St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday, 14 March 2024
2024 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 1, Week 7
From the Principal
Hello St Paul’s families,
Athletics Day
What a great day it has been watching all the students compete in the annual St Paul’s Sports Day. It was awesome to see the students in their colours, doing their best, cheering on their mates, and supporting each other. Well done to the Blue team for winning the overall award, followed by the Yellow, Red, and Green teams. A big shout-out to all the wonderful families who volunteered to assist on the day, without this assistance the day wouldn't be what it was. A massive thanks to Mrs Emma-Lee Curwood, who did an amazing job organising, leading and running the day. Thanks to the staff for their help and support to each of the students, enabling them to have success.
International Women's Day
Last Friday, Miss Carolynne Boyd and myself attended Mater Christi for their annual International Women’s Day Breakfast. We got to hear from two very impressive speakers who were Mater Christi alumni. Both of them were scientists and passionate about their fields of Marine Biology and Forensic Science. It was great meeting the Mater Christi community. Our Year 4 students will have a taster day with them and St Joseph’s Ferntree Gully later in the year.
Catholic Education Week
Tomorrow we will be having students representing the school at the annual St Patrick’s Day Mass at the Cathedral. Our students will be leading the banner procession as it is our 40th anniversary for the mass. The mass is in celebration of Catholic Education Week.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN has started for our Year 3 and 5 students. They successfully completed their writing on Wednesday and will be moving on to Reading tomorrow morning. If your child is participating in this testing program, and is unwell, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
Monbulk Car Show
This Sunday is the Monbulk Car Show. Thanks to the members of our P&F Team who have volunteered to sell Choc Top ice-creams in the Kid's Zone area. Please swing by to say hello and bring your friends. The weather is looking like it will be a very good day to buy a Choc Top.
School Closure Day - Tuesday 12 March
Last Tuesday, we had our school closure day, led by amazing Mrs Sarah Kleverkamp. We looked at how students bodies react under stress, how trauma impacts our students and strategies to help in the classroom. We also explored restorative practices at St Paul's and how we make connections with each other. This is invaluable time for staff exploring these topics and helps us to improve the wellbeing of all.
Hot Lunch
Next Thursday is our first hot lunch for this year. Being on a Thursday, please note that orders will be closing on Sunday night (not Monday as in previous years). Orders can be placed via CDF Pay. Please see the 'From the Office' section below for further details.
Working Bee
Last Thursday we had our first Working Bee for the year. We got quite a bit done around the school, especially getting ready for our Sports Day today. I would like to thank the following families for their wonderful work on the night: Browitt, Zylinski, Watson, Klages, McErlain/Jenkins, Farrelly and Sheers.
I hope you all have a great week ahead.
Thanks
Nick
Division Swimming
Last Friday, five of our students represented St Paul's at the Division Swimming Competition. They all swam amazingly well against some tough competition. Congratulations to Henry and Lilly who will proceed through to the Regional Competition. We are so proud of you all. Go St Paul's!
2025 Enrolments Now Open!
We are off to a great start at St Paul’s in 2024 with many new families and several new students who have settled in well to St Paul's life.
We are already preparing our enrolment timelines for our 2025 Prep students - Enrolments for 2025 are now open!
We respectfully request existing families with a child/ren intending to commence Prep at St Paul's in 2025 submit their completed Enrolment Packs into the school office by the end of Term 1 (Thursday 28 March). Enrolment Packs can be downloaded from the school website. Alternatively, paper copies or emailed forms can be requested from the school office. Thank you!
If you know of a family that is considering St Paul's for their child/ren, please encourage them to get in touch with us and book a tour, or direct them to our website.
