2025 Newsletter #04 March 12
Principal News
Welcome to week 7. We hope that you had a lovely long weekend and enjoyed the last of the sunshine as we head into Autumn.
On Tuesday, the students had the pancakes in honour of Shrove Tuesday, a traditional day of indulgence before the solemn season of Lent begins. This special occasion, observed the day before Ash Wednesday, allowed the students to partake in a long-standing custom while learning about its significance.
The following day, we came together as a school community to commemorate Ash Wednesday with a meaningful celebration in the Hall. This important day marks the beginning of Lent, a time of reflection, prayer, and preparation leading up to Easter. Through this gathering, students were able to deepen their understanding of the season’s spiritual significance while embracing the traditions associated with it.
The School Advisory Council meet also meet for the first time in 2025. SAC were provided with an induction by our Compliance and Risk Assessment Officer Julie Graham. Inductions are an important part of St Paul's with SAC members signing our Code of Conduct and formalising themselves with the Child Safe Standards.
On Friday, the staff participated in a professional learning session focused on "Reflective Circles Education Model'. This dedicated time allowed staff members to engage in meaningful reflection on their experiences, fostering deeper self-awareness and encouraging them to challenge their perspectives. Through thoughtful discussion and shared insights, participants had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
In addition to these reflective discussions, we also took part in connection activities designed to strengthen relationships and enhance collaboration. These activities provided a valuable opportunity for staff to engage with one another, build a sense of community, and reinforce a supportive learning environment.
Before school our library is open from 8.30am. It was lovely to see these students reading with their buddies.
Finally, congratulations to this week’s gotcha recipients for being their best, being respectful and being safe -
Bee Milestones - Natasha, Halle, Yana, Heidi, Elsie, Henry, Cienna & Maggie.
Melissa Sutherland
Principal
New Research Highlights Lifelong Benefits of Catholic Schooling
Innovative research using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey has revealed significant lifelong benefits for individuals who attended Catholic schools. The study, conducted by the Centre for International Research on Education Systems (CIRES) at Victoria University, found that Catholic school graduates are more likely to experience advantages in employment, income, health, and overall life satisfaction.
Key Findings
The research highlights both personal and community benefits of Catholic education. On average, individuals who attended Catholic schools are more likely to be employed and earn higher wages than those who attended government schools, with wage differences ranging from 4 to 11 per cent. Additionally, Catholic school graduates are more likely to work in industries that contribute to the public good and are also more inclined to donate to charitable causes.
Beyond economic benefits, the study found that Catholic school attendees generally report higher levels of life satisfaction and better personal health outcomes. These findings were statistically significant and account for adjustments to isolate the impact of Catholic school attendance from other individual and family characteristics.
NAPLAN
Religious Education News
Project Compassion - Hope in Action
As we begin the Lenten season, our school community is once again coming together to support Project Compassion, an initiative that helps raise funds for people living in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Project Compassion encourages us to live out the values of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and there’s no better way to embody these values than by supporting those in need.
This year, we are going to learn about three incredible people, from three different corners of the world, facing vastly different challenges. We encourage everyone to watch the Introduction to Project Compassion video here, https://vimeo.com/1034878113, which provides an insight into the work of Project Compassion, as well as the people that benefit first hand from the heart felt support.
All students will receive their Project Compassion boxes today. We encourage families to collect small donations at home to contribute to the cause. This is a wonderful opportunity to involve children in the act of almsgiving, teaching them about generosity and the importance of helping others. Please return the boxes to school by the end of Term 1.
You can also make online donations by scanning the QR code below, or by following this link, https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/o/st-pauls-primary-school-mildura, which will take you directly to our St Paul's fundraising page. We thank you in advance for reaching out wholeheartedly to make a difference to those most in need in our world.
#projectcompassion
The Big Water Walk
As part of our Project Compassion Fundraising, our school community are uniting and taking on 'The Big Water Walk' - TOGETHER! There are many people in Africa, Asia and the Pacific who have to walk incredibly long distances to access and collect clean water every day. In some schools around the world, students have to be sent home early due to the depletion of clean water supplies.
Our students will have the opportunity to participate in Walking Club, EVERYDAY, as well as walk two laps of the oval during their brain break time. By participating in the 'big water walk,' students will be able to advocate for those most in need in the world and encourage their families to donate. Donations can be made by scanning the QR code or following the link in the above section. This will create lasting change and help empower people to lift themselves out of poverty.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Narelle Simpson who has set up our 'Big Water Walk' fundraising through Caritas Australia. Narelle has also created a map, which is displayed in our school foyer. This map will track our walking journey and if we stay on track with our participation, TOGETHER we will aim to walk 9000km by the end of this Lenten season. Please take some time to check in on our map when you're at school next!
I have also attached a poster below, which details how our contributions can make a difference!
Senior Unit News
We have reached the halfway mark of Term. Time flies when you’re having fun!
This week, our Grade 5 students are completing the following NAPLAN assessments:
- reading.
- writing.
- conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation)
- numeracy.
We are so proud of the focus and determination shown by our Grade 5 students during NAPLAN this week.
On the Thursday of Week 5, students in the Senior Unit presented their SRC speeches. They did a fantastic job and we are so grateful that we have so many students who have put their hands up to represent their peers. Well done!
Next Tuesday the Grade 5’s will visit St Joseph’s College for the Grade 5 Catholic School Visit. They have a range of activities planned, which are available for you to view on SIMON. Please ensure your child has consent to attend the event.
In Inquisitive this Term, our students have been learning about the Geography of the United States. We have been reading about the states and regions of the United States and how they are similar and different to Australia. So far we have learned about New England, The Mid-Atlantic and The South Region.
