A letter from St Paul’s ………

St Paul’s High School
Ocean Drive
Port Macquarie 2444
Phone: (02) 6583 2632
Fax:
(02) 6584 3371
Email: [email protected]
www.sapss.nsw.edu.au
A letter from St Paul’s………
24th October, 2014
WHAT’S ON IN WEEK 4 TERM 4
Sunday, 26th October
Monday, 27th
(Day 6)
Tuesday, 28th
Wednesday, 29th
Thursday, 30th
Friday, 31st
(Day 7)
(Day 8)
(Day 9)
(Day 10)
COMING UP IN WEEK 5
Monday, 3rd November
Tuesday, 4th
Wednesday, 5th
Friday, 7th
Year 10 Thursday
Friday
Year 9 Wednesday
Year 7 Friday
- 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Years 7-10 Assessment Period (see over)
- Staff Meeting
- Cyber Safety For Parents presentation: 7.00pm in Library
(see over)
- CCC Cricket Boys U/19 & U/15: Coffs Harbour
- Years 8-10 Sport (see over)
- Crazy Sock Day: Gold coin donation (see over)
- Hastings Sports Awards Breakfast
- Years 7-10 Assessment Period (see over)
- Year 7, 2015 – Parent Orientation Night: 7.00pm in MPC
- Diocesan Secondary Tennis and Water Polo: Ballina
- Year 10 Wheelchair Road Show
- Duke of Edinburgh Bronze expedition: Kerewong State
Forest
- All Schools‟ Touch Football: Penrith
ASSESSMENT TASKS DUE IN WEEK 4
Science
Exam in Periods 1 & 2
Visual Arts
In class assessment (Mrs Cornale‟s class)
Textiles Technology Exam in class
PD/H/PE
Exam in class Period 5
French
French speaking tasks in class during Weeks 4 & 5
COORDINATING PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
THE FAMILY
Pope Francis has convened an Extraordinary Synod on the Pastoral Challenges of the Family
which is currently underway in Rome.
The publication “Inform” makes several important points about the role of family and the Church.

There needs to be a renewed commitment to the family and to raising children by the
Church and society at large;
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Religious decline results in family decline and vice versa;
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The Holy Family narrative tells us much about the nature of motherhood and fatherhood
and the acceptance of children as a gift from a loving God;
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The special nature of family life draws us towards a radical self-giving for the good of others
and a willingness to accept what is offered;

The family is not something that was invented by the Church. It has been the mainstay of
successful societies for millennia;
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It is within the family community that children first learn right from wrong and good from
bad;
The natural family existed before the state and has priority over the state in terms of rights;
Parents‟ role as „first educators‟ of their children must always be respected;
All of us have a responsibility to build a social environment which protects and nurtures the
family;
Parents have the right to bring their children up in accordance with the family‟s moral and
religious convictions;
The family teaches children that they are all loved equally and unconditionally;
The family is the usual way in which each of us learns to develop a relationship with God
and that God loves them for who they „are‟, not for what they can „do‟;
Children are called to show gratitude to their parents for the gift of life and for the sacrifices
they make for them. They also need to learn to show respect and obedience; and
Parents do not own children – they are gifted to them out of love.
The Synod on the family is expected to be a watershed in terms of the Catholic Church‟s teaching
and support for families. Already there are signs suggesting that the strict application of Church
doctrine will no longer be the basis for decisions. A statement released last week makes the point
that “it is necessary to accept people in their concrete being, to know how to support their search,
to encourage the wish for God and the will to feel fully part of the Church…”. It is pleasing to see
that, through Pope Francis, the Spirit is leading the Church towards a more contemporary, pastoral
and supportive approach to people in diverse situations.
Mr Jim O’Brien
Coordinating Principal
CAMPUS PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
You Knew What I Was
Many years ago Indian youths would go away in solitude on what is called a vision quest to prepare for
manhood. One such youth hiked into a beautiful valley, green with trees and bright with flowers. There
he fasted and prayed. But on the third day, as he looked up at the surrounding mountains, he noticed
one tall rugged peak capped with dazzling snow.
