St Paul's Newsletter: Friday, 2 June 2023
2023 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 2, Week 6
From the Principal
St Paul's Art Show: From Emma-lee Curwood
On Wednesday night we had our school Art Show. It's been a long 5 years since our last show so there was lots of artwork to view and appreciate. It was a jam-packed night with lots to see and do. Families were engaged in art activities such as scratch art, cabochon pendant making and Post-It Note art. Visitors could try to guess which teacher created each of the staff artworks on display. There was some serious thinking happening with students trying to look for clues in the art to determine which teacher would have made each piece. Families were invited to put a bid on the whole class and staff art pieces. The live action revealed some competitiveness which helped to drive the prices. We had hundreds of pieces of artwork that all of our students had made over the last few years. The bright, colourful and creative pieces gave families lots to discuss and admire. The FREE sausages were a hit and the coffee van helped to warm stomachs and hands. We had some hand-made market stalls which exhibited some highly-skilled artists and their wares. Richard, from 'Rich Man Pour Man' Cafe in Monbulk, volunteered his time to host live cartooning workshops. He is also a professional cartoonist who regularly draws for The Age newspaper. Visitors to our art show were able to actively engage in his lesson and learn some new skills.
My sincere thanks goes out to all of the amazing artists at our school, the staff who tirelessly support our art program, as well as our amazing families who support our school, thank you all. A particular thank you to Cara Kirby and Michelle Browitt for volunteering so much of their time to help with the planning, set up and organisation of the whole event. Many hands make light work.
With thanks and until the next art show.
Mrs Emma-lee Curwood
2023 ART SHOW
Dear Families,
Last Wednesday evening’s Art Show was a resounding success, thanks to the comprehensive planning that went into the event and the number of families who turned up in support. It was incredible to see so many students, staff, parents, extended family and special visitors in attendance.
I would like to reiterate my comments from Wednesday evening by acknowledging the outstanding role Emma-lee Curwood has performed as our Visual Arts teacher, and for the passion and drive she has displayed in putting our 2023 Art Show together. Mrs Curwood has been supported through the process by the enthusiasm and assistance of both staff and parents.
It would be remiss of me not to give credit to the parents who have aided with this year’s Art Show. Thank you in particular to Cara Kirby and Michelle Browitt for their assistance and support, working closely with Emma-lee to ensure a very successful event.
Learning through and about the Visual Arts enriches the experience of our students and gives them a sense of wellbeing. Visual Arts subjects encourage self-expression and creativity and can build confidence as well as a sense of individual identity. I think everyone would agree that the array of children’s artwork on display at our Art Show did exactly those things, and the quality was nothing short of superb.
The class auction pieces were of the highest quality, and were a credit to the students and teachers who co-created them. Classes spent considerable time planning and creating their pieces, including our teachers who planned and prepared the resources in their own time! Huge thanks to our families who placed very generous bids on those pieces.
The Staff Art Works proved to draw plenty of attention and admiration. Every staff member had a go, and the quality of the works were exceptional. We acknowledge the effort and time that our staff gave up to contribute their own works.
A terrific social buzz was prevalent throughout the night, which was enhanced by our stall holders, coffee van and the free sausage sizzle. We thank Empire Coffee for staffing the van, all of our wonderful stall holders, as well as the families for their support, many hot drinks were purchased and 300 sausages were enjoyed by many.
Our wonderful students and staff pushed themselves out of their comfort zone, and they demonstrated our school value of courage - having a go at things even when it can be challenging. By creating art work, and putting it on display for all to see, there is a vulnerability there because we leave ourselves open to praise, but also criticism. This can be a huge challenge! We congratulate every child and staff member on their excellent works of art and thank you ALL for your support of the event.
Working Bee - Thank You!
The day after our marvellous Art Show we had a Working Bee to assist with the pack up/clean up. Although the vast majority of the pack up was done, we still required some grunt work, and as always, it was the St Paul's parents to the rescue! Jobs completed included: Taking up the Art Show carpet in the hall, blowing out leaves and debris, tables and chairs put away, furniture re-arranged, and a huge clean up of the sports shed. Thank you so much to the following parents for another wonderful effort: Daniel Sheers, Jason Whittaker, Jodie Brown, Geoff Browitt and Ben Hardman.
