St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday, 10 August 2023
2023 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 3, Week 5
From the Principal
Dear Families,
Since the 5th Century there has been an active tradition and belief about the Assumption of Mary. The tradition states that Mary was physically ‘taken up’ into heaven at the end of her life on Earth. It is believed that her soul and her body remained united. This ancient belief was defined as an infallible teaching of the Church by Pope Pius XII in 1950. The feast is celebrated on August 15 and is a Holy Day of Obligation.
Fr Cruz will be celebrating Mass in St Paul’s Church to honour the Feast of the Assumption this Wednesday, 16 August, at 10:15am. The entire school will be attending. Parents are welcome to join us.
Prayer Gathering - Monday 2:10pm
This Monday at 2:10pm we will have our next Prayer Gathering Assembly. Year 5/6S will lead our Prayer, all welcome.
WEAR A TOUCH OF ORANGE!
National Day of Action Against Bullying: 18 August
Friday 18 August is the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA).
The NDA is Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative for schools, encouraging whole-school communities to work together to implement evidence-informed positive and proactive solutions to prevent and address bullying.
On Friday 18 August, we encourage students and staff to wear a TOUCH OF ORANGE in recognition of National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. This might be a T-shirt, socks, orange shoes, anything orange! If a student has no orange clothing items that is ok, we don't expect families to purchase items. This is not a Free Dress Day, simply we encourage students to wear a touch of orange if possible, and the rest of their clothing is school uniform.
In classrooms the staff will reinforce our zero tolerance approach to bullying on the day. students will complete anti-bullying activities which focus on the message of the day. This year's message is about growing positive connections with other students and the broader school community.
Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS): Monday 28 August – Friday 15 September 2023
Throughout each year, we pause to listen to our students, families and staff to gauge how our learning community is travelling. This feedback is invaluable to our progress as effective school communities and is backed by evidence-based research and best practices.
A significant and formal way in which we engage and gather data is through MACSSIS, the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys.
MACSSIS is a set of surveys that have been built specifically for Catholic schools in Melbourne by the Learning Services team at MACS, in partnership with researchers at Learning First and in wide consultation with principals in our schools.
In 2023, students, families and staff are invited to participate in MACSSIS via our secure and purpose-built online platform. The online platform is where our school leaders will access the summary reports that visualise the results of the student, family and staff surveys.
The MACSSIS survey platform is operated by an independent supplier, ORIMA Research Pty Ltd. The platform meets with the high security and privacy standards for handling student and school data. Participating schools are in the process of updating their privacy policy to ensure school communities are fully informed and protected.
Students at our school will be provided with supervised sessions, where teachers are on hand to help and answer any questions. Families and staff can complete the survey anytime over the three-week window via an emailed link and password. Feedback has indicated that previous surveys were completed across a range of mobile devices and different web browsers.
Our community’s opinions are critical to understanding how our school is performing – MACSSIS is a key data source for guiding the ongoing work to improve our school.
All participation is invited, welcomed and 100 per cent voluntary. The surveys are not a test; they are an inclusive way to support the work we are already doing to improve our school. Everyone has the right to refuse to participate, or withdraw from the survey at any point before, during or after completion of the survey. Please notify the school if your child does not wish to participate.
Book Week: 19-25 August
Children’s Book Week will be celebrated from 19-25 August. Book Week is run by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA). The theme for 2023 is “Read, Grow, Inspire”.
We will have a Book Week Dress Up Day on Monday 21 August. Children are encouraged to dress up as their favourite book character for the day. We will hold a parade on the day.
Coinciding with Book Week, we have the St Paul’s Primary School Book Fair which will be set up in the school/Church for space. Many thanks to Alayne, our Library Technician, for enthusiastically organising the Book Fair for the children.
Emerald Barbecue
This Saturday is our next Emerald Barbecue. If you are in Emerald on Saturday morning, please call in to Emerald Meats, a great supporter of our school community, and grab a sausage in bread! Thank you to the families that have volunteered for this Emerald Barbecue including: Rubio, Coffey, Colussi, Willett/Kenins and Pezzaniti.
Inter-School Sport: HOOPTIME
Wednesday, 9 August saw all of our Grade 4-6 students go to the District Hooptime Basketball Competition. It was held at Knox Basketball Stadium in Boronia. We had 6 teams entered from the All Stars competitiion to Rookies competition with many of our students having never played a game of basketball before.
The teamwork, sportsmanship and positive attitude shown by all of our St Paul's students was admirable. Each student should be so proud of the way they played and persisted through some tough competition.
The All Star girls team came second in their competition and will proceed through to the next round.