“I will test myself against that mountain,” he pondered. He put on his buckskin shirt, threw his blanket
over his shoulders and set off to climb the peak. When he reached the top he gazed out from the rim of
the world. He could see forever, and his heart swelled with pride. Then he heard the rustle of leaves at
his feet, and looking down, he saw a slithering snake. Before he could move the snake spoke. “I am
about to die,” whispered the snake. “It’s too cold for me up here; I’m freezing. There’s no food and I’m
starving. Put me under your shirt where I’ll be warm and take me down to the valley.”
“No,” said the youth. “I’m forewarned. I know your kind. You are a rattlesnake. If I pick you up you
will bite and your bite will kill me.”
“Not so,” said the snake. “I will treat you differently. If you do this for me, you will be special to me,
and I will not harm you.”
The youth resisted a while, but this was a very persuasive snake with beautiful diamond markings. At last
the youth tucked the snake under his shirt and carried it down to the valley. There he placed it gently on
the grass. Suddenly, the snake coiled, rattled and struck, biting the youth on the leg.
“But you promised…” cried the youth.
“You knew what I was when you picked me up,” said the snake as it slithered away.
The story is a useful analogy for young people who might be tempted by drugs or alcohol, or other
dangerous practices. A young person (and an older person) will do well to remember the parting
words of the snake: “You knew what I was when you picked me up.”
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PRAYER FOR HSC STUDENTS
Students at MacKillop Senior College, St Joseph‟s Regional College and Newman Senior
Technical College continue their HSC exams in the coming week. The following prayer appeared
in the St Agnes‟ Parish newsletter requesting parishioners to pray for our young people during their
exams. I ask you to do the same.
Lord, we pray for those about to sit exams.
That they may remain calm and at peace
so that they will be able to make the best use of their talents,
the study they have done and the education they have been given.
Let nothing prevent them from doing as well as they deserve
and may they be ready to support and encourage one another.
Amen.
CONGRATULATIONS
To Jessica Carroll (Year 8) and Ryan Carroll (Year 9) who recently competed in the Lennox
Head SLS Enduro Event. Each achieved a gold medal for their efforts. Well done!
SUBJECT AND EXCURSION FEES
Thank you to all those families who make these fees a priority. Families are reminded of the
following dates:
 Term 4 amounts are due for payment by Friday, 7th November (Week 5) for those paying in full.
 Families who make regular payments via BPay are asked to ensure that all amounts are cleared
by no later than Friday, 5th December.
Thank you in anticipation of your cooperation and support in meeting these commitments.
Peter Murphy
Campus Principal
[email protected]
Applications for Year 7, 2015 remain open.
If you are considering enrolling your child at St Paul’s High School,
please contact the school office on 6583 2632 for an enrolment package.
LEADER OF CURRICULUM
ASSESSMENT CALENDAR FOR TERM 4
Included in this newsletter is a calendar setting out the Assessment Tasks due for each Year
group. Please continue to make note of any possible changes and additions via the weekly
newsletter.
YEAR 7-10 ABSENCE POLICY
Absence due to illness for an extended period of time
When a student is away from school for an extended period of time due to illness, we would like
them to use the time to recuperate fully before their return to school. In light of this, a student
should ask a friend in the class to collect worksheets and upon their return, complete any important
activities and/or worksheets and take screen shots of class work as directed by the class teacher.
Students can ask their teacher if the unit of work is online. If so, students can complete class work
online.
Absence due to family holidays
When families decide to take holidays during school time, a subject teacher is not expected to set
class work for the absent student. The student should engage in and enjoy the family‟s experience
of journey and discovery. The student should ask a friend in the class to collect worksheets and
upon their return, complete any important activities and/or worksheets and take screen shots of
class work as directed by the class teacher. It is expected that the student will complete this work
in their own time. Students can ask their teacher if the unit of work is online. If so, students can
complete class work online.
Chris McQueen
Leader of Curriculum
[email protected]
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YEAR 7 NEWS
IRONMAN TRIATHLON
It was great to see so many St Paul‟s High School staff and students, particularly Year 7 students,
volunteering in the recent 70.3 Ironman triathlon. This is a wonderful event for Port Macquarie
building such great community spirit.
