2025 Newsletter #08 May 21
PRINCIPAL NEWS
Welcome to this fortnight's newsletter. The weather has certainly shifted, and winter is just around the corner. As we reach for our jumpers, it’s also a perfect time to reflect on the many wonderful things happening in our school community.
Today we celebrated Catholic Education Week Mass at the Mercy Stadium alongside students and staff from Sacred Heart, Our Lady’s, St Joseph's Red Cliffs, St Mary’s Robinvale, and St Joseph’s College. It was an uplifting and unifying experience, bringing together our Catholic school communities The students represented their schools with outstanding behaviour. Coming together in such a meaningful way allows us to affirm our commitment to Catholic education. Thank you to Mrs Blagus and the CEW Committee for all of the work behind the scenes.
Pupil Free Day - DOBCEL 2035 Strategy
On Tuesday 27th May, teachers are participating in professional learning surrounding the DOBCEL 2035 Strategy. The outcomes of the day include, fostering a sense of community among staff from multiple schools, ensuring staff understand the DOBCEL strategy and vision, clarify individual and collective roles in achieving the vision aligning to individual school action plans and inspire and encourage staff to actively contribute to the vision. Reminder there will be no school for students on this day.
30 years of service to Catholic Education - Mary-Anne Ghidinelli
Congratulations to Signora Ghidinelli on reaching this remarkable milestone of 30 years of dedicated service to Catholic Education! Your unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds, with a particular focus on Italian languages has left a lasting impact on countless students, and families. Signora will receive a certificate of service at the Catholic Education Week Mass and Dinner next Friday.
Celebrating 50 Years of Service: Bishop Paul Bird CSsR
This year marks a significant milestone in the life of Bishop Paul Bird CSsR, as he celebrates 50 years since his ordination to the priesthood. Ordained on 17 May 1975, Bishop Bird has dedicated his life to serving the Church and the community. In August 2012, he was appointed the Eighth Bishop of Ballarat by Pope Benedict XVI and was ordained as Bishop on 16 October 2012.
As we reflect on his 50 years of service, we express our gratitude for his unwavering dedication and leadership. We look forward to continuing to work together in faith and community under his guidance.
Congratulations Mrs Blagus
Congratulations to Maria-Stella Blagus who was nominated for the Catholic Identity Award for excellence in Catholic Education. Mrs Blagus will also attend the Catholic Education Mass and Dinner as a nominee.
Congratulations to this week’s gotcha recipients for being their best, being respectful and being safe -
Bee Milestones - Izzy, Harper, Jaren, Joseph, Ethan, Oliver, Cyrus, Mehar, Jassi, Tiffany, Alia, Luca, Isabella, Gursiman, Yindi, Rhianna, Louis, Baran, Claire, Amythest, Milaan, Shenili, Jemma, Emeliah, Daisy, Ella, Dazzle, Archer, Jap, Aaliyah, Levi, Amalia, Aria, Kaani, Zobeda, Nicholas, Malia, Jason, Holliee, Charlie, Kevin, Elise & Emilia
Hive Milestones - Vincent, Heidi, Halle, Maggie, Henry & Elsie
We’ll leave you with this quote:
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." – Nelson Mandela
2026 Enrolments
Enrolments for 2026 are now open. Please go to our website and complete an application. Enrolments close 30/05/2025
Senior Unit News
Welcome to Week 5!
Our Roses Gap camp was an unforgettable experience full of fun, challenges, and teamwork! Over three days, The Seniors took on rock climbing, paddled through peaceful waters in canoes, balanced across low ropes courses, and soared through the air on the giant swing. Crate stacking tested their balance and bravery, while archery brought out their focus and determination. It was amazing to see everyone encouraging each other, trying new things and stepping out of their comfort zones. We came back exhausted but filled with wonderful memories, stronger friendships and a great sense of achievement!
On Tuesday, our Seniors represented St Paul’s at AFL 9’s. Well done to the Seniors for showing a positive attitude and great sportsmanship. Thank you to Mrs Parker for your organization!
In Inquisitive this Term, we have been learning about how historians study the origins, development and patterns of settlement to identify continuity and change. The Seniors have been writing Transition Outlines about how as a result of the Gold Rush in 1850, hundreds of new settlements were established in Victoria, along with how European settlers in Australia had to adapt to a very different climate and conditions.
