St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday 5 August, 2021
2021 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 3, Week 4
From the Principal
Dear Families,
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Mt 18:20)
Joining together as a community at Mass is an opportunity for us to gather as a
community of believers and pray and celebrate. In addition to being an opportunity to
celebrate and express our faith in Jesus, the Mass is a time when our faith in Jesus is
shared, and has the opportunity to grow and develop. Through listening to the Word
and the Priest’s homily, we are able to draw closer in our faith and develop a greater
understanding of the life of Jesus.
Over the next couple of weeks we will have students receiving the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, and also Confirmation. First Reconciliation is being held this Wednesday 11 August, and Confirmation will be held on Saturday 14 August. Although it is tricky for all of us to gather at Mass and celebrate these Sacraments together, due to restrictions on numbers, we will still keep these young people and their families in our prayers at this time.
First Reconciliation - Wednesday 11 August, 3:30pm
There are seven sacraments in the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist (or Communion), Reconciliation (or Penance), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Marriage (or Matrimony).
This Wednesday, at 3:30pm, the following young people will receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. We congratulate: Esther, Clodagh, Georgia, Sebastian, Zachary, Charlie, Harrison, Stella, Benji, Ben, Grace, Ryder, Liam, Katie, Ella, Maya, Thomas, Jessica and Lola.
Confirmation - Saturday 14 August, 2:00pm
Confirmation is often referred to as the Sacrament of the Holy Spirit, where Confirmation strengthens and celebrates the presence of the Spirit in a person’s life. As Catholics have already received the Holy Spirit in Baptism, Confirmation renews the Spirit’s presence in the individual so that they can live out their baptismal call to share God’s life with others in their own unique way.
Through their commitment to being part of a Catholic community and active in their faith, believers have the capacity to deepen their faith, discover their personal gifts and how to use them in this world, deepen an awareness of the Holy Spirit working in their lives and tap into the potential that is available to them.
Twelve young people from our school and Parish will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next Saturday, 14 August, at 2:00pm.
SHREK Jnr. School Musical: Tuesday 26 October
We are thrilled to announce that we have a rescheduled date for our production of Shrek Jnr.
Please mark Tuesday 26 October in your calendar. All students are required - this event is compulsory.
Students will spend the entire school day at Burrinja, with a matinee performance at 1:00pm. There will also be an evening performance.
This is wonderful news and we thank Irene Haritos for being able to negotiate this rescheduled date.
Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS): 30 August – 17 September 2021
Throughout each year, we pause to listen to our students, families and staff to gauge how our learning community is travelling. This feedback is invaluable to our progress as effective school communities and is backed by evidence-based research and best practices.
A significant and formal way in which we engage and gather data is through MACSSIS, the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys.
MACSSIS is a set of surveys that have been built specifically for Catholic schools in Melbourne by the Learning Services team at MACS, in partnership with researchers at Learning First and in wide consultation with principals in our schools.
In 2021, students, families and staff are invited to participate in MACSSIS via our secure and purpose-built online platform. The online platform is where our school leaders will access the summary reports that visualise the results of the student, family and staff surveys.
The MACSSIS survey platform is operated by an independent supplier, ORIMA Research Pty Ltd. The platform meets with the high security and privacy standards for handling student and school data. Participating schools are in the process of updating their privacy policy to ensure school communities are fully informed and protected.
Students at our school will be provided with supervised sessions, where teachers are on hand to help and answer any questions. Families and staff can complete the survey anytime over the three-week window via an emailed link and password. Feedback has indicated that previous surveys were completed across a range of mobile devices and different web browsers. Schools will be providing more information about MACSSIS throughout Term 2 and 3, via newsletters and social media.
Our community’s opinions are critical to understanding how our school is performing – MACSSIS is a key data source for guiding the ongoing work to improve our school.
All participation is invited, welcomed and 100 per cent voluntary. The surveys are not a test; they are an inclusive way to support the work we are already doing to improve our school. Everyone has the right to refuse to participate, or withdraw from the survey at any point before, during or after completion of the survey. Please notify the school if your child does not wish to participate.
If you would like more information, please contact me.
School Disco
At this time, our School Operations Guide does not allow us to hold school events such as assemblies, formals, or discos in person. This means that our scheduled school disco can not proceed.
