St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday 27 May
2021 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 2, Week 6
From the Principal
Reconciliation Week
Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The dates for NRW are the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
At last Monday's Prayer Gathering Assembly we talked about Reconciliation Week, and we read "The Dreamers" by Ezekiel Kwaymullina. This beautiful picture book tells the story of what parents wish for their children – to dream and wonder and to experience a childhood full of imagination, play and creativity. We talked about Reconciliation Week and also the Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation. We discussed creation stories, The Dreaming, and the Book of Genesis in the Bible, and how we all have a role play to be caretakers of our world.
Contact Tracing: School Sign In Upgrade
In our school office, Helen and myself have been working to upgrade our sign in and sign out system. We use VPass on the iPad to record sign in and sign out of personnel on the school site. VPass now has a contactless sign in available via QR code for everyone with a Smart Phone, enabling one of the most secure, private, efficient and cost effective ways to track who is on the site, off the site and contact trace.
The first time you use the new system, it will ask you to register. After you register, you'll have a profile. VPass remembers your profile each time you sign in making the process of signing in and out much easier and more efficient. Instructions for creating a profile are below.
Production - SHREK Jnr: School Musical Committee
I say it often, and it is true, the parents at this school are amazing with their generosity and willingness to volunteer when needed. We are once again calling on your generosity of spirit because we wish to form a SCHOOL MUSICAL COMMITTEE - can you assist?
Parents will receive an Operoo eForm over the next week and we will be asking for volunteers to assist with preparing for SHREK Jnr. We will need help with costumes, set designs and props. Please give this some thought and keep an eye out for the eForm.
Spelling Bee National Final: Good Luck Grace!
Earlier today Grace (Year 3) competed in the National Spelling Bee Competition. This is an incredible effort as only 3 students from each State/Territory have gone through to the national final. The final was held online and the results will soon be communicated - congratulations Grace!
Disco Fever!
Please save the date. Our School Disco will be held (subject to restrictions) on Friday 6 August from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. Further details will be provided closer to the date.
Supervision Before & After School
The children are supervised in the mornings by teaching staff outside on the yard from 8:25- 8:45am. Classrooms open at 8:30am and during this time the children may enter their classroom and commence setting up for the day and play outside.
Children dropped off at school any earlier than 8:25am cannot be supervised as staff are regularly involved in meetings, preparation and administration. Please do not drop off children prior to 8:25am. Please note that Before School Care is available.
The children’s school day concludes at 3.00pm, and staff are very appreciative when children are collected from their classrooms at this time. Classrooms remain open until 3:15pm and parents that cannot get to school by 3:15pm are reminded that After School Care is available.
2022 Enrolments
Enrolments are NOW OPEN for the 2022 school year. There has been a positive response to our tours and our “Ready, Set, Prep” sessions are generating interest. If you have a child who will be commencing school next year, please pick up an enrolment form from the office or download one from our website and return the completed form to the school as soon as possible. I encourage our families to ‘spread the word’ about our wonderful school!
District Cross Country News - from Mrs Geoghegan
Last Friday, 13 students from St Paul's participated in the District Cross Country: Benji, Joep, Thomas, Maya, Grace, Jessica, Mitchell, Evie, Keira, Monty, Shiloh, Grace and Lila. The weather was a glorious sunny day and the students braved the cold, the hills and also some wet and muddy grass/puddles. Everyone racing put in a great effort so well done to all of you. There were lots of smiles, cheers and huffing and puffing! Thanks to the parents who were able to transport and cheer on all the students and a very big thank you to Sam Fahey for helping us on the day also. Nine of these students have qualified to compete in the Division Cross Country on 1st June and we wish them the very best of luck.
Kind regards,
Michael Watt
From the School Office
CDF PAY Online School Shop - Reminders
1 June Division Cross Country - Entry Fee, pay by 1 June @ 8am
4 June Sushi Day - Order by Monday, 31 May @ 10pm
2021 School Closure Days
Please note the following days in your diary. There is NO SCHOOL for students on the following dates:
- TERM 2 - Friday 28 May 2021 (Education in Faith Professional Learning)
- TERM 3 - Monday 26 July (Literacy Professional Learning)
- TERM 4 - TBC
P&F News
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
Transition Information
To assist your decision making in relation to your child's education for 2022 and beyond, please find below a link to the 136 page March 2021 edition of the Catholic Education Guide.
CLICK HERE: https://victoriaschoolguides.starcommunity.com.au/catholic-education/
Mater Christi College – Belgrave
Mater Christi College is a vibrant, inclusive and warm community where girls feel safe and build supportive lifelong friendships. After another year of leading academic and vocational outcomes, we are experiencing a surge in demand for places.
Parents of Grade 5 students are strongly encouraged to secure a place for Year 7 2023. Visit the College website to apply or arrange a tour.
Families seeking enrolment for 2022 should contact the College Registrar 9754 6611 asap.