St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday, 15 June 2023
2023 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 2, Week 8
Pentecost Sunday was on 28 May
From the Principal
Dear Families,
Two salesmen were sent away to a foreign land by a Shoemaking Company to investigate and report back on market potential.
The first salesman reported: “There is no potential there; nobody wears shoes!”
The second salesman reported: “There is immense potential there; nobody wears shoes!"
How important it is, that we teach our children to have a growth mindset and discover the power of "yet".
We all know from experience that what we believe about ourselves affects the way we act. Our children are likely to become the sorts of people they believe others believe them to be. As parents, we are the main influence in the development of self-belief within our children. What we say, either positive or negative, can have a long-lasting effect on our children, because they believe us.
"Careful the things you say. Children will listen." Stephen Sondheim.
Our children’s belief in their own ability to do things is of great influence on their
motivation, perseverance and success. Self-belief can motivate our children more than
their actual skill level. If they truly believe they can succeed at a test or write a poem,
they may be more likely to achieve it than other children who have better ability, but
who don't believe they can achieve it. The more our children believe they can do, the
more likely they are to generalise that self-belief to other areas of their life. They then
believe they have the ability to attempt, persevere and succeed.
With this in mind, when we see our children's Semester One Report, we are encouraged to congratulate them on where they persevered, worked hard, solved problems and presented work to the best of their ability. We can find opportunities where they applied a growth mindset. School Reports are a fantastic opportunity to show our children that we truly believe in them, and we know they will achieve great things!
Continuous Reporting - Seesaw
Continuous (or ongoing) reporting is the process of reporting regularly throughout the term/semester, rather than just at specified points. As teachers, we assess our students throughout the semester. In the past parents did not get a report on how their child was going until the end of a semester, which was often a long time after the assessment had taken place.
Since Remote Learning, we have strengthened our use of Seesaw to engage our families in learning. We use Seesaw to provide feedback to our students throughout the semester so as to inform and engage parents. Seesaw is the basis for our ‘continuous reporting model’.
The system of continuous reporting allows parents to get an up-to-date, timely snapshot of what their child is learning and how they are progressing. It provides support for parents to participate in discussions with their children about their learning and enable parents to follow up with teachers in a timely manner if they have any concerns.
Continuous reporting occurs at St Paul’s via each child’s Seesaw learning journal. This builds throughout the year and provides students and parents with regular assessments of student learning.
Each child has an individual Seesaw journal which includes work samples and assessment in the form of comments for Religious Education, and rubrics in all other subject areas. Each child should have the following, at a minimum, in their Seesaw journal from Semester 1 (Terms 1 and 2 combined):
- Student Self Reflection
- 2 X pieces of work, across the Semester, that demonstrate student outcomes from the RE Curriculum Framework OR Sacramental Program
- 1 X Writing Sample
- 1 X Literacy assessment per term, covering the areas of - Speaking and Listening, Writing and Reading and Viewing
- 2 X samples across the Semester demonstrating student outcomes in Numeracy: Number and Algebra.
- 1 piece of work demonstrating student outcomes for Measurement and Geometry OR; Statistics and Probability (Areas not covered in Semester 1 can be reported on in Semester 2)
- Work samples from the integrated units of work.
- Specialist Subjects: Visual Arts, Music/Performing Arts, Italian & Phys Ed - 1 piece of work across the Semester that demonstrates student outcomes in that Specialist Area.
Having said this, over the next week you will see an influx of Seesaw posts and uploads. This term many of the student work samples have needed to be completed over the term and the teachers have waited for the final product before uploading. There has been plenty on this term with Confirmation and the magnificent Art Show, and further to this it has been a short term.
The teachers are working tirelessly to finalise assessments and upload them for you to access. Teachers will be uploading samples right up until the 3 Way Conferences (when the Seesaw journals are finalised for Semester 1).
Please look at, and read your child’s Seesaw journal, in conjunction with the written report. Parents then have the opportunity to clarify and discuss their child's work during the 3 Way Conferences. Parents are encouraged to point out the positives that they find in their children's work samples. Students should be praised for their effort, hard work and perseverance this Semester, we congratulate them all.
Semester One Reports
Reports will be distributed electronically, via the nForma Parent Portal, after school on Tuesday 20 June. The 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.
Work Experience
Next week we welcome Sebastian Farquett (past student) and Kaylah Cannon to St Paul's for Work Experience. We look forward to their visit and we know they will be a great support around our school, while getting insight into the wonderful teaching profession!
Regional Cross Country
Grace competed in the Regional Cross Country last Tuesday. We are extremely proud of Grace for reaching this level of competition. She ran very well and is a credit to her family for the way she challenged herself. Congratulations Grace, and all of our athletes, on a superb Inter-School Athletics season.
Inter-School Sport
This Tuesday our Year 4-6 students will compete in the soccer and netball Inter-School Sport competitions here at Monbulk. Other schools of similar size from around our area will compete in the carnival.
Next Thursday 22 June we are sending 2 teams to the AFL 9's Gala Day at Mullum Reserve in North Ringwood.
It is always a pleasure to see the joy our students experience as they participate in their sports. They always represent St Paul's with pride, and we are grateful to Emma-lee Curwood for organising these opportunities, and to Daniel Salan, Jo McIntosh, Cathie Vermeer and our parent helpers for their support.
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
Artwork for sale via silent auction
Due to an oversight at the Artshow, we have some beautiful artworks that were donated by the brilliant artist Tania Tanti. These will be in the school foyer and the silent auction will be going until the end of Term 2. Please make a bid on the auction pages located with the artworks in the foyer. We would love to continue to raise more funds for our art program.
Tania Tanti is an Australian born artist located in Melbourne. Tania's playful and energetic fine art pieces explore the endless possibilities of paint and thread. These prints feature her stunning quilted and embroidered pieces, which see her stitching together her hand painted fabrics to create these detailed and joyous expressions of landscapes, nature and still life.
Tania is making her mark firmly and boldly in the artistic world since committing herself to full time art practice. Her work has featured in a number of exhibitions, is held privately, and by the US International Quilt Museum, Lincoln, Nevada.
CDF Pay: Next Hot Lunch/Sushi Day - Tomorrow
Event & Date: Hot Lunch/Sushi Day - Friday, 16 June
Orders Open: Monday, 5 June
Orders Close: NOW CLOSED
* Please note: No late orders can be accepted.
For a direct link to CDF Pay click here.
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
- 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