We are looking at alternative ideas because we know how much the students enjoy the disco! We will do everything possible to hold a disco at some time this year.
Book Week
The Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) is a not-for-profit, volunteer run organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. The CBCA presents annual awards to books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature. Each year, across Australia, the CBCA brings children and books together celebrating CBCA Book Week. Throughout the year, the CBCA works in partnership with authors, illustrators, publishers, booksellers and other organisations in the children’s book world to bring words, images and stories into the hearts and minds of children and adults.
Book Week Themed Free Dress Day
Friday 27 August
On Friday 27 August we invite students to dress up as their favourite book character, dress up as a person from an old world, a new world, or an 'other' world! Students may choose to attend school in free dress to celebrate book week, because we understand how difficult it is right now to get materials and items for costumes, but we encourage everyone to celebrate the joy of reading!
Unfortunately, at this time we can not hold a parade for Book Week, however we will do our best to get photos of the students and we will endeavour to get a presentation out to our families.
Condolences
Our deepest condolences are extended to Jessica and Shaun Wiering, on the passing of Shaun's grandfather George recently, and his grandmother Iris this week (Nanna and Grandad to Lexi, Year 2/3). Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.
Sushi Day
On Friday 27 August parents will be able to order Sushi Lunch for their children. CDFPay will open tomorrow and orders will close at 10:00pm on Monday 23 August.
We are hoping to be able to run our scheduled Hot Lunch Day on Friday 17 September - we will keep you posted!
Mural, Mural, on the Wall...
Mrs Curwood and her creative assistants have begun creating a magnificent mural for our school. The mural will be made using repurposed plastic bottle top lids!
CALLING FOR GREY AND BROWN LIDS PLEASE! If any of our families come across grey or brown bottle top lids, we would be very grateful if you could please donate them for use on our mural.
Prayer Gathering Assembly
This Monday at 2:10pm we will hold our next Prayer Gathering Assembly online, via Google Meet.
Parents that wish to log in can use their child's Google login, open Google Meet and enter the code stpassembly. The Prayer Gathering Assembly will be lead by 2/3A. We hope you can join us!
Kind regards,
Michael Watt
Student Wellbeing
Friendship Day 2021
The students at St Paul's will acknowledge Friendship Day on Friday with different activities that promote friendship. This years theme is 'Deepening International Friendships', fairly relevant considering the past 18 months. It is also a fantastic time to celebrate friendship across different cultures, with the Olympics modelling how this can be done.
What will your family do to deepen international friendships this week?
What is the International Day of Friendship?
International Day of Friendship is a day to appreciate and promote friendships from all backgrounds.
Celebrated across the globe on July 30, 2021, the day aims to bridge the gaps between factors such as race, language and culture.
International Day of Friendship promotes the idea that fostering friendships between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace and build bridges between those communities.
Why is the International Day of Friendship important?
Friendship requires empathy, compassion and concern for other people. By valuing and celebrating friendship, we foster these characteristics and adopt a more selfless and grateful outlook on life.
Across communities, International Day of Friendship can help build and strengthen relationships in spite of differences in cultures. The day can help build a more kind and peaceful world, with implications that are wide and far-reaching.
From the School Office
CDF PAY Online School Shop - Update
Sushi Day is on Friday, 27 August. CDF Pay will be open for orders from tomorrow until 10pm on Monday 23 August.
If you have a credit in your account from previously cancelled events, don't forget to apply this credit to your next order.
Prep Families - School Entry Health Questionaire
Prep families should have received a School Entry Health Questionnaire earlier this week. Please complete and return this form to your class teacher or the school office by Friday, 13 August. If you do not wish for your child to participate, could you please tick the no consent box and sign on page 5 before returning the form to school. Thank you.
Thank You!
A member of our St Paul's community has taken the time to nominate us for this wonderful prize - fingers crossed!
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 - Now Open
Our secondhand uniform shop is managed by Kylie Storer with items being purchased by gold coin donation. If you are looking for items of secondhand uniform please feel free to text Kylie on 0430 546 611 with your wish list. Kylie will usually be at school on Thursday mornings to fill orders. Items can be sent home via class tubs or collected from the school office.
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.
2021 School Closure Days
Please note the following days in your diary. There is NO SCHOOL for students on the following dates:
- TERM 3 - Cancelled/Postponed
- TERM 4 - TBC
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.