Upcoming Events
22/5 - National Simultaneous Storytime
27/5 - Pupil Free Day
29/5 - Interschool netball and soccer
1/7 - Grade 6 All Schools Visit - St Joseph’s College Mildura - St Joseph's information flyer below.
Middle Unit News
Mother's Day Activities
Back in Week 3, we created some Mothers Day crafts and special treats!
We hope these gifts brought much joy to mums and special people on Mothers Day!
Important Dates
Week 7
- Thursday June 5th - Eco-Village Excursion 12pm-2:45pm
Week 10
- Swimming Lessons - All week @ First Stroke Swim School.
- Students will be transported by bus each day and complete a 30min swimming lessons. A consent and information letter will be on SIMON Everywhere as the event becomes closer.
Junior Unit News
Welcome to Week 5!
On Friday, May 16, we took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank our incredible Education Support Staff—those who work behind the scenes and alongside our teachers to make sure students have the support they need every day.
Whether they’re helping in the classroom, supporting students with their learning, looking after our wellbeing, or helping behind the scenes, our LSOs play a big part in keeping our school running smoothly. They help make our school a safe, welcoming, and organised place where everyone can do their best and feel like they belong.
A special shout-out to our wonderful Junior Unit LSOs: Anne-Marie, Vicki, Jorja, Penny and Louise—thank you for your care, kindness and the amazing support you give our students every single day!
J8 will be presenting at this Friday’s school assembly, and everyone is invited to attend. The assembly will begin at 2:45 PM in the school hall, with J8 as the first item on the agenda. We hope to see you there!
Upcoming Events
22/5 - National Simultaneous Storytime
23/5- J8 Assembly
27/5 - Pupil Free Day
Foundation Unit
Today the Foundation Unit had their first excursion for the year. They went to the St. Joseph's Stadium to take part in the Catholic Education Week Mass. It was lovely to join the other Catholic schools in the district and celebrate this special event together.
This week in Maths the children have been learning about patterns. They have been learning how to continue a pattern using the same shapes and colours.
In Religion, they have been learning about the "Creation Story". They have been on some nature walks and also learning about the many beautiful things we can find throughout our world.
They have also been learning all about the seasons:
* What the weather is like in each season
* What happens to the plants, trees and animals
* What clothes to wear
* What activities to do.
It has been a very busy topic and there has been a lot of excitement and enthusiasm with their learning.
Just a friendly reminder to parents and children to not come into the Foundation Unit before the music in the mornings. The Library is open each morning to come in with your child and read a book.
Hands Up Mallee
Sarah Watts is a clinical nutritionist and founder of Watts Good Health and Nutrition. She supports children and families with nutrition care that meets them where they are - especially those navigating neurodivergence, behavioural challenges, and picky or selective eating. Included today are a couple of brochures from her, including her contact details and website. If you are interested in what she has to offer, contact her for a free 20 minute consultation to see if she can help you. NDIS plans are welcome with her.
Sports Reports
On Tuesday 20th May, we had two teams of students represent St Paul’s in Interschool AFL 9’s. Everyone had a fabulous time, learning and playing together with the new concept of AFL 9’s, allowing students to experience AFL in a modified version. Both teams played games against Sacred Heart and Trinity Lutheran College—a special thanks to Montana Humphies for helping out on the day and umpiring.
Interschool Soccer and Netball
Next Thursday (29th May), we will have students from the senior unit representing the school in Soccer and Netball. We ask that parents//guardians please complete the permission forms on PAM and ensure that all medical details have been updated.
Fixtures for the day are attached to the permission forms for reference.
AFL Sunraysia
AFL Sunraysia is working hard to create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for girls to get involved in the great game of AFL – and we’re excited to share a fantastic opportunity with you! We’re offering a FREE Superkick program for all Primary School-aged girls, giving them a chance to come along, have fun, build confidence, and learn new skills in a supportive environment. To make things even more exciting, we’re also running an inter-school competition to see which school can get the highest percentage of girls registered for the program. The winning school will receive 20 brand new footballs!
The Program begins Friday, 23rd May, 4:30 pm at The Mildura Sporting Precinct.
For further details or assistance with registering, please see Ms Parker
Parent Noticeboard