A huge thank you to our parent helpers, Sylvia, Adam, Ben, Cherry, Jess, Sally, Cara and Angie. We can't participate in events like these without support from families, so thank you so so much.
Bring on next year and Good Luck to our All Star Girls Team for their next round! Go St Paul's!
Father's Day and School Disco
Our Parents & Friends Committee are currently organising our Father's Day celebrations as well as the School Disco. Please see flyers below.
Principal's Conference: First Nations Immersion
The Outer East Principal Network is attending an immersion experience, living in 2 Aboriginal communities, through "Red Earth Immersions". The communities are located in Cape York.
Red Earth immersions give people from across Australia and the world the opportunity to make meaningful, personal connections with remote Indigenous communities in some of the most beautiful corners of Australia.
Red Earth has longstanding relationships with remote communities and homelands where traditional Aboriginal culture still lives strong. Principals will stay on country with Traditional Owners and their families to get a sense of what life is like.
During the immersion, we will spend most of our time with community Elders to learn about the rich culture of their Country directly from the custodians of the land. This will also involve hiking to sacred sites, engaging with local kids, or sharing stories around the campfire.
The goal is to facilitate personal connections and to allow our group to develop a first-hand understanding of the challenges and beauty of modern life in remote Indigenous communities.
I will be off-site for 10 days, beginning on Friday 18 August, and will return to St Paul's on Monday 28 August. Carolynne Boyd is Acting Principal in my absence, and if Carolynne is not available, Kelly Geoghegan or Maria Cook are Acting Principals.
Please note: there will be NO NEWSLETTER sent out in Week 7.
We Built a LIBRARY!
In 2019 we worked with a company called "Digital Schools" to re-develop our school website and 'reach out' to the world around us. Part of the Digital Schools platform includes a section titled "Upschool".
Over the past few years, Upschool has grown into an interactive education platform, helping schools connect globally through social justice projects. These projects link seamlessly with our Catholic identity and our social justice values.
In 2022 we worked closely with Digital Schools to roll out an integrated studies unit titled ‘Building Change Making Communities’. Our 2022 Year 4-6 students utilised resources provided through Upschool to develop their understanding of being a Changemaker to promote a fair, just and more equitable world. They explored how they can use critical and creative thinking while working in teams to make ethical choices that can positively impact the lives of others in both their local and global communities.
Using the resources and connections on the Upschool website, students were provided with the opportunity to apply their learning and make a real difference in the lives of others around the World. They were presented with the Challenge to raise $10,000 to build a library for a school in need.
Following their wonderful achievement last year of working as a team and raising over $10,000 to build a library for a community less fortunate than themselves, last Tuesday the students in 4/5 and 5/6 had the wonderful opportunity of meeting the recipients of their efforts. Students chatted to staff and students from The Real School & College in Tramri, Pakistan, hearing about how the library had been built and how our students' efforts will enhance the education and lives of this Pakistan community. We are so very proud of our students for reaching this incredible goal and making a real difference in the lives of others around the World.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Watt
School Closure Day - Friday 1 September
A reminder that the school will be closed on Friday 1 September for staff professional learning. The office will be closed as the entire staff will be working offsite for the day. We will be at the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre in the city for Staff Faith formation and Professional Learning centred on the Religious Dimension Sphere. This will be the only school closure day for the term. Thanks again to all parents for making arrangements for the care of your child(ren) on this day.
From the School Office
CDF Pay - Hot Lunch Day and Father's Day Breakfast
Event & Date: Hot Lunch Day - Friday, 18 August
Orders Open: Now
Orders Close: Monday 14 August @ 10pm
Event & Date: Fathers Day Breakfast - Thursday, 31 August
Orders Open: Now
Orders Close: Monday 27 August @ 10pm
* Please note: No late orders can be accepted after orders close
For a direct link to CDF Pay click here.
Book Fair - Help Needed Please!
Volunteer Parent Helpers are requested to assist Alayne with the Book Fair before and after school on the week of 18-23 August. If you are available to help, please contact the school office.
Scholastic Book Club
Wow! Look at all of the wonderful books the school has acquired for the library thanks to your purchases through the Scholastic Book Club.
The students and I really appreciate your support.
Regards,
Alayne
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 3
- Saturday 12 August - Emerald BBQ
- Tuesday 15 August - Feast of the Assumption of Mary
- Wednesday 16 August - Assumption of Mary Mass
- Friday 18 August - National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence
- Friday 18 August - Hot Lunch and Sushi Day (orders close 10pm Monday 14 August)
- Saturday 19 - Friday 25 August - Book Week
- Friday 25 August - District Athletics
- 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
Financial Resource Support for Families