CONGRATULATIONS
To the following students who have received a Campus Principal’s Award: Jukiah Crowhurst,
Kyle De Domizio, Finlay Edmeades, Flynn Goodman, Hannah Jordan, Christopher Kirkman,
Max Milligan, Tori Morris, Caleb McCormick, Jessica O’Brien, Kelsey Partridge, Violet
Shepherd, Kirrah Stewart and Annika Toohey.
To the following students who have received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award: Caleb
McCormick (3), Annika Toohey (3), Kyle De Domizio (2), Finlay Edmeades (2), Christopher
Kirkman (2), Kirrah Stewart (2), Jade Attard, Genevieve Barth, Jukiah Crowhurst, Jessica
Davis, Flynn Goodman, Hannah Jordan, Emily Maher, Max Milligan, Sam Nunan, Jessica
O’Brien, Kelsey Partridge, Violet Shepherd, Natalija Thompson, Jyll Tregier and Chad
Walsh.
Warren Lorger
Year 7 Leader of Pastoral Care
[email protected]
YEAR 8 NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS
To Griffin Goodman and Riley Smith who were selected to represent NSW in the NSW Northern
Metro and Country Soccer (U/14) side in the National Youth Soccer Championships in Coffs
Harbour during the recent school holidays. The boys came across some tough competition playing
against state teams from around Australia. Both boys played extremely well and should be proud
of their achievement.
To the following students who received a Pastoral Coordinator’s Award: William Ayrton, Ronan
Cornell (2), Simone Ducker, Aaron Hoffman, Taylor Ross, Jamie-Lee Smith and Jacinta
Sharp.
To Jamie-Lee Smith who has received a Campus Principal’s Award.
To Thomas Berryman, Jackson Burton, Matthew Chee, Thomas Horder, David Newman and
Nathan Ternes who showed off their talents playing as an ensemble at our school assembly on
Wednesday.
To Thomas Berryman, Riley Smith and Imogen Smyth who received certificates of Distinction
for the ICAS English Competition, and especially to Hannah Cutmore and Sara Thomas who
were awarded a High Distinction in this prestigious competition.
ASSESSMENT CALENDAR
An Assessment Calendar was emailed to Year 8 students. A copy of the Assessment Calendar is
also included in this newsletter. Students are reminded that they should prepare well for these
formal exams and assessment tasks. Students will also need to complete ongoing class
assessments during lessons.
TOUCH FOOTBALL
The lunchtime Touch Football Competition began with some furious displays of skill. It will be
interesting to see the development of this competition.
UPCOMING EVENTS
On Thursday, 30th October students are encouraged to support the “Socktober” fundraiser and
wear „crazy‟ socks with their school uniform. This day is to raise awareness for the Catholic
mission. Students are asked to hand a gold coin donation to their PC teacher at morning PC.
Nicole O’Connell
Year 8 Leader of Pastoral Care
[email protected]
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YEAR 10 NEWS
Year 10 have had a busy start to Term 4, preparing for the Assessment/Exam period commencing
next week. Some Year 10 students have been involved in the following sporting events: T20
cricket, Diocesan Surfing, Diocesan Volleyball and Gymnastics.
YEAR 10 ASSESSMENT CALENDAR FOR TERM 4
Please see the Year 10 Assessment Calendar included in this newsletter.
I am sure students are preparing themselves for this schedule. The assessment period is spread
over a five week period to allow students time to study and prepare. Week 6 is the biggest in
terms of exams/tasks due. Good luck to all students, I hope your efforts pay off!
Thank you to the staff, parents and students who have taken the time to review my efforts as a
Pastoral Coordinator.
Dom Ashe
Year 10 Leader of Pastoral Care
[email protected]
LITERACY AND NUMERACY NEWS
LITERACY AND NUMERACY WEEK
Congratulations to the following students who were winners in the Music Competition held during
Literacy and Numeracy Week:
Year 8
Isobel Berryman, Tyson Marchant, Brooke O’Brien and Sara Thomas.
Year 7
Amy Doorey, Matt Halliwell, Chloe Hargreaves and Tara Slattery.
Chris Harmer
Numeracy Coordinator
[email protected]
SPORT NEWS
YEAR 7
Students are reminded to bring their swimmers, hat and towel for the first five weeks of Term for
their swimming lessons.
