
Many of our students came to admire the display during their classes.
Thank you, Mr Radford for sharing them with us!
Miss. Hennessy and the 8B RAVE class planned, organised and rallied the Secondary School to support fellow students and families who were affected by the recent flooding in NSW.
“Let your light shine”. It was a saying and motto that was brought to discussions in 8B’s RAVE lesson towards the end of Term 1. It’s a motto that I was raised on at my old high school, Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar. Through our lessons, we had many discussions on The Beatitudes in the book of Matthew and how we can choose to be the salt of the Earth that prevents growth or we can be the light.
During our discussions, I talked about the positive experiences I had when I was at school, it wasn’t the content but the kindness that shone brightest, we even had a clay lamp brought to the school that was used in the time of Jesus! As a class we talked about how we can shine and some students wanted to become involved with shining hope to the flood victims in NSW.
When times are at their darkest, the smallest spark of light is the brightest gift. Thus 8B planned, organised and rallied the Secondary School to support fellow students and families in need, a massive thank you to our biggest donations coming from Taja House.
I had the connection to the region and reached out to the Principal, Mr. Stuart Marquardt, and he was more than happy to have our offer of assistance. Today at St Paul’s, students cheered and spread hope for their teams in the cross country, we also spread hope and light in NSW. I took the 130km drive to see my alumnus and was also over joyed to see some familiar teachers who brought light to my world as a student.
When it comes to sharing the light and being the light, there are so many lives that may be touched and 8B did that beautifully today.
Warmest Regards,
Miss. Hennessy
During the week of Tuesday, 10 May, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will participate in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).
This involves tests in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. This year, we will once again deliver NAPLAN in an online environment. To help prepare students, our school has been involved in nationwide Coordinated Practice tests in the online environment, and students can access the NAPLAN Online Public Demonstration site to further familiarise themselves with the online delivery mode. Year 7’s have already done so during their Flex lessons.
It is important to note that NAPLAN is not testing content. Therefore, beyond ensuring that students are familiar with the test formats, it is not something that requires extensive preparation. Teachers will have explained the conditions of the tests and they will have provided students with opportunities to experience these.
Parents can support their children by encouraging them to have a good night’s sleep and to eat a healthy breakfast. Checking that students have the appropriate equipment for each test will also be helpful. Parents can talk about the test in a positive way and they should consider it as an activity within students’ normal learning programs. NAPLAN results provide parents and schools with an understanding of how students are performing at the time of the tests and are not intended to replace the extensive, ongoing assessments made by teachers about each students’ performance.
The NAPLAN website provides some useful information and answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” about:
By now parents of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will have received an email outlining specific details about the testing programs. However, should you have further questions about NAPLAN Online please contact either of the following:
Ms Cheryl Wegener, Head of Studies Junior School, [email protected] (Years 3 and 5)
Ms Sam Parry, Head of Data and Logistics, [email protected] (Years 7 and 9)
If your details have changed over the school holidays, please log into Parent Lounge to make necessary amendments.
It is vital that all contact details remain up to date so that we can contact you as necessary and continue providing your family with relevant information via email, phone and post.
Did you know you can report your child’s absence from School via Parent Lounge?
As of last term, parents/guardians can report their child’s absence from school via parent lounge. An email detailing the process will be sent to you in the coming days.
If you have forgotten your Parent Lounge password, you can reset this yourself via the Parent Lounge login screen. If you have forgotten your Parent Lounge username, please contact the School’s reception.
This change is another improvement in the School’s approach towards child protection as it adds a level of security and authentication to child absences from school. If you have any questions please contact the Risk and Compliance Officer, Mark Barratt ([email protected]).
Please note, if your child will be absent for three days or longer email your child’s House Leader.
This term Counselling welcomes Buddy to the team as an Emotional Support Dog.
Buddy loves hiding bones, long walks and jumping in the river. Buddy will be accompanying his human companion Miss Pashen all day on Thursdays for Term 2. He is very excited to be joining the team!
To learn more about Emotional Support Animals please see:
WEBINAR – More Than A Body
Michelle Mitchell is an award-winning speaker, and best selling parenting author with a very special interest in the area of tween and teens. Michelle is hosting a webinar for parents who want to build self-acceptance, responsibility and body confidence in their tween or teen girl.
Webinar details: 1 hour including question time
Live event: Wednesday, 18 May
Starting time: 7.30pm
Cost: $25.00 AUD (which includes lifetime access to the replay)
We’d obviously love to see you live, but if you can’t make it don’t worry! You will also get a replay link via email within 48 hours of the live event. This is yours to keep – forever, which means you can watch it as many times as you like.
For more information and to purchase please go to https://michellemitchell.org/more-than-a-body/
HELPFUL CONTACTS
This section of the newsletter will be updated fortnightly with important date claimers and information regarding careers.
