St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday, 23 November, 2023
2023 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 4, Week 8
From the Principal
Dear Families,
At this week's Prayer Gathering Assembly, we highlighted our school value of Justice. Justice is a fundamental school value at St Paul's that serves as a guiding light in our school community. Justice is not merely a concept; it is a foundation upon which our shared values and principles are built. The value of justice has a profound impact on our learning environment.
Defining Justice in Our School Community: Justice, at its core, is the fair and equitable treatment of all individuals. It is the commitment to upholding what is right and just, ensuring that every member of our community has equal opportunities, rights, and dignity. As a school, we strive to create an environment where justice is not just a word but a living principle that guides our actions, decisions, and interactions.
Promoting a Fair Learning Environment: As we strive for academic excellence, we recognise the importance of providing a fair and inclusive learning environment for all students. This means acknowledging and celebrating diversity, embracing varied perspectives, and fostering an atmosphere where every student feels heard and valued.
Building Character Through Justice: Education is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about shaping character. Justice plays a pivotal role in this process. By instilling a sense of fairness, empathy, and responsibility in our students, we prepare them to take on the challenges of the world with integrity and compassion. Through Social and Emotional Learning education programs and thoughtful discussions, we aim to nurture individuals who understand the importance of justice in creating a peaceful society.
Community Engagement and Social Justice Initiatives: Our commitment to justice extends into the broader community. We encourage students to actively engage in social justice initiatives, fostering a sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of others. By participating in community service projects, such as our Mini Monbulkers sausage sizzle or the building of a library in Pakistan, we see the value of justice in action.
We thank our students, staff and families for promoting the value of justice, and strengthening our commitment to a just and compassionate school community.
Save the Date! Wednesday 6 December
Whole School GRATITUDE (End of Year Thank You) Celebration and Mass
On Wednesday 6 December, we will host a very special morning in our Church. We wish to say farewell and good luck to those staff who are retiring or moving on from St Paul's, and celebrate another great academic year at St Paul's.
We also wish to thank YOU, our community, for all of the support you have given us this year at St Paul's.
The morning will be structured as follows:
- 8:55am - Farewell to outgoing and retiring staff
- 9:40am - Student recess break and playtime
- 9:45am - Morning Tea for Community - Prior to Mass, a Morning Tea will be provided by our staff as a token of our appreciation for the support you have given us this year at St Paul’s School. All parents, grandparents and carers are invited to join us
- 10:30am - Gratitude Mass - All invited to stay for Mass
All families have received an Operoo eForm to indicate attendance for catering and organisation purposes. Please RSVP via Operoo by 9:00am Monday 4 December.
The Importance of School Uniform
At St Paul's, we believe that school uniform plays a crucial role in creating a positive learning environment and fostering a sense of unity and equality among our students. There are many reasons why we have high standards regarding school uniform.
Promoting Unity and Inclusivity: School uniforms serve as a unifying force. When everyone is dressed in the same attire, distinctions based on clothing become irrelevant. This fosters a spirit of unity and inclusivity, creating a school culture where every student feels a sense of belonging, regardless of their background or personal style.
Instilling a Sense of Discipline and Responsibility: Wearing a school uniform teaches students the importance of adhering to rules and regulations, a valuable lesson that extends beyond the school environment. By cultivating a culture of respect for our Uniform Policy, we are preparing our students for success in a world that often requires adherence to standards and norms.
Community Pride and Identity: Wearing a school uniform fosters a sense of pride and identity within our school community. It reinforces that students are part of something larger than themselves—a community with shared values. This collective identity contributes to a positive school spirit that extends beyond the classroom into extracurricular activities and community events.
The St Paul's Uniform Policy (below) is grounded in the belief that it contributes to a positive, focused, and inclusive learning environment. Unfortunately, we have noticed many students with incorrect uniform items in recent times. We remind students and families that it is important to maintain our high standards in the uniform space.
If a child is not in the correct uniform, they will be asked to produce a note from a parent explaining why. Thank you for your ongoing support.
School Advisory Council: Call for Nominations
We are fortunate to have an effective governance structure that is well supported by our parent community at St Paul’s. I actively encourage any parent who is thinking about joining our Advisory Council to nominate.
The primary aim of the St Paul’s School Advisory Council (SAC) is to advise the School Principal, who is responsible for the implementation of the School policy decisions and the day-to-day management of the School, including to:
- promote and support the Catholic ethos of the school and to support the Religious
Education programs - act as a forum for informed discussion on matters concerning education in the school
provide informed and responsible advice on: - school development and welfare of the students
- realising the vision, mission and Action Plan of the school
- the development and review of school policies
We are recruiting! We encourage and invite parents to join our SAC. To nominate for the School Advisory Council please CLICK HERE and fill in the online nomination form.
Nominations are to be submitted by 9:00am, Friday 24 November, 2023.
The AGM will be held on Wednesday 29 November at 7:00pm.
Christmas Carols Evening
Please mark the evening of Thursday 7 December on your calendar. This special evening of singing and narrative will be a beautiful way for our school community to celebrate the Advent and Christmas seasons. More information, including costume requirements, has been sent to families via Operoo.
SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY REMINDER
Monday 4 December is a School Closure Day (OSHClub Available)
There is no school for students on Monday 4 December as staff
will be engaged in Professional Learning
Angel Tree
Giving thanks can be the Greatest Gift of All Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) is excited to be launching a Christmas campaign in December. The focus of the campaign will be on giving the biggest thanks possible to our amazing teachers. To make the campaign more special, students have the chance to be part of it. MACS has created an online form at www.macsbiggestthanks.com, where students can write a message of thanks to the teacher who has helped them to flourish, whether by igniting their passion in a certain subject or by inspiring them to believe in themselves. Not only will the messages of thanks be shared with teachers, but some of the students’ messages will appear on billboards around Melbourne and in future communications. We need parent/carer/guardian consent in the online form to give students the chance of having their message used in this way. The form will be open until Friday 1 December. We look forward to seeing the messages of joy and positivity from students as we celebrate our wonderful teachers this Christmas.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Watt
From the School Office
Scholastic Book Club - Discount Code for Issue 8
CDF Pay Events
For Year 6 students:
Event & Date: Year 6 Graduation - Friday 13 December
Orders Open: Now
Orders Close: Tuesday, 12 December @ 4pm
For a direct link to CDF Pay click here.
Active Kids Vouchers
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
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
- Thursday 23 November - Mini Monbulkers Sausage Sizzle
- 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
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
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.
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
Monbulk L2P Program
Community Bank Monbulk & District in conjunction with Yarra Ranges Council and Tribe Monbulk Youth are bringing the TAC L2P Program to Monbulk.
L2P is a community-based program developed to assist eligible young Victorian learner drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 years who do not have access to a supervising driver, or an appropriate vehicle to gain driving experience required for a probationary licence.
Volunteer mentors are an integral and highly valued part of the L2P program, providing a unique opportunity for young people to interact with positive adult role models, gain confidence and move towards social independence. 1 to 2 hours a week can make a big difference.
Note: This program utilizes a vehicle dedicated to the L2P program, you do not need to use your own vehicle.
A free mentor workshop is being run by Yarra Ranges Council at the Monbulk Community Hub, 21 Main Road Monbulk on Saturday 3rd February 9am-3pm.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer mentor and help create the next generation of safe drivers, scan the QR code to register your details or contact the Yarra Ranges Council L2P team on 0417 534 945 L2P@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
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.