St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday, 7 November 2024
2024 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 4, Week 5
From the Principal
Good Afternoon Everyone,
I hope you all enjoyed the extra long weekend and maybe even got up to something exciting.
I get to start this newsletter with some fantastic news! We have a State Athletics Champion in our midst. Henry R competed at the state championships yesterday and won a Gold Medal in the Shot Put. To back that up, he also finished 4th in the 100m sprint. What a sensational effort Henry - Well done!!!
Continuing with the sporting theme, our swimming program kicked off yesterday with our 1/2 students learning about water safety and completing some safety activities in the pool. They then had the opportunity to christen a new inflatable, which I quote, “was amazing.” Today the 3/4 students are attending, with our Preps and the 5/6s to have their turn on Friday. Thank you to the many of you who answered the questionnaire for the pool at such short notice.
Today a letter will be sent home about some incidents within the school. Hopefully your children are discussing what we have been learning this week regarding racism and how we treat each other fairly. The conversations we have with our children on a wide range of issues are so important. There is some information below in the newsletter, but if you would like resources to help, please feel free to contact me or Sarah K (Wellbeing).
Next week we celebrate Remembrance Day, and I am looking forward to taking some Year 6 students up to the RSL to pay our respects. This will also be the focus of our Prayer gathering in the afternoon.
Monday also has our School Nurse visiting the Preps. Can I ask all Prep parents to log in to the website provided to them and either complete the required form electronically or at least select the option to opt out of these important visits. Next week we also have our Junior Mass, followed by Reconciliation for our senior students. Finally, on Friday our Year 6s will celebrate their retreat day at St Joseph’s Emerald.
Next Thursday is World Diabetes Day. Students are asked to wear a 'touch of blue'- ribbons, zinc, socks, wig, hat, etc. Full school uniform is still expected to be worn. More information is below.
Finally, some sad news - Mim van Haaster passed away last Friday. She has been an integral part of our parish and community for a very long time. Speaking with her husband Peter today, he was telling me about how her father was involved in the building of the current church, as the previous church was burnt down on the current Woolies site. I know for many years, she assisted the school in the celebration of the liturgy and will be missed. Her Funeral will be Friday 15 November here at St Paul's church, with the time yet to be confirmed.
I hope you all get to enjoy the short week and please let us know if the school can assist any of our families.
Thanks
Nick
Student Voice
Please note: Colour Fun Run sponsorship money can be paid either via CDF Pay or Cash until Friday 22 November, with the payment method recorded on the sponsorship form. We thank you for your support.
Important Dates
TERM 4
- Wed 6 - Fri 8 November - Swimming Program - Monbulk Aquatic Centre
- Wednesday 6 November - 2025 Prep Transition - Day 1 (9.15am)
- Monday 11 November - Remembrance Day
- Friday 15 November - Year 6 Retreat Day at St Joseph's Emerald
- Monday 18 November - Mini Monbulkers Colour Run and 'Colour Run Day' Lunch
- Thursday 21 November - 2025 Prep Transition - Day 2 (9.15am)
- Wednesday 27 November - School Advisory Council Meeting @ 7pm
- Tuesday 3 December - 2025 Prep Transition - Day 3 (9.15am)
- Wednesday 4 December - Gratitude Mass
- Thursday 5 December - Hot Lunch & Sushi Day
- Thursday 5 December - Christmas Carols
- Friday 6 December - Merry Monbulk Christmas Event - St Paul's Choir (from 6pm)
- Wednesday 11 December - 'Passing On' Ceremony
- Wednesday 11 December - Year 6 Graduation
- Friday 13 December - 'Meet the 2025 Teacher' orientation session
- Friday 13 December - 2025 Prep Transition - Day 4 (10am)
- Tuesday 17 December - Term 4 Concludes - Last day for Students
Student Wellbeing
World Diabetes Day
A group of senior students have organised a special day to build awareness around Diabetes.
World Diabetes Day is held on Thursday 14 November. Students are asked to wear a 'touch of blue'- ribbons, zinc, socks, wig, hat, etc. Full school uniform is still expected to be worn.
Students will listen to a talk from some senior students and participate in colouring and crafts on the day. This is not a fundraising event, but a day to raise awareness and understanding.
Racism
Students at St Paul's Primary participate in many activities throughout the year which explore inclusion and diversity, in conjunction with our value of RESPECT. This week we focus explictly on Racism. Students will take part in activities from Racism No Way. Please take a look at the website for further information so you can share in conversations with your family.
From the School Office
Change to Hot Lunch Dates
Please note that there has been a change to the 2024 School Lunch Orders dates for November (see updated flyer below). The P&F are organising a Colour Run Day lunch to coincide with the Mini Monbulkers Colour Run on Monday, 18 November. Orders can be placed via CDF Pay from next week. More details to come soon.
CDF Pay: Current Events
Event: Year 6 Graduation
Cost: $65.00
Orders Open: Now
Orders Close: 13 November 2024
Event: Mini Monbulkers Colour Run - Sponsorship Payment
Date: Monday 18 November 2024
Open: Now (sponsorship payment options: via CDF Pay or Cash)
Close: Friday 22 November 2024
Event: Colour Run Day - Lunch
Date: Monday 18 November 2024
Orders Open: Now
Orders Close: Tuesday 12 November 2024 @ 10pm
For a direct link to CDF Pay click here.
**HOT LUNCH & SUSHI Days**
Please see below for 2024 dates and 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?
Parents & Friends - COUNTRY FAIR NEWS
Hi Families, this is your 2025 Country Fair team here!
Thank you for taking the time to read our weekly updates regarding the upcoming Country Fair in March next year.
As many of you will remember the team in 2023 did an amazing job organising a very successful Fair day and much needed funds for our school.
Though the lead up was such a busy time for them as a team, and for us as parents, having to bring in all that was needed in preparation for the big day. So, this year we are hoping to raise some $ in advance to purchase what we need for the stalls instead of asking parents to send the items in e.g. chocolate blocks, fizzy drinks, mystery jars etc, which we are hoping will take the pressure off parents at the start of next year.
So our first FREE DRESS day will be held next week on Friday 1 November for a $2 donation, with the money raised used to purchase stall items.
Also, we are seeking sponsors for the event to help contribute to the costs of the rides (see flyer below or email sent out last week). If interested, please contact Bec Magnay: bwiering_15@hotmail.com
Thank you,
2025 Country Fair Team
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
St Paul's School Uniform Supplier: Spartan School World
For online orders: www.spartanschoolworld.com.au
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.
Community Notices
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