First Reconciliation
Last Thursday evening, our Year 3 candidates received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. This was a very special time for the students and our thanks go to Miss Potts for preparing the students and Miss Callisto for her support in preparing the liturgy. We are also very grateful to Fr Tim, Fr Mariusz, Monsignor Entwistle and Fr David, who heard the students' confessions. It was a moving liturgy and Fr Tim delivered a great homily to the candidates. I'm sure the candidates will remember receiving the Sacrament as a time that brought them closer to God and look forward to receiving the Sacrament again soon.
Recent Events
We have had a busy couple of weeks at St Paul's. As well as all of the exciting learning that happened around the school, we had the following events:
Rosary at the Grotto - Our Kindy to Year 6 students came together to pray the Rosary at our school grotto with our special guest, Ms Noonan. The new plaque was installed to commemorate the grotto in recognition of Ms Noonan's contribution to the St Paul's community. It was great to have our students, staff and parents together for the occasion.
Interschool Chess Tournament - Our chess team competed against students from Loreto and St Thomas' in the Interschool Chess Tournament. It was a close competition that had to go to a countback and St Paul's came a very close second overall. Congratulations to Jose, Oliver and Daniel who all received special certificates for their outstanding performance. Our thanks go to Mr Castalanelli, Mr H-B and Mr Heley for their work with the Chess Club this year.
Remembrance Day - On Friday 11 November, we came together for our Remembrance Day service where we gathered at our school flag pole to remember those who fought to protect our nation. Our Year 6 students lead us reverently in the service. Lest we forget.
Altar Server Training - Fr Mariusz ran a training session for students who wanted to become altar servers. A group of our Year 4 students who recently received the Sacrament of Eucharist joined the session. This is an important ministry and a great way to involve themselves in the liturgy in a different way.
Swimming - Swimming lessons began last week and we have the final two days this week. Students have represented St Paul's well and learnt some valuable skills. There have been a lot of tired students at the end of the swimming days!
Surfing - Our Year 5 and 6 students have been enjoying an early morning surf each Wednesday. A group of them have participated in surfing lessons and our thanks go to Mr Sanders for organising this for them. Look out for them on those waves over the summer!
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Christmas Appeal
The St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Appeal is currently underway and will conclude at the end of this week. So far, we haven't had the same response that we normally get from the St Paul's community. Please consider whether you can send in some food items for people who are less fortunate than ourselves so they can enjoy a meal this Christmas. Information on the appeal can be found here. There are collection boxes in each classroom. Thanks in advance for your support with this!
Christmas and Edu Dance Concert
Make sure you have our Christmas and Edu Dance Concert in your diary! These will be held on Wednesday 7 December at 6:00pm and it promises to be an evening not to be missed. We will begin with our school Christmas Concert before our students bust out some moves at the Edu Dance Concert. Our students have been hard at work practising so I think we are in for a treat!
Fred Hollows Award
Congratulations to Mia D who received a Fred Hollows Humanity Award. This award recognises Year 6 students who follow in Fred's footsteps by making a positive difference in their community. It celebrates students who show compassion, integrity and kindness in their everyday lives, just as Fred did. Well done, Mia!
