Dear Parents,

The season of Advent reminds us that the life journey is a series of endings and beginnings – as it must be if we are to grow as human beings and as people of faith. As we prepare to ‘let go’ of 2022, and say farewell to those who are leaving, we also begin looking to the year to come and all that it might bring.  

The second Advent candle is purple and represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent.

As I write my final Newsletter, I am reflecting on the events of the past week where the gratitude and kind words of staff, parents and students have overwhelmed me. On my coffee table at home sits a magnificent jar filled with 355 messages from the students, beautifully wrapped and awaiting a time when I will be ready to read them all. A truly thoughtful gesture. 

Thank you to all the parents who gathered for a beautiful breakfast on Friday morning and to those who were unable to attend. Your kind words and generous gifts are reflective of a community who value the importance of coming together and celebrating special times. To add to the tears, I opened my e-card where I read so many beautiful messages. Thank you Donna, Sarah, Toni, Kate and the many other parents who helped make last week so memorable. 

The stories and memories that make up my 7 years at St Paul’s will stay with me forever.  For me, it has always been about the children, about helping them develop relationships where they feel safe to learn and grow, supported by families who have high expectations and a strong commitment to working in partnership. It has been my honour and privilege to serve the St Paul’s Community. Thank you for your trust, friendship and support. I know that St Paul’s will continue to thrive under a new Leadership Team well into the future. My best wishes and congratulations to Freda who is a caring and compassionate leader and excited about the journey ahead.

During this season of Advent, a time of preparation, of new beginnings and endings, I pray for each of you and ask for God’s abundant blessings on your families.

I would like to thank teachers and staff for all the work they do in educating, nurturing, protecting, supporting and growing each child and young person in our school.  At St Paul’s, we are very blessed with a dedicated and energetic staff who work hard every day to improve the learning outcomes for all students. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all.  Despite the ongoing challenges of recovering from a global pandemic, we come to the end of what has been a very successful year, evident in our end-of-year results, friendships, respect and care for each other,  happy smiles and resilient children.

Staff Farewells

At the end of this year we will be farewelling Jeanette Wilson, who is taking long service leave for 2023 and then retiring at the beginning of 2024. Jeanette was the acting Principal when I began in 2016 and has served the St Paul’s community for over 20 years. Through those years, Jeanette has been a dedicated and servant leader, and has nurtured the growth and development of so many students. On behalf of the students, staff and parents, I wish Jeanette many joys and happiness for the future and thank her for an outstanding contribution to Catholic Education. 

We also farewell Mrs Susan Mitchell who has worked as an LSO at St Paul’s for the past 21 years. Susan has an amazing capacity to gently nurture and support students in their learning and will be remembered and missed by so many students and staff members. My gratitude and best wishes are extended to Susan for a wonderful retirement and next chapter ahead.

Michael Juliff is taking long service leave for the first half of 2023. Michael has had 25 years of experience as a Principal and has been a wonderful mentor over the past 7 years, advocating for collaborative teamwork across the three schools of the Holy Trinity Parish. 

Mrs Margaret Smith, Ms Amanda Moore and Mrs Kate Brandon will be on leave during 2023. I  thank them for their dedication, their endless energy and wish them a wonderful year ahead. 

Thank you to the School Advisory Board

Although the School Board has met only a few times throughout the year, they have continued to support me in decision making where they have discussed policy and been a voice for other parents. Thank you to  Helen Skinner, Stuart Hall, Alex Poles, Lisa Galante, Jamie Hickey, Michael Juliff and Freda Tahtouh for your service and positive contribution to the school. 

Please note that effective immediately parking at the Bowling Club is not permitted due to upcoming competitions and functions.

Sensei is once more asking for families to hold onto used Christmas cards that they receive, and rather than putting them into Recycling once Christmas decorations come down, drop them into the school Office at the start of Term 1.  The cards can be handed into the Office intact or the back half of the card with the personal message can be taken off and just the pretty front of the card donated.  We use them for our Christmas Crown craft in Term 4 each year.  Arigatou.

I would like to introduce the staff for 2023.

Principal	Ms Freda Tahtouh
Deputy Principal/ Curriculum Leader	Mrs Margy D’Rozario
Religious Education Leader	Ms Rebecca Nolan
Learning Diversity Leader	Mrs Margaret Mitchell
Wellbeing Leader	Ms Kassy Dowling
Literacy Leader	Mrs Danni Molino
Digital Technology Leader	Mrs Cath Knights
Numeracy Coordinator	Mrs Cathy Epstein
Junior Level Leader	Ms Stephanie Ovakimyan
Senior Level Leader	TBA
Community Coordinator	Mr Danny Maher
Administration Staff
Administration Officer	Mrs Louise James
Finance Officer	Mrs Petina Thomas
Classroom Teachers
Prep Teachers	Ms Natalie Birthisel Ms Jess Walker
Year 1 Teachers	Ms Stephanie Ovakimyan Mrs Sheridan McAuliffe
Year 2 Teachers	Mrs Merryn Morressy (3 days) Mrs Julie Dolman (2 days) Ms Laura Allars
Year 3 Teachers	Mr Leeroy Zamudio Mrs Caroline Brown (3 days) Mrs Eve Asmar (2 days)
Year 4 Teachers	Mrs Cathy Lawrence (3 days) Mrs Liz Heath (2 days) Ms Alex Carlson
Year 5 Teachers	Ms Thalia Kurzel Mrs Rebecca Nolan (3 days) Mrs Franca Aldworth (2 days)
Year 6 Teachers	Ms Kassy Dowling (4 days) Ms Katie Lachal (1 day) Ms Gabrielle Berends
Intervention and Extension	Ms Angela Harkin
Library Manager	Mrs Despina Alexopoulos
Groundsman	Mr Tony Reiche
Specialist Teachers
Physical Education	Mr Danny Maher
Visual Arts	Mrs Rebecca Saunders
Performing Arts	Ms Connie Antenucci
Japanese	Mrs Tracey Maile
Digital Technologies	Mrs Cath Knights
Learning Support Officers
Mrs Elizabeth Canning Ms Matilde Chia Mrs Melina Cremasco Mrs Anne Don Paul Mrs Daragh Drummond Mrs Michaela Holman Mrs Angela Lagoutatzis

All families are warmly welcome to join the staff and students in a Mass of thanksgiving on Tuesday 13 December at 10am where we will also farewell students, staff and families who are leaving. 

Christmas Carols

Just a reminder that Carols will be held in the Amphitheatre this Thursday night at 6.30 (students to arrive by 6.15 please).  It is forecast to be a cool evening so please rug up and bring a picnic blanket as additional seating will be available on the ground in front of the Amphitheatre steps.

Week 11

• Monday 12 December - Senior school Christmas Party - hosted by the PnF.
• End of Year Mass and farewells to leaving staff at 10am Tuesday 13 December. Parents are warmly welcome to attend.
• Staff v Year 6 Volleyball match at 2.45 on 13 December. Parents welcome. 
• ‘Big Day Out’ - Year 6 on Wednesday 14 December
• ‘Walking Out The Door’ Ceremony for Year 6 at 3.15pm on 15 December. Parents are welcome.
• Last day of school for Year 6 on 15 December at 3.30pm
• ‘Meet the Teacher’ on Friday 16 December at 9.30am.
• Last day for students in P-Year 5 Friday 16 December at 3.30pm.

Meet the Teacher

On the final day of school, Friday 16 December, the students will meet their teachers for 2023.

Reports will be emailed home this Friday.

It has been an absolute privilege to be a part of the St Paul's community and I will you all so very much.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2023.

Catherine x