School Procedures for Bushfire season
Important Dates
TERM 1
- Wednesday 13-25 March - NAPLAN Testing Window
- Thursday 14 March - WHOLE SCHOOL SPORTS DAY
- Friday 15 March - St Patrick's Day (Student School Leaders)
- Thursday 21 March - Hot Lunch & Sushi Day
- Thursday 28 March - Holy Thursday: Term 1 Concludes
- Friday 29 March - Good Friday
- Sunday 31 March - Easter Sunday
TERM 2
- Monday 15 April - Term 2 commences for Students
- Mon-Wed 22 -24 April - Year 5/6 Camp to Phillip Island
- Thursday 25 April - ANZAC DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY
- Tuesday 30 April - Open Day
- Wednesday 1 May - Whole School Cross Country
- Thursday 2 May - Prep Taster Day - #1
- Friday 3 May - Mater Christi & St Joseph's College Taster Days (Year 4s)
- Wednesday 8 May - School Photos
- Friday 10 May - Mother's Day Breakfast / Mother's Day Stall
- Tuesday 14 May - Andrew Chinn: Student Workshops & Evening Concert
- Wednesday 15 May - Prep Taster Day - #2
- Saturday 18 May - Emerald BBQ
- Thursday 23 May - Open Day
- Friday 24 May - District Cross-Country
- Thursday 30 May - Prep Taster Day - #3
- Tuesday 4 June - Open Day
- Tuesday 4 June - Division Cross-Country
- Thursday 6 June - Working Bee (3.15pm)
- Thursday 6 June - Lighthouse Expo Night
- Friday 7 June - School Closure Day - No school for students
- Monday 10 June - KING'S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY
- Wednesday 12 June - Prep Taster Day - #4
- Wednesday 26 June - 3 Way Conferences (aka Parent/Teacher/Student conferences)
- Friday 28 June - Term 2 Concludes
- Saturday 29 June - St Paul's Feast Day
From the School Office
Hot Lunch & Sushi Days are back!
Event Details: Hot Lunch & Sushi Day - Thursday, 21 March 2024
Orders Open: Now via CDF Pay
Orders Close: Sunday 17 March @ 10pm
* Please note: No late orders can be accepted after this time
For a direct link to CDF Pay click here.
**Please see below for updated menus**
Operoo - Student Medical and Contact Details
As we begin another school year, it is important to ensure that you have reviewed and updated your child's Operoo profile, carefully checking that all information held about your child and emergency contacts 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?
Fee Statements - Levies now due
A reminder that all itemised levies on 2024 Fee Statements were due in February. If you have not yet attended to payment of levies, please do so as soon as possible.
To set up a periodic payment plan please complete this Direct Debit Request Form.
If you require assistance setting up a payment plan, are experiencing financial hardship or wish to discuss your school fee account please contact the school office.
Parents & Friends News
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.
The store is now a CASHLESS STORE, EFTPOS transactions will be the only acceptable method of purchase.
Online ordering continues as normal with all delivery options available including contactless pick up. Delivery is free for orders delivered directly to St Paul's School and will then be distributed to your child to take home.
Please phone the store direct on 9870 1377 if you have any further queries.
Secondhand Uniform Shop
Our secondhand uniform shop is onsite at school and is managed by one of our parents, 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. Cashless payment for items is via CDF Pay, selecting the Second Hand Uniform option and the quantity of items purchased.
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.
Transition Information
Victorian Catholic Schools Guide
To assist your decision making in relation to your child's education for 2025 and beyond, please find below a link to the March 2024 edition of the Catholic Education Guide.
CLICK HERE: https://victoriaschoolguides.starcommunity.com.au/catholic-education/
Community Notices
Outdoor Cinema Event - Mt Lilydale Mercy College
Mount Lilydale Mercy College Old Collegians' Association is hosting an outdoor cinema event — come and join us and watch the classic film, Back to the Future.
This is a free event for our local community to come together and enjoy a night under the stars.
The event will be held at Mount Lilydale Mercy College on Friday 19 April, starting at 5.00pm and concluding at 8.30pm.
There will be a barbecue, snacks and drinks available for purchase. Please bring your own chairs, picnic rugs, bean bags and blankets.
Please register to attend by visiting trybooking.com/CPGHU
Shire of Yarra Ranges - Newsletters
Please click the link below to access latest family news and events from Shire of Yarra Ranges.
Financial Resource Support for Families
Open Door Community Care - Local Support Services
Monbulk Care Network has recently changed its name to Open Door Community Care. It is the same community service with a new name. Please see below for details if you would like to access these community support resources.
Food Pantry hours (next to Open Door Community Church)
Cnr David Hill Rd & Moxhams Rd
Every day: 9.30am – 5.30pm
The Op Shop & Laneway Nursery hours
Mon-Fri 10am -4.30pm
Saturday 10am -1pm