Without the help of our parent community we wouldn’t be able to maintain the grounds ourselves, so we truly value and appreciate every bit of assistance at our working bees. Thank you very much.
Division Cross Country Carnival: From Mrs Curwood
On Friday 26 May, St Paul's had 12 students competing in the interschool district cross country competition. The conditions were cold and dry but extremely muddy. Jessica even lost her shoe which got stuck in the mud, but she showed great persistence and determination, completing the race in one runner and a sock!
Out of our 12 competitors, 7 have progressed through to the division finals which are on Tuesday 6 June at the Yarra Valley Racecourse. We wish all of our runners the best of luck in their races.
Go St Paul's!
Cyber Savvy @ St Paul's
St Paul’s Primary School, Monbulk, prides itself on being at the cutting edge of technology – we are eSmart! Students in classrooms have access to a range of technology resources and this allows for collaboration, creation and presentation of work inside and outside the classroom. Parents can access student work portfolios through the SeeSaw App. All parent information, as well as permission forms, is sent out electronically through the Operoo App.
This week, our Student Wellbeing Leader Sarah Kleverkamp, invited Victoria Police Senior Officers, Peter Williams and Luke Eggington, to present to the Year 5/6 students on Cybersafety. The information was presented from a Police perspective, utilising the experiences and knowledge Peter and Luke have gained in their career. Together, the students learned about safe home practices around Internet usage and discussed areas where we can be more vigilant.
Some tips:
1. Set privacy settings on social networking sites, search engines and online games.
2. Have an ‘open door policy’ – avoid having computers and devices in bedrooms
3. Talk to your child about safe use of the internet and make sure they understand at least the basics around password secrecy and not giving out personal information.
Wear It Yellow Day
Thank you to our community for supporting "Wear It Yellow Day" in recognition of Reconciliation Week. Today we wore a touch of yellow and in class this week our teachers facilitated activities and discussions around our Indigenous culture.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Watt
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Term 4 Dates
Please note the following adjustments to closure days in Term 4...
- CANCELLED - Closure Day on Monday 11 December is cancelled. School will be open and running on Monday 11 December.
- Closure Day: Monday 4 December - this date aligns with a Closure Day at Monbulk PS. We anticipate (TBC) that OSHCLUB will offer a full day program.
- School concludes for the 2023 school year on FRIDAY 15 DECEMBER
From the School Office
CDF Pay: Next Hot Lunch/Sushi Day - Friday, 16 June
Event & Date: Hot Lunch/Sushi Day - Friday, 16 June
Orders Open: Monday, 5 June
Orders Close: Monday 12 June @ 10pm
* Please note: No late orders can be accepted after this time
For a direct link to CDF Pay click here.
Fee Statements
Fee Statements have been emailed today to families with outstanding balances on their school accounts. If you have not received yours, or have any queries on your account, please do not hesitate to contact the school office. Please note, the due date for the Camp Fees is relevant only to families with students in Years 5 and 6 who will be attending camp later in the year.
Operoo - Student Medical and Contact Details
Please ensure that you have reviewed and updated your child's Operoo profile, carefully checking that all information held about your child and emergency contact details are accurate and up to date.
- Have any of your family or contact details changed?
- Have there been any changes to your child's medical profile?
- Have you uploaded your child's updated Allergy, Asthma or Anaphylaxis plan?
Scholastic Book Club - Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who ordered books from Scholastic Book Club. These are the resulting free books provided to the library as a result. The children will adore them!
Important Dates
TERM 2
- Friday 2 June - Hot Lunch and Sushi Day
- Monday 12 June - King's Birthday Public Holiday: NO SCHOOL
- Friday 16 June - Hot Lunch and Sushi Day
- Thursday 22 June - School Advisory Council
- Wednesday 21 June - 3 Way Conferences (aka Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews)
- Wednesday 21 June - School Concludes at 12:30pm
- Friday 23 June - Term 2 Concludes
TERM 3
- Monday 10 July - Term 3 Commences
- Friday 21 July - Hot Lunch and Sushi Day
- Wednesday 26 July - Grandparents and Special Person's Day
- Wednesday 26 July - School Advisory Council
- Tuesday 8 August - Feast of Mary MacKillop
- Wednesday 9 August - Mary MacKillop Mass
- Saturday 12 August - Emerald BBQ
- Tuesday 15 August - Feast of the Assumption of Mary
- Wednesday 16 August - Assumption of Mary Mass
- Friday 18 August - Hot Lunch and Sushi Day
- Thursday 31 August - Working Bee
- Thursday 31 August - School Advisory Council
- Friday 1 September - SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY
- Wednesday 6 September - Friday 8 September - Year 5/6 Camp to Sovereign Hill
- Friday 8 September - Hot Lunch and Sushi Day
- Friday 2 June - Hot Lunch (Hot Dogs) and FOOTY COLOURS DAY!
