Dear Families,

Welcome Back to Term 2!

We hope all our families enjoyed a safe and joyful Easter break. It’s been wonderful to see our students return with such energy and enthusiasm, ready for another exciting term of learning.

Term 2 is shaping up to be a busy one, with our Year 5 students heading off to camp next week and preparation for Eucharist and Confirmation well underway.

Year level newsletters will be sent home next week. These will include important dates to add to your calendar, as well as an overview of the learning planned for the term - so please keep an eye out!

Staffing updates

• We are pleased to welcome Jussahra Treagus, who joins us this term as Acting Principal.
• Marg Mitchell will continue in her role as Learning Diversity and Wellbeing Leader on Tuesdays to Thursdays. We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Marg for her ongoing dedication, professionalism and flexibility. She has stepped into multiple roles with incredible commitment and care. Marg, your support is truly appreciated by all in our school community!
• Margy D'Rozario will be taking Long Service Leave for the first 5 weeks of this term. During this time, Kassy Wira will step into the role of Acting Deputy Principal. 

Vale Pope Francis

As the world continues to reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, we join in mourning the passing of a humble and courageous leader. For twelve years, Pope Francis led the Church with compassion and simplicity. He reminded us, through both word and witness, of the power of mercy, dialogue and Gospel centered living. Pope Francis walked in the footsteps of Jesus, extending compassion and dignity to the poor, the homeless, refugees and asylum seekers, the sick, those in prison, and all who were marginalised. His deep empathy and commitment to social justice inspired people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Let us unite in prayer for Pope Francis. May his memory be a blessing and his example a light.

Easter Raffle

Congratulations to all our lucky Easter Raffle winners! A huge thank you to all the families who generously donated items and purchased tickets. Your support helped make this a fun and successful fundraiser. A special thank you to Stephanie Allen for her fantastic coordination of the raffle. Your time and effort are truly appreciated by our school community!

Anzac Day

ANZAC Day is a day to remember the service and sacrifice of the ANZAC soldiers landing on Gallipoli in Turkey on 25 April 1915 during World War I. It is a time where we also recognise the sacrifices of servicemen and servicewomen who have participated and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Students will be learning about the importance of commemorating ANZAC Day and the significance of this for us in today’s world. 

It is not always easy to explain war to children, but teachers do so with care and sensitivity so that students can understand the sacrifice of soldiers as we approach ANZAC Day.

Lest we forget. 

Merchandise is being sold at various times during the day in the classrooms with the help of the Social Justice leaders - pins, pens, wristbands and bag tags ranging from $1 - $5.  Please bring small change.

Canteen

Please note that the canteen will not be open for week 1 of Term 2.  Orders will commence from Wednesday 30 April (and Monday 28 April for the Grade 5 camp).

Juss’ News

It was such a pleasure to meet so many parents and students today and I’m really looking forward to getting to know even more members of our St Paul’s community in the weeks ahead. As I visited classrooms this morning, it was lovely to see so many smiling faces and the students so settled, ready to learn. There was plenty of excitement in the air, with lots of holiday stories being shared, and of course, the Easter Bunny’s visit to the Junior classrooms brought plenty of joy!

This morning, I had the opportunity to introduce myself to the students and I’d like to take a moment to share a little more about myself. I bring 22 years of experience in Catholic Education, having taught across all year levels and worked in a variety of roles. For the past 8 years, I’ve had the privilege of working at St Joan of Arc in Brighton, where I have been Deputy Principal and Head of Teaching and Learning for the last 5 years. In 2024, I stepped into the role of Acting Principal while the school’s Principal worked across two schools.

I am passionate about Teaching and Learning and committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities that allow all students to reach their full potential. As a parent of two wonderful children, Lukas in Year 7 and Ella in Year 4, I understand how important it is to create a supportive and enriching environment where every child can thrive.

Outside of school, you’ll often find me with my two children at their sporting events. Whether it’s on the footy field, at a basketball game, at a dance competition, or a calisthenics rehearsal, I love watching them do what they’re passionate about.

I am excited to work alongside the staff and students of St Paul’s as we continue the great work already underway. Together, we will ensure that the students are nurtured and inspired to grow and succeed.

Here’s to a fantastic term ahead!

On the final day of Term 2, the St Paul’s community came together for one of the most anticipated events of the year – the Colour Blast! It was a joyful celebration filled with colour, laughter and community spirit, as students (and staff!) ran, danced and played their way through a fun-filled afternoon.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who helped make the day such a success. Events like these simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our parent helpers. Your time, energy and enthusiasm are always appreciated!

A very special shout-out to Toni Anderson and Mr Maher for their outstanding coordination of the event. Your efforts behind the scenes ensured the day ran smoothly and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the Colour Blast a vibrant and memorable way to end the term!