Upcoming Events:
12/3-14/3 - NAPLAN
18/3 - Grade 5 St Joseph’s College Visit
21/3 - Harmony Day
28/3 - Cross Country
Middle Unit News
Shrove Tuesday
Last Tuesday, the Middle Unit enjoyed some pancakes to celebrate Shrove Tuesday.
NAPLAN
This week, our Grade 3s are participating in NAPLAN testing.
Chaffey Trail Excursion - Week 10
To celebrate the end of our unit in Geography, students will be participating in an excursion along the Chaffey Trail to learn about the Natural and Human Features of Mildura's riverfront and how it has developed over the years.
There will be a permission note sent out on SIMON for students to be able to board the bus.
More information will be sent in the coming days regarding what students need to bring and expectations while they are attending.
Junior Unit News
We’ve officially reached Week 7, and it’s been a busy and productive time for everyone! Our students continue to make progress and show enthusiasm for their learning, and it’s been wonderful to see their growth.
In Inquisitive, our students have been exploring the evolving nature of family structures and roles, comparing how they’ve changed over time and what has remained consistent.
Throughout the process, students have posed insightful questions, analysed various sources, and communicated their findings with one another. The exploration has not only highlighted the changes and continuities in family life but also encouraged students to reflect on the similarities and differences between their own families and those around the world.
As part of this learning, the students also created personalised family crests. These crests highlighted key aspects of their family history, values, and traditions, offering a unique and creative way to connect with the theme of family and heritage.
We are proud of the thoughtful work our students have done and are excited to see how they continue to explore these important topics.
J7 will be presenting at assembly this Friday! Assembly begins at 2:45pm in the school hall.
Congratulations to all of our students who have reached 25 gotchas already! It is amazing to see so many students being respectful, safe, and their best.
Foundation Unit News
The children have settled into full time school now that Wednesdays are no longer rest days. As it has been quite hot you may notice that they are coming home very tired. Hopefully the extreme hot weather will be over soon.
In Religion, we have been learning about belonging to different groups. Thank you to the people who have sent in a family photo to dispaly on our wall. It is lovely to make connections about belonging to our family groups and discuss that all families are different and special. The children love seeing their own family up on the display.
In Maths, we have been learning about position and location. We have been using many different new words to describe where things are eg. above, beneath, below, beside, inbetween etc. To help reinforce these terms you could ask your child to show you what these words mean. eg. place your teddy in between the chairs. We have also been learning how to order, count, match, say the number before and after the numbers from 1 to 10.
In Literacy, we are talking about the past, we have been learning what it was like a long time ago and how different our lives are today.
There are a number of children that are missing their school hats. Can you please make sure your child has their hat and it is clearly marked? If children don't have their hat they are required to stay in Passive Play during play times.
Colour Fun Run
Our School Colour Fun Run is fast approaching! Friday 4th April.
Don’t forget to jump online and create your profile page if you haven’t already! Share your profile page to family and friends to receive any last-minute donations.
Remember to bring a white shirt and wear enclosed shoes for the event as you will be covered from head to toe in coloured powder!
We can’t wait to get colourful!
Sport News
Cross Country
On Friday 28th March, we have our School Cross Country on the John Hill Oval. Parents and friends are most welcome to come along and spectate. Students are encouraged to wear their sporting house colours. (Red = Hill, Blue = Mercy, Yellow = McKenzie, Green = Chaffey) You can check the House on SIMON everywhere App -Click on Profile - current enrolment detail - scroll to the bottom
Please note: Students in Grades 3 to 6 will compete in their sporting age groups. If you are unsure which age your child is in please speak to their classroom teacher.
Students in Foundation to Grade 2 will compete in their year-level groups.
The schedule for Cross Country is as follows:
9.15 am - Foundation Students
9.30 am - Grade 1 Students
9.45 am - Grade 2 Students
10 am - 12+ yr old Students
10.30 am - 11yr old Students
12 pm - 10 yr old Students
12.30 pm - 9 yr old Students
- Please note: These are approximate times.
Interschool T20 Cricket
On Tuesday 25th of February, 20 Students from the Senior Unit traveled to the Aero Ovals to participate in T20 Interschool Cricket. The students played 3 games against Sacred Heart and Trinity Lutheran College.
The enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and respect that all of our students displayed were exceptional!
Everyone had a fabulous day, trying their best, learning new skills, and proudly representing our school.
Well done to all of the students that participate.
HARMONY DAY - FRIDAY 21st MARCH
On Friday 21st March, St Paul's will acknowledge Harmony Day.
At St Paul's we celebrate diversity with many nationalities such as Australian, Philippian, Italian, Indian, New Zealanders, Sierra Leona, Sri Lankan, Thai, Vietnamese, Tongans, Greeks, First Nations People, English, Spanish and many more.
What do we wear? - Students are to wear full school uniform and encouraged to wear a 'splash of orange' like a ribbon, hair tie or socks.
What we will do? - From 1pm, students will participate in Harmony Day Activities
Hands Up Mallee
Just a reminder that at St Paul's all classes have a brainfood break at 10:00 am. This is an opportunity for students to recharge their brains with a healthy snack and a quick stretch and walk around the oval. Some great snacks that you could pack for your child/children include fresh fruit in season, carrot or cheese sticks, dried fruit, dry crackers with hummus, in season vegetables etc. It is also important that all students bring a fresh drink bottle with them each day to help keep them hydrated during class time without disruption to their classes.
School Photos
School Photos are being packed up and getting ready to be posted to us. We are expecting them to arrive within the week.
Once they have arrived they will be sent home with your child. Info flyer below if you missed out on ordering.
Parent Noticeboard
