St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday, 14 September
2023 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 3, Week 10
From the Principal
Dear Families,
As you are now aware, at the conclusion of the 2023 school year, I will be changing schools to take up the position of Principal at St Clement of Rome Catholic Primary School, Bulleen. I now take another step in a career that is built on a love for learning and seeing students grow.
It has been my true privilege to serve as the Principal of St Paul's since May, 2016. I can honestly say that my time here has been full of blessings. We have grown immensely, we have built deep relationships, and we have learned alongside each other as students, staff, parents, and community partners.
Saying goodbye will not be easy, however, I have full confidence in the shared sense of purpose we have
established here at St Paul's. I have been humbled by how the St Paul's community has embraced me as a leader. I am so grateful for the people that I have met, and the relationships we have built along my journey here.
Many of you have taken the time to stop and write me a message or say congratulations and express your thanks. I am truly grateful for this and I thank you all for your support.
There will be much more to say at the conclusion of Term 4 when my time here comes to an end, but for now, I will be making the most of my final term at St Paul's watching the children grow and delight in their learning.
Thank You and Good Luck!
As we move into term 4 I wish to announce that two of our most experienced staff members have made the decision to retire from education at the end of the 2023 school year.
Cathie Vermeer will not return to St Paul's next year as her amazing teaching career comes to an end. Cathie has been a "keeper of the vision" for St Paul's and we congratulate her on her contribution to education, both here at our school and across her career. Cathie has been an incredible classroom teacher and an inspirational leader throughout her time at St Paul's and we wish her every blessing as she enjoys her retirement.
Elizabeth Van Graas has been a Learning Support Officer here at St Paul's for many years. Elizabeth has been extremely supportive of all children and their families in her care. From the teacher's perspective, Elizabeth is a delight to work with in the classroom, supporting students in an endless variety of ways. Elizabeth will be missed, and we wish her every blessing in her retirement.
More will be said and written about these wonderful people towards the end of Term 4.
Year 5/6 Camp: Sovereign Hill
I was very lucky last week to be able to attend the Year 5/6 Camp at Sovereign Hill. Students gained great insight into the goldrush era as they visited the 'Living Museum'. The children were beautifully behaved on and we had many comments on how well students were behaving and engaging in the activities. We experienced all that Sovereign Hill has to offer. Students particularly enjoyed the Eureka Centre, AURA Light and Sound Show, the Pantomime, lolly shop, the candle making, panning for gold, the bakery and the old style café.
A huge thank you to all the staff who attended the camp - Jo McIntosh, Daniel Salan and Carolynne Boyd. Going on camp is an exciting time for staff members as well but, it is also a 24-hour job while you are there, and we are most grateful.
2024 Philip Island Camp: April 22-24
Next year our Year 5/6 students will attend camp at Philip Island. They will visit the penguin parade, pelican feeding, Churchill Island, Koala Park and the Chocolate Factory. Students will go surfing and visit Amaze 'n' Things, it will be sensational!!
Division Athletics
Congratulations to the 13 students who qualified to represent both St Paul’s and the District in the Division Athletics, held yesterday at the Bill Sewart Athletics Track. Division is a high level of competition and students that came in the top section of their event now progress to the next level of elite Regional competition. We are all very proud of our student's efforts and congratulate them. Thanks to those parents that were able to transport the team, Emma-lee Curwood for organising the team, and to Jo McIntosh for attending the event.
Farewell and Good Luck!
Toby (Year 4) and his family will be moving on from St Paul's at the conclusion of Term 3. Toby will attend a school closer to his home. We will miss Toby, Tamara, Craig and the family, and we are grateful for the contribution to St Paul's. Good luck Toby!
Thank you Ally
This week we have had a past student, Ally Berryman, complete one week of Work Experience with us. Ally has been a terrific help, assisting right across the school in all grades. We thank Ally for her time and she has done a wonderful job. Thanks Ally!!
Footy Colours and Hot Dog Day
On Friday 15 September, the final day of Term 3, we will have a Footy Colours Day, where the children can wear free dress in the colours and/or uniform of their favourite sports team (red, white and black outfits are welcome and encouraged), regardless of the footy code or sport.
MACSSIS Surveys Now Open
Every family has received login codes to the MACSSIS Family Surveys.
As communicated in last week’s newsletter, these surveys provide valuable information to the school about how we are going and help us to think about future directions.
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 ongoing improvement of the school.
Please try to complete the survey. We really do value your contribution.
The survey is available online, can be accessed from Monday 28 August and needs to be completed by Friday 15 September 2023. This survey may only be completed once.
Summer Uniform: No Hat, No Play
St Paul’s is a registered SunSmart School and it is time to 'dig out' that hat!
For the first week of Term 4 wearing a hat is optional.
All children are required to wear their school hat on the schoolyard at playtime as of the beginning of Week 2, Monday 9 October.
Summer Uniform: The weather will fluctuate at the beginning of term 4, with a mixture of warm and
cool school days. Therefore, when term 4 begins, the children will have the option of wearing either summer or winter uniform (but not a combination of the two).
Parents can decide on the uniform based on the weather forecast.
Disco Fever!
This evening we will host the St Paul’s School Disco.
Cost: $5.00 per child (water and lollies included).
The Prep -3 Disco starts at 4:30pm and runs until 5:30pm.
The Year 4-6 Disco starts at 6:00pma nd runs until 7:30pm.
Our Disco will be in the double classroom Italian and Music space, adjacent to the library.
Students can be walked to the disco entrance via the undercover space and will enter through the library doors. They can be collected from the undercover space at the conclusion of their disco.
Carla Rademaker and her team of helpers have done a great job organising the Disco, and we say a HUGE THANK YOU!! Our school disco proves to be a great event each year, and tonight will be no exception.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Watt
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
- Friday 15 September: Term 3 Concludes - 3:00pm
- Monday 6 November: School Closure Day
- Tuesday 7 November: Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
- Monday 4 December: School Closure Day (OSHClub Available)
- Friday 15 December: School year Concludes - 3:00pm
Please check the 'Important Dates' page below for the latest school dates.
Amazing Effort!
A fantastic effort last weekend. On Saturday, Thomas and Heidi competed at the Multicultural Athletics meet at Casey Fields, Cranbourne.
Tom received a Gold in the 800m.
Heidi received a Gold in the 400m and a Silver in the 200m.
Congratulations!!
WOO HOO!!!
Well Done Harry!
Congratulations to Harry! Last weekend, he ran at the Puffing Billy Running Festival in the 5km event. He did really well, ran the whole way in just over 29 minutes!
Go Harry! WOO HOO!!!
From the School Office
2023 School Fees - Due date 16 September
A friendly reminder for those families not on a payment plan, that the due date for 2023 school fees to be finalised is 16 September.
Thank you to those families who have already settled their accounts in full.
Statements for families without outstanding balances will be emailed out before the school holidays.
If you have any queries relating to your account or are experiencing financial hardship, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
For Prep Parents: School Nursing Program - Reminder
Thank you to all the Prep parents who have already returned their School Nursing Program Questionnaire.
If you have not already done so, could you please return the questionnaire as soon as possible.
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
- Friday 15 September - Hot Lunch (Hot Dogs) & FOOTY COLOURS DAY! (orders close 1opm Monday 11 September)
- Friday 15 September - Term 3 concludes
- Saturday 16 September - 2023 School Fees due
TERM 4
- Monday 2 October - Term 4 commences
- Wednesday 11 October - Prep Mass
- Wednesday 18 October - School Advisory Council
- Friday 20 October - Hot Lunch 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
