2023 Term 2, Week 5

Because of our biblical worldview (as an Anglican school), we define holistic education as “concerned with educating the whole person – body, mind and soul – to develop his or her fullest potential” (Lee, 2015). As such, we recognise that a range of factors need to be present for a person to truly flourish, and we have chosen to adopt those developed by Professor TJ VanderWeele, from the Harvard School of Public Health –

• Happiness and life satisfaction;
• Mental and physical health;
• Meaning and purpose;
• Character and virtue;
• Close social relationships.

Last Saturday, I attended a conference at which Dr Lynn Swaner was the keynote speaker. Dr Swaner is the co-author of a book called “Flourishing together” (2021), in which she offers the following descriptions –

Flourishing students are exuberant in their learning and are growing socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually:

Flourishing educators love their students and their craft, are ever improving as professionals and serving well together with colleagues:

Flourishing schools are characterised by energy, creativity, authenticity and hope, which overflows and blesses their community.

That sounds like the kind of school community that I want to be part of. I hope you agree with me.

Kind Regards,
Nigel Grant

Many of the parents and caregivers who came said it was the first time they had visited the Junior School library. They were impressed with the facilities and the number of books and activities available.

I was thrilled to see three fathers line up together to borrow a bunch of books for their kids. That sort of engagement changes education outcomes.

The Junior School library is open before and after school so that parents can join their children on campus.

At St Paul’s School, we want to encourage families to come and use the library to encourage reading, exploration, and curiosity in their children.

Milo Monday will continue to run for the remainder of Term 2, and you are invited to not only grab a Milo with your child but to read with them and spend quality learning time in a great environment.

Rev. Stephen Brown 

Head of Family Engagement 

Students spent the three nights and four days camping out in tents. The group was split into seven camp groups and each group had a campsite at which they stayed for the duration of the camp. Each group was responsible for maintaining their campsite and preparing all their meals. Night time meals were cooked on an open campfire which students built and lit using the skills they had learnt throughout the day. Groups also learnt how to construct paperbark shelters, navigate using a variety of traditional techniques and identify bush tucker.

On the final night, Kerry from Tribalink, together with a group of traditional dancers, talked the students through a number of Dreamtime Knowledge Stories and spoke in depth about Indigenous perspectives. He also, taught the group some traditional dance steps and explained the traditional links First Nations Australians have with the landscape, it’s key features and the animals we share our land with.

The camp was a wonderful learning experience for all our year 8s and across the week each group grew in responsibility and became highly effective functioning teams. They also became aware of the importance of respect for our environment, it’s animals and the people we share this wonderful country with.

This week Scudo had its first house outing of the year seeing students and staff battle it out in competitive games of laser tag displaying the Scudo qualities of courage and strength. It was amazing to see students from every grade unite in their teams to rise to victory. The students also practised their driving skills in the dodgem cars. Let’s just say the future of Scudo’s drivers is looking slightly… worrying (good luck parents). Overall, the night showed the strength and unity of the Scudo community and what it means to be a part of the Scudo family.

May we also mention that in our Interhouse Futsal competition held at lunchtime, Scudo House is currently undefeated. This is not only due to our talented House members but, also thanks to the enthusiastic Scudo supporters who come and encourage the players each week. We believe Scudo’s spirit is unmatched.

Altogether, Scudo has had a very fruitful start to the year filled with successes and fun events, and we are both so excited to see what the rest of 2023 has in hold for Scudo House!

Lara and Flynn – The Scudo House Captains

These letters will be widely circulated to deployed personnel from all three services through the Support the Troops care packages and messages program. The students thanked our servicemen and women for serving our country and keeping us safe.

Last Thursday was their last day at school, and the group performed Thai traditional dance at the Showcase Theatre which was very beautiful.

Thank you to our homestay families for giving them unforgettable experiences. They had a great time and left with many wonderful memories of their time in Brisbane.

If you would like to donate please click here

The Secondary School students look forward to bringing the heat with the bravest hairstyle event on Friday, 26 May in the fight against MND.

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.

Visit Parent Lounge

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.

However, parents also bear a significant responsibility in fostering a culture of consent within the family environment. They can reinforce the lessons taught at school by engaging in open conversations with their children about consent, boundaries, and respect. Modelling healthy behaviour and emphasizing the importance of consent in various contexts helps children internalize these principles and apply them in their interactions outside of the home.

Collaboration between schools and parents is essential to ensure a consistent message regarding consent. By working together, they can reinforce and supplement each other’s efforts, creating a holistic approach to education. Regular communication, workshops, and parental involvement in school initiatives related to consent can enhance the effectiveness of this shared responsibility.

By providing ongoing, age-appropriate education on consent, both schools and parents contribute to creating a safer and more respectful society. This collaborative effort empowers young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate relationships, establish boundaries, and promote consent as a fundamental aspect of personal interactions.

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!

To see the latest Career Tools Newsletter click here. You can also click here to view SPS Career Tools Weekly on the SPS Careers Website.

All girls and boys TAS tennis players, parents/carers and siblings are invited to join us for some bowling fun and an awards presentation:

When:  Saturday 10 June, 6.30pm – 9.00pm

Where:  Aspley 10 Pin Bowling, 149 Albany Creek Rd, Aspley

Cost:  $15.40 per person for 2 games (includes shoe hire), paid upon arrival on the night.

Catering: Finger food provided by the Tennis Supporter’s Group. Other food and drinks available for purchase from the cafe.
RSVP:  via this registration form – please rsvp for catering purposes and to ensure we have enough lanes for everyone who wants to bowl. 

Note to parents:  We usually have a few lanes of parents bowling so please join us – it’s not just for the kids!

TSG Facebook Page

Don’t forget to follow our TSG Facebook page for photos and videos from match days, training sessions and events.