ST PAUL’S SCHOOL CAREERS WEBSITE
Did you know that we have a SPS Careers Website? You can find it on the School Portal or at https://www.stpaulscareers.com.au/. Check out the Important Info section that has a Calendar of Events from Universities, Defence, TAFE, Expo’s etc!
Click here to see the latest newsletter, Career Tools from the website host.
USEFUL CAREERS WEBSITES
TSG Meeting, End of Season Party, TAS Training shirts and more!
Next TSG Meeting – Tuesday 10 May, 7.30pm (online)
Join our friendly group of tennis supporters for this meeting to plan fun stuff including our TAS End of Season Party. Email [email protected] to receive the meeting link.
TAS End of Season Party – Saturday 11 June, 6.30pm
Mark your diary! TAS players and families are invited to the End of Season Party on Saturday 11 June at 6.30pm. Venue and further details to be advised soon.
Boys TAS Training Shirts
The boys TAS training shirts have arrived. Collect your free shirt, courtesy of the Tennis Supporters’ Group, at your next training session (if you haven’t already).
TSG Facebook Page
Don’t forget to follow our TSG Facebook page for photos and videos from match days and training sessions and information on upcoming events.
If you were interested in the survey that Dr. Browning mentioned in his message, the Parent Connections Supporter's Group would like to invite you to a workshop we are running this term.
Join us for the 2022 Back to St Paul’s Reunion Day
Dear Past Students,
The PSSG would like to invite you all to attend the 2022 Back to St Paul’s Reunion Day which will be held on Saturday, 21 May 2022 in conjunction with Pink Day, raising funds for breast cancer research.
Beginning this year, all reunions are being held on the same day – Pink Day which was previously known as Back to St Paul’s Day. This is a significant day on the School calendar and seeks to celebrate not only current students but those who have come before. Pink Day is held each year on the first home game of Term 2, and has quite a carnival atmosphere, with all Firsts teams (netball and hockey for girls; rugby and tennis for boys) playing in special pink jerseys with a focus on fund-raising for breast cancer research.
This year’s Reunion event will be held in two parts:
You are welcome to attend either event, or both!
Click here to see the flyer – PSSG – 2022 Back to SPS Day invite (Flyer)
Part 1 includes a free lunch for all PSSG members, a cash bar, lucky door business card draw, an optional tour of the School and finishes with the PSSG Annual General Meeting (AGM).Part 2 will be held at the Eatons Hill Hotel from 5.00pm until 9.00pm the same evening. Tickets for financial members of the PSSG are $25 and $40 for non-financial members, which include drinks and food platters served from 5.30pm.
Please book your tickets via the St Paul’s School website.
If you are unsure about your membership status, please contact Mrs Sarah Slade at [email protected] or you can purchase a membership via the St Paul’s School website. Note: If you were previously a paying member of the original St Paul’s Alumni Association, you are now a current financial member of the PSSG.
We look forward to seeing you all on the 21st.
Yours sincerely,
Brittany Morgan
PSSG President
The St Paul's School Music website, save the dates and more.
The St Paul’s Music websiteis a great place to check out the upcoming performances over the next term.
A comprehensive list of all known performance dates for the year can be viewed by going to the Events and Performances tab on the left side of the home page.
Music in the Dark
The most important one to put in your diaries is Music in the Dark on Saturday May 28 from 3pm to 8pm. There will be more information, including a performance schedule for the day, emailed out to families in the next few weeks. This event will be held on the grassed area outside the Walker Centre (away from the very big tree in the middle obstructing the view!). Please bring your own picnic chairs (no rugs this year due to space restrictions) and some money to buy delicious food from the Music Supporters’ Group stalls. There will be an array of BBQ items, cheese platters, alcohol and non alcoholic drinks, cakes and sweets, face painting, glow in the dark items etc. as this will go towards fundraising for a new grand piano for the Walker Centre hooray!
Parents who wish to help the Music Supporters Group at the Music in the Dark event please sign up here on the volunteers app. The event program will be available soon if you wish to wait to sign up when you find out when your child/ren will be performing.
Please click on the following web link (or copy it into your web browser if clicking doesn’t work) to go to the signup sheet here: https://volunteersignup.org/P9LW9.
To sign up, just follow the instructions on the page. It only takes a few seconds to do.
Thank you for volunteering!
Solo Competition: Walker Centre Friday June 17 from 6:30pm
Upcoming TFSG meeting in May
The Touch Football Supporters Group will be holding their first meeting for the 2022 season on the 18th May at 6.30pm in the Sutton Building. All are welcome. Please call Leigh on 0427 350 867 with any enquiries.
Over three weeks, we will be taking a deep dive into the Realms, future thinking, and the St Paul’s way of doing things to help you maximise your family’s time at St Paul’s.