WEEK 4
27th October
29th October
30th October
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
1.15pm-3.00pm
11.30am-12.45pm
9.10am-10.40am
GL, DMC,TB – 3,4,5
TJ, WL – 1,2
TJ, AK – 6,7
Swimming
Swimming
Swimming
YEAR 8
Year 8 students will be participating in the following sports this Term:
 Tennis, Basketball, Netball, Oz Tag, Touch Football and Volleyball at school
 Learn to Surf at Flynns Beach and Surf Awareness at Town Beach
WEEK 4
28th October
WEEK 5
4th November
M/I GIRLS
F/O GIRLS
M/I BOYS
F/O BOYS
Learn to Surf (2)
Tennis (School)
Surf Awareness (1)
Volleyball (School)
Learn to Surf (2)
Tennis (School)
Surf Awareness (1)
Volleyball (School)
YEAR 9 & 10
Year 9 & 10 students participate in their chosen elective sport for Term 4. Please do not request
that your child changes sport during the Term – this is not possible as businesses have already
based their staff on numbers that we have provided them.
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DIOCESAN GYMNASTICS
Congratulations to the 19 gymnasts who travelled to Coffs Harbour for the Diocesan Competition
on Friday, 17th October. 65 gymnasts from six schools participated in the six different sections of
the competition.
Outstanding results to the following:
Girls Advanced Circuit:
Lucille Williams (1st) and Caitlin Rich (3rd)
Girls Level 4:
Helena Thomas (1st) and Erinn Smith (2nd)
Boys Advanced Circuit:
Terrell Carden-Reynolds (1st), Mitchell Wadwell (2nd) and
Jett Pearson (3rd)
Pairs Synchronised Circuit:
Chloe Nash and Rachel Burris (1st)
A special thank you also to the coaches, Jodie Rich and Jenni Strickland, for training the gymnasts
before school, at lunchtime and after school in the weeks leading up to the competition.
Jenny Watson
Competition Coordinator
UPCOMING EVENTS – TERM 4
 31st October
 3rd & 4th November
 7th November
Erin Gallagher
Hastings Sports Awards Breakfast: Rydges, Port Macquarie
Diocesan Water Polo & Diocesan Tennis: Lismore
NSW All Schools‟ Touch Football Finals: Penrith
Sport Coordinator
[email protected]
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ST PAUL’S MUSIC NEWS
MUSIC ENSEMBLE PROGRAM – WEEK 4
Monday
Stage Band: 7.45am-8.45am – MacKillop room 10
Stage Band Sectional: Lunchtime – MacKillop room 10
Stage Band (Youth Mass): Lunchtime – MacKillop Music room
SAPSS Jazz Band: 4.00pm-5.00pm – St Joseph‟s Regional College
Tuesday
Percussion Ensemble: 7.45am-8.45am – St Paul‟s MPC
SAPSS Choir: 7.45am-8.45am – St Joseph‟s Regional College
Wednesday
Senior Vocal Ensemble: 7.45am-8.45am – MacKillop MPC
Junior Vocal Ensembles: Lunchtime – St Paul‟s MPC
SAPSS Drum Line: 4.00pm-5.00pm – St Joseph‟s Regional College
Thursday
Concert Band: 7.45am-8.45am – St Paul‟s MPC
Concert Band Sectional: Period 1 – St Paul‟s Band room
Flute Ensemble: Lunchtime – St Paul‟s MPC
Guitar Ensemble: Lunchtime – St Paul‟s Music room
Friday
Jazz Band: 7.45am-8.45am – St Paul‟s MPC
Jazz Band Sectional: Period 5 – St Paul‟s Band room
Clarinet Ensemble: Lunchtime – St Paul‟s Music room
Jazz Ensemble: Lunchtime – St Paul‟s Band room
Rob Denham
Co Curricular Music Coordinator
[email protected]
CANTEEN – WEEK 4
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Anne Todd, Antonia Nardi, Liz West
Lisa Richards, Deborah Hoffman-Doyle
Judy Treadwell, Janine Goulding, Rose Dennington, Jodie Duck
Glenn Grainger, Tammy Grainger (5th Thursday)
Karen Hillcoat, Debbie Cohen, Donna Schafer (5th Friday)
10.40am start
11.00am start
11.00am start
10.40am start
10.40am start
Halloween Lunch Order - $5.00 - (orders only)
Juicy Chicken Burger on a crusty roll with a can of drink and a Halloween surprise.
