St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday, 12 October
2023 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 4, Week 2
From the Principal
Dear Families,
October is the month of the Holy Rosary. In a school play about the life of Jesus, several of the actors had to memorise a line or two from scripture. One of the actors got stage-fright and couldn’t remember his line. He caught his mother’s eye and she mouthed the line: “I am the light of the world.”
With a huge smile on his face the boy declared: “My mother is the light of the world.”
Catholics have Mary the mother of Jesus as their universal mother, who truly could claim to be, “the light of the world”. There is a saying, “To Jesus through Mary”, which indicates that we pray through Mary as our intercessor who prays to God on our behalf. Because Mary was “favoured by God” (Luke 1:30) when she was personally chosen to become the mother of Jesus, we believe that we have a greater chance of obtaining God’s graces by asking Mary to intercede for us.
Medical Update and Respectful Request
We currently have active cases of several contagious illnesses throughout the school, including:
- Chickenpox
- COVID19
- Conjunctivitis
- Gastro (please keep your child home for a minimum of 24 hours following vomiting or diarrhoea)
- Slapped Cheek
In an effort to get on top of these illnesses and prevent further spread, we request that if your children are experiencing any symptoms of being unwell, i.e. runny nose, coughing, headaches, nausea, rash, temperature, etc or generally appear unwell, please keep them home from school.
Children who attend school with symptoms of being ill, put other children at risk of contracting a sickness from their friend. As a parent myself, I know that my children get sick, but I have to admit, it is disappointing if I hear that they were playing with a child who was already unwell and had been sent to school.
Additionally, sending our children to school if they are not well creates significant staffing challenges, it is an occupational hazard. Teachers work closely with the students and can be infected if a child who is sick is sent to school. This then forces teachers to stay home when they are unwell.
Respectfully, we request that when a child is displaying symptoms of illness, please keep them home, for the sake of all students, staff and our community.
2024 Prep Information Night - Wednesday 18 October
St Paul's will welcome 24 Prep students into the school community next year. Staffing preparations for 2024 are now underway, and we can announce that our Prep teachers for 2024 will be Jacqui Kerr (Mon-Wed) and Kelly Geoghegan (Thu-Fri). Kelly and Jacqui are an amazing team, and will be wonderful for our Prep students and families. We will hold our 2024 Prep Information Night on Wednesday 18 October starting at 7:00pm.
CRAZY 80's DAY - Friday 20 OCTOBER
Day for Daniel - Friday 27 October
Wear "a touch of red"
The Day for Daniel is an annual event involving schools, businesses and local communities. It sees over 1 million people each year participate in promotional events across Australia. These events help raise awareness of child safety, protection and harm prevention and complements the current broader work we are doing at St Paul’s to provide a safe and nurturing culture for all children.
The Day for Daniel is a way that we recognise our continuing commitment to child safety and the strengthening of school practices and policies in accordance with the Victorian minimum Child Safe Standards outlined in Ministerial Order No. 1359.
We encourage students to wear a "touch of red" to recognise Day for Daniel and raise awareness of child safety. The day is not a free dress day ... A red t-shirt, hair ribbon or red socks are most appropriate items, however it is NOT COMPULSORY to wear something red, and students may choose to wear school uniform.
2023 Multicultural Day: Monday 13 November
CELEBRATE MULTICULTURAL DAY! (CELEBRARE MULTICULTURALE!) - DRESS UP DAY!
The focus for this year's Multicultural Day will be celebrating all the diverse cultural families we have within our school and wider community. The emphasis of the day will be on the enormous contribution these different cultures have made on our lives. Students will engage in a range of activities throughout the day which will be directly related to a specific country or cultural group. The cultural activities will enable students to make links between their own cultures and compare them with other countries.
IDEAS FOR DRESS-UP FOR OUR MULTICULTURAL DAY
The theme is ‘Celebrating Multicultural Day’ so students are encouraged to wear or dress up - here are some ideas:
- Any traditional costumes e.g. Sari from India
- Colours of any flag eg Italia: green, white & red or Netherlands: red, white & blue
- Someone from another country e.g. Mexican from Mexico
- Any costume you may have at home e.g. fantasy or fictional
- Any famous international artist e.g. Da Vinci or Mario Brothers
- Favourite team/sportsperson from a particular country
- Wearing any mask (maschera)
Principal Appointment - Parent Consultation
John Corkill (MACS Regional Leadership Consultant) is seeking input from families around the appointment of a new principal at St Paul's.
All families have received an email today with an updated link. The link sent out earlier this week had a 'bug' which has now been rectified.
We strongly encourage parents to access the link and take the opportunity to provide your thoughts on the qualities of the leader to take this school into the future.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Watt
St Paul's Alumni selected for the CFFA Australian Soccer Team
Former St Paul's alumni, Toby Storer and Lachlan Price, recently represented Victoria in the CFFA Australian All Star National Soccer Teams competition on the Sunshine Coast this month. Toby was the star striker for the under 17s and Lachlan the main midfielder for the under 14s Victorian teams. Both boys were also the top goal scorers for their respective teams. Following their outstanding performances, both boys were selected in the CFFA All Australian National team’s in their respective age groups.
In addition to these amazing achievements, Lachlan was also selected as “Player of the Tournament” for all under 14 players in the competition. He will also be competing in the International Futsal Tournament on the Gold Coast in January 2024.
Both boys come from a rich heritage of outstanding male and female soccer and Futsal talent from St Paul’s in recent years.
Thank you to Andrew Price for providing this information - HUGE congratulations to all involved - GO ST PAUL'S!!!
TERM 4 SCHOOL CLOSURE DAYS:
- Monday 6 November: School Closure Day
- Tuesday 7 November: Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
- Monday 4 December: School Closure Day (OSHClub Available)
From the School Office
Applications can be made to the Victorian Government for a $200 "Active Kids Voucher". This voucher provides $200 towards your child's chosen sport or activity.
Visit this link to apply:
https://service.vic.gov.au/services/apply-for-get-active-kids-voucher/home?channel=mobileApplication
CDF Pay Events
Event & Date: Zooper Dooper Fridays (Term 4)
Orders Open: Now
* If you missed out last week, it is not too last to pay from this week for the remainder of Term 4
Event & Date: Hot Lunch & Sushi Day - Friday, 20 October
Orders Open: Now
Orders Close: Monday 16 October @ 10pm
* Please note: No late orders can be accepted after this time
For a direct link to CDF Pay click here.
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 has now passed.
Thank you to those families who have already settled their accounts in full.
Statements for families with outstanding balances were emailed earlier this week. If you have any queries relating to your account or are experiencing financial hardship, please do not hesitate to contact the school office to discuss.
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 4
- Wednesday 18 October - 2024 Prep Information Night 7:00pm
- 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 - Prep CL and Year 3BD Swimming Program
- Thursday 9 November - Year 1/2KG and Year 1/2D Swimming Program
- Friday 10 November - Years 4-6 Students Swimming Program
- Monday 13 November - MULTICULTURAL DAY
- Friday 17 November - Hot Lunch and Sushi Day
- Wednesday 22 November - Prep Mass
- Thursday 30 November - School Advisory Council (AGM)
- Monday 4 December - SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY
- Wednesday 6 December - Gratitude Day Mass
- Thursday 7 December - Christmas Carols Evening
- 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
Shire of Yarra Ranges - Newsletters
Please click the link below to access latest family news and events from Shire of Yarra Ranges.