St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday, 31 August 2023
2023 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 3, Week 8
From the Principal
Dear Families,
On Friday, 18 August, I flew to Cairns with 18 other principals from the Outer East region of Melbourne. On Saturday morning, we were collected by bus and we travelled through Cooktown, all the way up to Hope Vale. After a couple of days in Hope Vale, we then travelled to Bloomfield. We experienced living in two different Aboriginal communities, and visited three homelands where we met the elders:
*Hope Vale - Guurriill Homeland - Richie and Lillian
*Bloomfield - Wujal Wujal Homlands - Aunty Kathleen
*Meg Falls - Yindilli Homelands - C.J.
It was the most rugged experience! We were literally living off the land. We learnt about bush medicine and bush tucker. We experienced the use of drop toilets and river washing. We saw some magnificent sites such as the Wujal Wujal (Bloomfield) Falls in the Isabella Falls. We visited Aboriginal sacred sites. We walked up creeks, and we sat around the fire. We had aboriginal language lessons, we cooked damper and we roasted meat on the fire.
Whilst in Hope Vale, we visited the local Catholic church. All the Principals took time for a short prayer. This reminded us of the Aboriginal sacred sites that we had visited, and the customs that the elders had taught us. Customs such as calling out to the ancestors, which reminded us of when we say our prayers. Other customs involved painting our body in clay, which brings us as close to the land as we possibly can be. This reminded me of Catholic traditions in customs, such as using oil and water in baptism being as close to God as we can possibly be at those moments.
It was an incredible experience, and I was extremely fortunate to be a part of it. Thanks very much to Carolynne Boyd for her work as Acting Principal in my absence, as well as the school Leadership team - Kelly Geoghegan and Maria Cook for their support of the school while I was away. I look forward to raising the profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across our school for the benefit of all of our students.
Principal's Conference: First Nations Immersion
Years 4-6 Museum "In Motion"
This term our Year 4-6 students have been learning about the concept of change through the lens of Australian history. Throughout the term they have investigated the causes and the reasons why people have migrated to Australia from Europe and Asia. Students have studied the events and people that have shaped our country. This learning lead to the opening of a Museum "In Motion" which was held yesterday, Wednesday 30 August.
The Museum In Motion was a learning expo where students dressed up and acted as a historical figure from Australian History. Students created a learning display with dioramas, posters, and the use of technology which enhanced the presentations. Each character display had questions that visitors could ask the character and visitors could listen to audio as they took in the amazing visual displays.
The Museum In Motion was incredibly impressive! We congratulate each and every Year 4-6 student on their wonderful displays and sensational acting. They are a wealth of Australian history knowledge, and we are excited that they will now continue their learning journey at next week's Sovereign Hill camp, which aligns beautifully with the curriculum. A huge thanks to Daniel Salan, Jo McIntosh and Cathie Vermeer for facilitating this amazing learning experience and to all of the teachers, students and parents who visited the Museum In Motion. A fantastic achievement all 'round!
Year 5/6 Camp: Sovereign Hill
This Wednesday 6 September the Year 5/6 students embark on their three-day camp to “Sovereign Hill” in Ballarat. The children and staff depart on Wednesday morning and will return on Friday afternoon.
Daniel Salan, Jo McIntosh and Carolynne Boyd will be responsible for the children over the three days. I will travel to Sovereign Hill on Thursday afternoon and spend the night with the group. Julie Dietrich will teach in year 3 and Cathie Vermeer will teach the Year 4 students during camp. We are all very much looking forward to a wonderful camp experience.
District Athletics - From Mrs Curwood
On Friday the 25 August, a team of Grade 3-6 students competed in the District Athletics competition at the Yarra Ranges Athletics Track. It was a beautiful winter day with the sun shining. St Paul's had a successful day with loads of students achieving ribbons at their events.
We have 12 students who have progressed onto the Division competition which is on September 13. We wish them all the best.
School Fees and Levies
We are extremely grateful to our families for their support and dedication when it comes to fee and levy commitments. There are still some outstanding fees for the 2023 school year, and families will receive statements in the coming days. If you could organise these payments with Helen in the office in the coming weeks it would be greatly appreciated. If you have any concerns over payment of school fees could you please contact the school office.
School Closure Day - Friday 1 September
A reminder that the school will be closed TOMORROW: Friday 1 September for staff professional learning. The office will be closed as the entire staff will be working offsite for the day. Staff will be at the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre in the city for Staff Faith Formation and Professional Learning centred on the Religious Dimension Sphere.
2024 Enrolments at St Paul's
We are expecting that all current families/students in Years Prep - 5 will be returning to St Paul's next year. If your family/child will not be returning next year, please contact the school office as soon as possible.
MACSSIS Surveys Now Open
In 2023, our school is participating in Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS). MACSSIS is an annual process whereby schools listen to the thoughts and feelings students, families and staff have about how their school can improve. These surveys help inform the ongoing improvement of schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
All St Paul's staff will be given a survey. All students in Years 4, 5, and 6 will be surveyed. All families will be surveyed.
One of the main goals of the family survey is to identify the strengths and areas for improvement in our school. MACSSIS data benefits everyone within our school and provides valuable community insights on areas that each school can focus on. Our school believes it is important to encourage families to have a voice and contribute to shaping the school's ongoing improvement.
The survey is available online. All families have been sent an email with the details to access to the survey. MACSSIS surveys need to be completed by Friday 15 September 2023.
Father's Day Celebrations
It was marvellous to see so many people here to enjoy breakfast with the children this morning, and we thank all of our dads/grand-dads and special people for making the effort to come to school early. We say a HUGE thanks to everyone in attendance for creating such a happy atmosphere. We also thank the staff for ensuring they were organised to welcome visitors before school.
We can not thank our Parents and Friends Association enough for a sensational brekkie and for a wonderful Father’s Day Stall. We had a group of volunteers arrive at school by 7:00am today and begin cooking. We had a team of volunteers yesterday to set up the Father’s Day Stall and we had many parents sourcing quality products for the stall.
I am always amazed and exceptionally grateful for the lengths people are willing to go to, in our community, for the benefit of our children. It was marvellous to see so many people here to enjoy breakfast with the children, thank you all.
On behalf of the staff we wish all of our families a lovely Father's Day this weekend.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Watt
From the School Office
Thank You for Supporting our Book Fair!
On behalf of St Paul's students and myself, this is a MASSIVE thank you to all parents, grandparents, and students who supported the St Paul's annual book fair.
We were able to acquire these books on commission for the library, plus we have a remaining amount (approximately $200.00) we can spend on Scholastic books throughout the next 12 months.
Thank you to Angela who helped out at the cashiers desk - I could not have run the fair as efficiently without you. I would also like to thank Bosa and the other staff members who helped set up and pack down the Fair. How fortunate we are to have such a generous community!
Alayne
CDF Pay - Hot Lunch & Disco
Event & Date: Hot Lunch Day - Friday, 8 September
Orders Open: Now
Orders Close: Monday 4 September @ 10pm
* No late orders can be accepted after this time
Event & Date: School Disco - Thursday, 14 September
Orders Open: Now
Orders Close: Thursday 14 September @ 2pm
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 3
- 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)
- Wednesday 6 December - Gratitude Day Mass
- Thursday 7 December - Christmas Carols Night
- Friday 8 December - Hot Lunch and Sushi Day
- Monday 4 December - SCHOOL CLOSURE 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
