St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday, 8 June 2023
2023 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 2, Week 7
Pentecost Sunday was on 28 May
From the Principal
Dear Families,
We are now well over halfway through Term 2. This term is a different one for us as it is an uncommonly short second term. We usually have the first term as the shortest term in the year, but in 2023, it is our second term that is the shortest!
Our teachers and students have had a great first half of term filled with excursions, interschool sports, The Country Fair, our Art Show and lots of great focused learning. I would like to congratulate our students for their curiosity towards their learning, their support of each other and their application towards their school work. We look forward to finishing off the semester well and having a brilliant last couple of weeks of Term 2 learning at St Paul’s.
Last week was Reconciliation Week and we acknowledged this by participating in "Wear It Yellow Day" on Friday 2 June. Students engaged in learning more about what it means with their teachers during class by listening to stories and class discussions. These celebrations allow us time to stop, pause and show respect towards each other, embrace and learn about the rich and diverse cultures that are in our community. Thank you to our families for supporting the recognition and spirit of Reconciliation Week.
Semester One Reports
Teachers are busily working to assess student progress and write reports. Reports will be distributed electronically, via the nForma Parent Portal, after school on Tuesday 20 June. 3 Way Conferences, to discuss student progress, will be held on Wednesday 21 June.
School Concludes at 12:30pm - Wednesday 21 June
3 Way Conferences - Wednesday 21 June
3 Way Conferences (formerly known as Parent-teacher Interviews) will be held on Wednesday 21 June. The 3 Way Conference is a meeting which involves the child, the parent and the teacher. All students from Prep - Year 6 are asked to join their 3 Way Conference. The 3 Way Conference actively involves parents, students and teachers in reflecting on student progress throughout the first half of this year. This meeting is important for reinforcing the partnership between school and home.
Please note: School concludes for students at 12:30pm on Wednesday 21 June, with conferences beginning at 1:00pm. Supervision can be organised, from 12:30pm - 3:00pm, for students that travel by bus.
Staying Well
As we near the conclusion of Term 2, we are aware of a spike in influenza, and Covid-19 numbers across Victoria.
If anyone is experiencing cold/flu like symptoms, please remember to test for Covid-19 using a RAT and stay away from school to avoid transmitting illness. Also please remember to maintain practices such as hand-sanitation when and where possible. Students, staff and parents are most welcome to wear face masks. If you require additional RAT kits please pop into the office.
Division Cross Country
A large group of our Year 3-6 students have given their all representing St Paul’s lately, at the Inter-School Cross Country Competitions. First, there was the District Competition. Most of the competitors are not necessarily trained distance runners, but simply students who wanted to have a go and represent our school. I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts and endeavour, many of them pushing themselves to their limit.
We also came away with an amazing result, sending several students through to the next round - Division! What an achievement! We performed exceptionally well at the Division event, and Grace (Year 6) has won her way through to the NEXT round - REGIONALS! Amazing! Awesome work Grace, we wish you ALL the best.
I am so proud of the way our students have supported, encouraged and gotten around their schoolmates and pushed themselves out of their comfort zones. To me, they are all winners.
Student Representative Council
This morning I met with the SRC and we discussed plans for a 2023 School Disco. We were looking for their input on the structure of the disco - what they think works well and areas for improvement. We have taken notes on a wide range of impressive ideas and will now work with our Parents & Friends to set a date and plan a fun night for our students. We anticipate a school disco during Term 3 or early Term 4.
Annual Report to the Community 2022
The Annual Report for 2022 has been endorsed by MACS. A copy of the 2022 Annual Report is now available on our website for the community to read.
Public Holiday this Monday 12 June
This Monday is a Public Holiday, therefore there is no school on Monday.
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 last week 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 of 24 June 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?
Important Dates
TERM 2
- Monday 12 June - King's Birthday Public Holiday: NO SCHOOL
- Friday 16 June - Hot Lunch and Sushi Day (orders close 10pm Monday, 12 June)
- 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 (orders close 10pm Monday 17 July)
- 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 (orders close 10pm Monday 14 August)
- 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 (orders close 10pm Monday 4 Sept)
- Friday 15 September - Hot Lunch (Hot Dogs) & FOOTY COLOURS DAY! (orders close 1opm Monday 11 September)
- 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 - Years 4-6 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.
Child Safe Standards: Ministerial Order 1359
St Paul's Primary School is a child safe organisation which welcomes all children, young people, and their families. We are committed to providing environments where our students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives.
Our child safe policies, strategies and practices are inclusive of the needs of all children and students. We have no tolerance for child abuse and take proactive steps to identify and manage any risks of harm to students in our school environments. We also take proactive steps to identify and manage any risk of harm to students in our school. When child safety concerns are raised or identified, we treat these seriously and respond promptly and thoroughly.
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
St Paul's Policies
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
Community Notices
Community Directory
