2024 Term 1, Week 8

These opportunities and occasions hold immense potential, transcending mere recreational outings to become pivotal moments of connection and community-building. Observing our students interact during these events reveals the formation of bonds and friendships that instill confidence and a deep sense of belonging within our St Paul’s community.

Beyond their social import, these events serve as fertile grounds for the acquisition of essential life skills. Whether navigating the waters of a swimming carnival, fervently cheering as a spectator, scoring a goal, or engaging in debating, our students refine critical skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.

These skills are not confined to the classroom; they extend into the realms of the real world, preparing our students for the challenges they will inevitably face. What’s truly captivating is the far-reaching impact of participation in these events. Research substantiates that involvement in after-school programs correlates with students’ growth, both academically and personally.

Students immersed in such activities not only excel academically but also cultivate indispensable character attributes like time-management and resilience. They foster positive social connections and exhibit a heightened inclination towards community engagement (Claudette Christison, 2013, “The Benefits of Participating in Extracurricular Activities”).

Whether attributed to the departure from traditional learning or the newfound motivation sparked by trying something new, the impact is undeniably transformative. As we extend invitations to these events, let us collectively pause and acknowledge their profound significance. Encouraging our school community to wholeheartedly embrace these opportunities for growth and discovery is an investment in not just academic success but also the comprehensive well-being of our students.

In these moments of connection and engagement, the rewards transcend any effort. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the wonderful spirit of our students, whether that be running or cheering at Cross Country in Week 10.

Shortly after they arrived, husband had to head off on a couple of errands and while mum and grandma focussed on the twins, my job was to entertain our three-year-old granddaughter, swimming, playing in the sandpit, colouring in or whatever she chooses to do, usually at a rapid pace.

Part way through the afternoon she decided, helping grandad with gardening would be a fun exercise so we set to work back in the garden. Perfect I thought. Two birds with one stone and all that. Yet, something about gardening this time was different.

Apparently gardening should involve digging up whatever is growing, regardless of its value in the garden. Using the same tools grandad uses ought to be mandatory, whatever your size and age and no matter how dangerous they might be in the hands of a pint-sized cyclone. Stomping on pesky ants is as much my responsibility as hers, and I was asked more questions than I care to remember, some even about gardening but, mostly about mermaids and unicorns. It was not the peaceful, pastime I remembered from a few hours ago.

However, I reminded myself what I really should be doing in that space, and I began to truly enjoy the afternoon again. I was no longer gardening, I was spending time with family and sharing experiences, knowledge, wisdom and most importantly time growing relationships not plants. I then enjoyed my granddaughter’s humour and questions, her reminders of all things she knows about me and her chats about life the universe and mermaids. Just spending time with my family became the focus for the day. It was a real joy and blessing.

At the end of the day I reflected on how sometimes, I try to do two things at once that do not fit well together, thereby doing justice to neither. It is important to me to spend time with family. It is also important to me to spend time in reflection. Moreover, if both are important, they need to be done properly and given the honour each deserves. We all lead busy lives and I think most of us at one time or another fall into the trap of trying to do two or more things that should not be done together. Does this resonate with you? If it does, I encourage you to spend some time in reflection on what your reasons are, for doing certain activities and whether you achieve your desired outcomes. You might be surprised at your answers.

Reflection is an important part of the Christian lifestyle. It can help us sort the wheat from the chaff in our thoughts, words and deeds so that we are left with the life-giving seeds from which spiritual, intellectual and physical growth can come. I encourage you to always find time for reflection, and time for those you love and give both the honour due to them.

Let us pray: Loving Lord Jesus, you found time both for prayer and to be with those who needed you. Help us to find space in the busyness of our lives to draw forth order from chaos, understanding from confusion, peace from turmoil and love from indifference. Guide us in all we do and think and say so we can grow in love for you and each other. Amen

God’s blessings and peace be with you all, Mark Leam

Inspired by the iconic artist Alexander Calder, their works showcase a blend of imagination and technical prowess. Despite the challenges posed by ensuring the seamless integration of lines, these budding artists are persevering with determination and enthusiasm.

Check out Year 5 Green in action!

It’s been an exciting few weeks in the Library and Innovation Precinct.

LUNCHTIME ACTIVITIES

The Lunchtime activities in the Create space are very popular with students in Year 4 -12. From Lego Drop-in Day (Tuesday) and Sewing and Textiles Club (Wednesday) to students working on their own ongoing projects, there is aways something to be created, prototyped, tested or made. It’s been wonderful seeing students working to create their own puppets, learning pattern and sewing skills and customising the design to create their own unique puppet.

PODCASTING

The Innovation Precinct has two new podcasting set-ups available for students to create their very own podcasts. As well as being used for learning and curriculum areas, these set-ups can be used by students to create a podcast on a topic of interest. Instructions about the equipment and starting their own podcast can be found on this guide.

TRIVIA

The Library Trivia competition is a long-held tradition. Our first round of the term saw a great turn out to test their knowledge of popular culture. The reining champs took home the win – congratulations to Mrs Johnson’s Men – Sam, Lachlan and Fraser.