- Friday 15 September - Term 3 concludes
TERM 4
- Monday 2 October - Term 4 commences
- Wednesday 11 October - Prep Mass
- Wednesday 18 October - School Advisory Council
- Friday 20 October - Hot Lunch (Pizza & Gelato) and Italian Day
- Saturday 21 October - Emerald BBQ
- Thursday 26 October - Working Bee
- Monday 6 November - SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY
- Tuesday 7 November - Melbourne Cup PUBLIC HOLIDAY
- Wednesday 8 November - 50% Years P-3 Students Swimming Program
- Thursday 9 November - 50% Years P-3 Students Swimming Program
- Friday 10 November - 50% Years P-3 Students Swimming Program
- Friday 17 November - Hot Lunch and Sushi Day
- Thursday 30 November - School Advisory Council (AGM)
- Monday 4 December - SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY
- Wednesday 6 December - Gratitude Day Mass
- Thursday 7 December - Christmas Carols Night
- Friday 8 December - Hot Lunch and Sushi Day
- Wednesday 13 December - Passing On Ceremony
- Wednesday 13 December - Year 6 Graduation (6pm Mass)
- Friday 15 December - Final school day for students
Uniform Shop
Ross Haywood Sports - Update:
St Paul's Online Uniform Shop
https://www.rhsports.com.au/product/school_wear/st_pauls_monbulk_ps
For in-store purchases RH Sports are located at 12/100 New St, Ringwood (subject to any COVID restrictions in force at the time).
The store is now a CASHLESS STORE, EFTPOS transactions will be the only acceptable method of purchase. Recent changes to improve the health and safety of staff and customers include perspex screens at the registers and the supply of hand sanitiser. We ask that customers please apply this on entry to the store.
Online ordering continues as normal with all delivery options available including contactless pick up. Please phone the store on 9870 1377 if you have any further queries.
Secondhand Uniform Shop
Our secondhand uniform shop is managed by Kelly Garrett with items being purchased by gold coin donation. If you are looking for items of secondhand uniform please feel free to text Kelly on 0435 810 954 with your wish list. Items will usually be sent home via class tubs or collected from the school office by arrangement.
The secondhand uniform shop welcomes donations of St Paul's current school uniform items which are still in good condition. We do not accept the old St Paul's round neck jumpers, yellow shirts or non-St Paul's items. If you have any current uniform items you no longer need please feel free to leave your donations at the school office.
OSHClub
Out of School Hours Care: OSH Club
Enrolments, Bookings and Enquiries
Parents will need to enrol with OSHClub. Please visit https://www.oshclub.com.au/ and click on "REGISTER". You will need to enrol with the Monbulk Primary School service.
OSH Club News
Child Safe Standards: Ministerial Order 1359
The original Child Safe Standards were implemented in Victoria during 2016. They were developed in response to The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse (2013 - 2017). In 2019 Victoria agreed to adopt the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. Schools are one example of a Child Safe Organisation.
There are eleven Child Safe Standards:
Child Safe Standard 1 – Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
Child Safe Standard 2 – Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
Child Safe Standard 3 – Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
Child Safe Standard 4 – Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
Child Safe Standard 5 – Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
Child Safe Standard 6 – People working with children and young people are suitable and
supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
Child Safe Standard 7 – Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
Child Safe Standard 8 – Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
Child Safe Standard 9 – Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
Child Safe Standard 10 – Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
Child Safe Standard 11 – Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
MACS provides Catholic schools with templates for the required documentation which we are required to adapt to reflect our school community whilst ensuring all legal requirements are met. Below are 3 key documents that we continue to review in light of the new standards:
Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
Child Safe Standards: Identifying and Responding - Reporting Obligations
School Policies, Forms and Documents
Community Notices
Community Directory