Is this you caught on camera?
Please come and see Mr Peter Murphy to claim your prize – a canteen voucher
to the value of $5.00 that can be redeemed at the canteen.
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WALKATHON NEWS
WALKATHON UPDATE
Congratulations to all students who participated in the Walkathon in Term 3. All students were well
behaved and seemed to really enjoy the great day.
On Friday, 31st October, the following PC‟s have permission to come to school out of uniform and
receive a free BBQ lunch as a reward for raising over $1,000.00:
Year 7:
7F2, 7I1, 7I2, 7M1, 7M2, 7O2
Year 8:
8F1
Year 9:
9F2, 9M1
7M1 (Mr Schumann‟s PC) will receive a special treat for being the PC who raised the highest
amount ($1,998.20). These students will head off for a Jet Boat ride on Friday.
The Walkathon Raffle and Prizes took place last Term. Congratulations to the following winners:
Highest Raised in each Year Group: $100 Voucher to a store of their choice:
Year 7
Caleb Barnes
Year 8
Tristan Dibbs
Year 9
Jazmyn Jennings
Year 10
Jessica Garland
Raffle for Major Prize Winner: $500 to a store of their choice: Year 7: Jarrod Fehon
Congratulations to the Mini Marathon Winners:
Girls:
1st: Paige Leishman
2nd: Alannah Grose
st
Boys:
1 : Hunter Leishman
2nd: Benjamin Stocks
3rd: Jazmin Lawrence
3rd: Scott Irving
There were many winners in the lucky dip raffles which included some great prizes and vouchers.
The total amount raised for the school was $24,279.00. Students are asked to see their Student
Representative Councillor to put forward their ideas on how the money could be used to improve
our school.
Walkathon Committee
COMMUNITY NEWS
BACK TO BEL CANTO. Tacking Point Primary School‟s children‟s choir Bel Canto will be
performing on Thursday, 4th December at 6.30pm in the Tacking Point Primary School Hall. All
past members of Bel Canto are invited to attend or to perform an item. RSVP with “Yes I‟m
Coming” to Robyn Ryan 0407007993 or [email protected]. If you would like to speak or
perform an item RSVP to Kath Peck [email protected].
LOST PROPERTY
Have you lost your jumper?
There are a number of jumpers
As well as other items
In lost property
Please ask at the school office
A reminder to name all items of
uniform
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SCHOOL YEARBOOK
Once again this year we are compiling a Yearbook for St Agnes’ Parish Secondary Schools. This family of
schools incorporates St Paul’s High School, St Joseph’s Regional College, MacKillop Senior College and
Newman Senior Technical College. Again this year, the yearbook will be in full colour.
We are inviting the parents of our students who wish to advertise in this Yearbook, or to sponsor a page, to
complete the form below and return it with a cheque made payable to MACKILLOP SENIOR COLLEGE
to the College office of your choice, by Friday, 14th November. Please include a business card or relevant
artwork or email information to [email protected] .
I/We would like to advertise and/or sponsor a page in the 2014 School Yearbook.
CONTACT NAME: ___________________________________________________________________
BUSINESS NAME: ___________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________
PHONE:___________________________________________
EMAIL: _____________________________________________________________________________
The options and prices for this year are as follows:
1.
STANDARD BUSINESS CARD (incl GST)
$50
2.
ENLARGED ADVERTISEMENT (19cm x 5.5cm) (incl GST)
$85
3.
HALF-A-PAGE ADVERTISEMENT (incl GST)
$250
4.
FULL PAGE ADVERTISEMENT (incl GST)
$500
5.
FULL PAGE COLOUR ADVERTISEMENT (on inside cover) (incl GST)
$600
Donations of any amounts are also gratefully accepted.
Please return this page with payment to:
MacKillop Senior College, PO Box 5724, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.