AUTHOR VISIT – JO SANDHU

It was wonderful to welcome Jo Sandhu, author of the Tarin of the Mammoths series, to St Paul’s to work with the Year 3-6 students on their writing skills. Students learnt about generating ideas for their stories, creating characters and the research process used in writing.

PROTOTYPING AND DESIGN

The Possibility Hub offers all students and all subject areas the chance to prototype, design and create. The Year 11 Design students worked in three different mediums to create their product design prototypes.

The Year 5 students used the prototyping materials in the Possibility Hub to bring their Science animal adaptations to life.

YEAR 7 AND 9 LIBRARY LESSONS

The Year 7 English classes and Year 9 English classes have been working on creating recorded presentation and Digital Stories for their assessment piece this term. Each class has had multiple Library sessions to help them learn the basics of multimedia creation, recording and video editing skills. They have also been using the Innovation Precinct spaces and equipment to record their projects. Students in Year 7 can find extra help for recording their graphic novel presentation on their Year 7 English LibPath, and the Year 9 students will find a range of helpful links and videos on their Multimedia LibPath.

YEAR 3 JUNIOR FICTION LICENSE

Congratulations to the Year 3 students for receiving their Fiction Licenses. These students have worked hard this term to learn about fiction and genres they might like to read. Their achievement was celebrated in style with a special ceremony where they received their Fiction License.

Jo Sandhu is an amazing storywriter who grew up in Tweed Valley, NSW and enjoys writing books for children and young adults. Jo visited St. Paul’s School on 29th of February and enlightened us with some fantastic writing tips. So far, she has written the Tarin of the Mammoths series, with three books in it (The Exile, Clan of Wolves, and Cave Bear Mountain) which have received the Aurealis Finalist Best Children’s Fiction Award 2017, CBCA Notable 2018, and the Winner of Readings Children’s Book Prize 2018. Jo gave us helpful hints on how to build your character, shape your story, come up with ideas and refine and refresh your text. We truly enjoyed watching Jo Sandhu speak and are awaiting the next book in her series.

Written by Ananya – Junior School Library Captain.

Term 1 fees were due for payment on the first day of term, Monday 22 January 2024.  If you have not made payment please do so immediately to avoid overdue fee charges. If you have any queries regarding your account please email Charyn at [email protected]

Symptoms to watch out for include but are not limited to:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Body aches

By adhering to this reminder, we collectively contribute to the wellbeing of our entire school community and help prevent the further spread of illness.

Your cooperation and commitment to the health and safety of our students and staff are greatly appreciated.

2024 TERM DATES:

• Term 1: Monday 22 January to Thursday 28 March
  Monday 22 January: Pre-Prep to Year 6, Years 7, 11 & 12, and New International (all day)
  Tuesday 23 January: All students (Pre-Prep to Year 12 & International)
• Term 2: Tuesday 16 April – Friday 14 June
• Term 3: Monday 8 July – Friday 13 September
  Monday 8 July: Pre-Prep only
  Tuesday 9 July: Prep to Year 12
• Term 4: Monday 30 September to Friday 22 November

For a more detailed look at the term dates for 2024, see HERE.

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.

Please note, if your child will be absent for three days or longer email your child’s House Leader.

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.

Notice is hereby given that the St Paul’s School (Bald Hills) Supporters’ Association Inc. (“SPSSA / The Association”) will hold an Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 26 March 2024 at 6:30pm in the Innovation Precinct Building.

All Members of the Association are welcome to attend this meeting and are eligible to nominate for Executive Committee positions and vote on the election of these officers.

Voting for specific agenda items (see below) will also occur.

You need to be a member of the Association to vote at the AGM.

All Executive Committee Members of Supporter Groups and those that completed membership forms previously are Members of the Association and are eligible to vote.

New membership

Parents of pupils attending the School, parents of past pupils of the School, past pupils and any other persons aged 18 years or over, who are interested in the welfare of the School, are eligible to be members of the Association. There is only one class of membership.

Membership of the Association remains current while a member has a child enrolled at The School. Membership of the Association lapses at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association for any members who do not have a child currently enrolled at The School.

Membership is granted by:

1. • attendance at the AGM and signing the Association Register of Members; or
   • submission of a completed registration form signed by 1 member of the Association (the proposer) and seconded by another member (the seconder), to the secretary prior to the AGM.

This application for membership must be—

1. • in writing; and
   • signed by the applicant and the applicant’s proposer and seconder; and
   • in the form decided by the Executive committee.

Executive Positions

Nominations are invited for the following positions of the Executive Committee:

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Assistant Treasurer

These are volunteer positions.

Job specifications and requirements are available from the SPSSA Secretary – email: Secretary@spssa.otg.au

Major agenda items for the meeting relates to:

• Voting on the approval of the audited Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2023
• Voting on the approval of a core commitment budget for the SPSSA
• Voting on the approval of specific IT past expenses of the SPSSA
• Voting on the approval of a contribution of $5,000 of SPSSA funds towards the installation of a new score board at the main oval
• Voting on the approval of changes to the Handbook

Please email the President (president@spssa.org.au) or the Secretary (secretary@spssa.org.au) if you have any questions.

We look forward to seeing you there.