Or
Please debit my credit card for $__________ and I will email the artwork to MacKillop
[email protected]
Card Number: _______________________________________ Expiry Date:___________
Signed: ____________________________
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YEAR 7 ASSESSMENT CALENDAR
Monday
Week 4
th
st
27 -31 October
Week 5
rd th
3 -7 November
Week 6
th
th
10 -14 November
Week 7
th
st
17 -21 November
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
French Speaking
Friday
PD/H/PE
French Listening
English
Exams
Mathematics (am)
Music (pm)
Exams
Science (am)
History (pm)
Exam
French (am)
YEAR 8 ASSESSMENT CALENDAR
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Week 6
th
th
10 -14 November
Week 7
th
st
17 -21 November
Week 8
th
th
24 -28 November
Thursday
Food Technology
French
Technical Skills
Exams
Science (am)
English (pm)
Drama
Textiles Technology
Week 5
rd th
3 -7 November
PD/H/PE (hand in)
Exam
Mathematics (am)
Friday
Exams
Geography (am)
Music (pm)
French
YEAR 9 ASSESSMENT CALENDAR
Monday
Tuesday
Week 4
th
st
27 -31 October
Week 5
rd th
3 -7 November
Week 6
th
th
10 -14 November
Thursday
Friday
Textiles
Technology
PD/H/PE (in
class)
Week 7
th
st
17 -21 November
Week 8
th
th
24 -28 November
Wednesday
IT - Timber
Music
PASS
Food
Technology
Marine &
Aquaculture
Technology
IT - Metal
Exams
Science (am)
Graphics (pm)
French (pm)
Exam
English (am)
Exams
Mathematics (am)
Commerce
Information &
Software
Technology
YEAR 10 ASSESSMENT CALENDAR
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Week 4
th
st
27 -31 October
Week 5
rd th
3 -7 November
Week 6
th
th
10 -14 November
Week 7
th
st
17 -21 November
French
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Thursday
Friday
Science
Visual Arts
(Mrs Cornale)
Music, IT - Metal,
Food Technology,
IT- Timber,
Information &
Software
Technology, Marine
& Aquaculture
Studies,
PASS
Visual Arts
(Mr Beddoe)
Exams
Mathematics (am)
Religious
Education (pm)
Exams
Geography/History
(am)
PD/H/PE (pm)
French
PARENT TALKS
Paul Dillon from Drug and Alcohol Research and Training, Australia is the keynote speaker at the
RRISK Seminars. The parent session is offered free of charge in the five localities that the RRISK
Seminars are running. Paul provides the latest drug and alcohol research and information of interest
to parents and anyone who works with adolescents. An invitation with the topics for this year’s
sessions will be provided closer to the dates.
Parent talk venues and times
Port Macquarie
Coffs Harbour
Kempsey
Lismore
Tweed Heads
Panthers Club
Southern Cross University
Melville High Community Hall
Southern Cross University
Civic Centre
Thursday, 6th November
Thursday, 13th November
Wednesday, 19th November
Tuesday, 25th November
Thursday, 4th December
4.00-6.00pm
4.00-6.00pm
4.00-6.00pm
4.00-6.00pm
4.00-6.00pm
Click below to access two of Paul’s recent blog posts –
Item 1 “When does school supervision stop and parenting begin” and
Item 2 “Medical cannabis getting lost in the smoke and forgetting that the drug can be highly
problematic for some”.
Crazy Sock Day
Thursday, 30th October
Come to school wearing crazy socks to raise awareness for
Catholic missions.
Bring a gold coin donation to PC!
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CYBER SAFETY
FOR PARENTS
Presentation by Andrew Burgess on
Monday, 27th October, 2014
from 7.00pm-8.00pm in the St Paul’s Library.
Are you struggling to keep up with the changes in this highly technological age …?
Are you worried about your child being online……..?
Andrew Burgess from the Catholic Schools Office in Lismore will be presenting to
parents on up to date and current Cyber trends and information regarding:
Digital Citizenship;
Safe use of technology and the internet;
Children's use of the internet and emerging technologies;
Potential risks for adults and children online;
Tips to help children and adults stay safe online; and
Where to get help.
Please register for this informative 1 hour session by emailing:
[email protected]
We look forward to seeing you there.
Thank you for your support.
Parent Assembly
Hastings Macleay Region
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