St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday 21 October 2021
2021 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 4, Week 3
From the Principal
Dear Families,
I am so proud of how our students came into school throughout this week. They have capably transitioned back into school life. After a bit of social time with their classmates, they were back into the mode of learning they commenced the year with.
Following last Sunday's press conference lead by the Premier, so far there has been one main change in the return to school timeline affecting our students - Our Year 4, 5 and 6 students will return for one day of on-site learning tomorrow, Friday 22 October.
Last Sunday Daniel Andrews announced the staggered start to on-site learning would be brought forward. This means was that we remain in Remote and Flexible learning part-time with our senior primary students returning earlier, for one day (which is tomorrow). Previously, Friday 5 November was the full time return date, but it was announced that this may change. A full-time return for all metropolitan students is expected early in November. We will wait for further announcements on the exact full-time return date.
As published last week, here is the ***updated*** timeline for students returning to St Paul's:
For the remainder of this week (Week 3 of Term 4)
- Year 1 Students on-site: Thursday 21 and Friday 22 October
- Year 4, 5 and 6 Students on-site: Friday 22 October
From Monday 25 October (Week 4 of Term 4)
- Prep Students on-site: Monday 25, Tuesday 26, Wednesday 27 October
- Year 1 Students on-site: Thursday 28 and Friday 29 October
- Year 2 and Year 3 Students on-site: Tuesday 26, Wednesday 27 October
- Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 Students on-site: Thursday 28 and Friday 29 October
From Week 5, Term 4 the following is anticipated (subject to change!!):
*Monday 1 November - School Closure Day (Week 5 of Term 4)
*Tuesday 2 November - Melbourne Cup Day Holiday
*Wednesday 3 November
- Prep Students on-site: Wednesday 3 November
- Year 2 and Year 3 Students on-site: Wednesday 3 November
*Thursday 4 November
- Year 1 Students on-site: Thursday 4 November
- Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 Students on-site: Thursday 4 November
*Friday 5 November onwards
- All students on site as usual until the end of the year
SPECIALIST LESSONS - STAGGERED RETURN
While we are welcoming students back, in the staggered return phase, our Specialist Classes (Art, PE, Italian and Music) will remain in Remote and Flexible Learning Mode. We encourage all students to complete these tasks while at home, our teachers love to see the great work you are producing!
Children and Facemasks
With children now returning to school and the current advice regarding children and facemasks, please see the link below which Mrs Kleverkamp thought may be useful for parents.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/coronavirus-covid-19-guide/face-masks-coronavirus-children
CLOSURE DAYS - POSSIBLE CHILD CARE
As you are aware we have two school closure days in November, being November 1 and November 29. There is no school for students on either of those days. Regarding childcare on the closure days, we have been in contact with our Before and After School Care provider - Monbulk OSHClub.
We may be in a position to offer a one day OSHClub program on November 1, and also on November 29, but this is dependent on demand. As yet there is no guarantee it will be viable for OSHClub to offer one day programs on the two closure days.
All families have been sent an Operoo eForm to indicate if they would book their children into OSHClub on one or both of those days. In order to measure the viability and get staff organised, as well as give parents enough notice, we ask that our interested families, respond to the Operoo eForm by 4pm tomorrow. Thanks.
Formation of Classes
The staff will soon begin the process of developing class lists for the 2022 school year. The construction of class lists is a process that requires staff to give consideration to a great variety of factors in an effort to create a social, emotional, behavioural and academic balance within any given class, as detailed in the Rationale of our Formation of Classes Policy:
At St Paul’s we believe that learning is influenced by a diverse range of factors. The professional knowledge, judgement and discretion of all teachers is critical to the placement of students. The class allocation process should follow protocols which address the balance of social, emotional and academic needs of each child.
A copy of the Formation of Classes Policy is AVAILABLE HERE for your reference. Please take the time to read through the policy carefully, as it clearly articulates a range of considerations that need to be factored when placing every individual child into a class. The policy will inform the decisions of staff as we collaboratively compose class lists in the coming weeks.
School Closure Day - Monday 29 November
School Closure Days Term 4
Please note the following dates in your diary:
- SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY - Monday 1 November (no school for students)
- MELBOURNE CUP PUBLIC HOLIDAY - Tuesday 2 November (no school for students)
- NOVEMBER: Monday 29 November- Closure Day for Staff Professional Learning on Learning Diversity
- 2021 SCHOOL YEAR CONCLUDES FOR STUDENTS - 3:00pm Wednesday 15
December
MACSSIS Family Surveys
These surveys are now ready for completion. They provide extremely valuable feedback on many aspects of our St Paul's educational environment. Staff, students and parents' feedback help paint a complete picture of the current climate and consequently help set goals for our future School Improvement Plans. Please take the 20 minutes to complete these anonymous surveys throughout this week.
Remote and Flexible Learning Week 4
A couple of notes about next week - Term 4, Week 4:
- There is no learning pack collection for next week as we have sent home the materials with the children.
On-site Supervision:
Vulnerable children and children of parents or guardians who are on the authorised provider and authorised worker list can continue attending onsite. Please email mwatt@spmonbulk.catholic.edu.au if you now require on-site supervision for your child. Those families that are already listed for on-site attendance do not need to take any action unless the days for supervision change.
PLEASE CHECK IN: QR Codes are displayed and we remind our parents that, whenever we enter a building, we should be checking in using that QR code.
Commencement of the 2022 School Year
Advance notice advising all families of the commencement of the 2022 school year:
- Friday 28 January: Staff Resume – Full Day Staff Meeting
- Monday 31 January, Tuesday 1 February: Transition Days. Individual appointments for all students with their 2022 teacher/s.
- Wednesday 2 February: First official day of school for all students (including Prep).
Kind regards,
Michael Watt
From the School Office
Welcome Back to School!
Operoo - Student Medical and Contact Details
As we begin another school year it is important to update our records for students and Parents/Guardians.
- Have any of your family or contact details changed?
- Have there been any changes to your child's medical profile?
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.
Fee Statements
Fee Statements for this year's school fees will be sent to families very shortly. Please note the levies portion of school fee accounts will be due for payment by 18 February. Please complete this Direct Debit Request Form or contact the school, if you require assistance to set up your periodic payment plan, or to discuss your school fee account.
Conveyance Allowance
If you received Conveyance Allowance for your child in 2021, you do not need to complete an application form for them again in 2022, unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.
You only need to complete a new application form if any of the following changes have occurred:
- You have a new student that has started at St Paul’s in 2022 - you will need to complete a new application form for that child only
- You did not apply in 2021
- Changed family circumstances, such as a change of address since 2021
Check with the school office if you are unsure.
Important Notices for Health Care Card Holders:
Camps, Sports & Excursion Fund (CSEF)
New from MACS in 2022 - Concessional Fee Policy
CONCESSIONAL FEE POLICY
From the commencement of 2022 Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) have introduced a Concessional Fee Policy. Please refer to the Policy to determine whether you may be eligible for discounted school fees.
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 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. When not prevented by restrictions, 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.
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.
2021 Edition of the Enrolments Guide for Parents
To assist your decision making in relation to your child's education for 2022 and beyond, please find below a link to the 2021 edition of the Enrolments Guide.
CLICK HERE: victoriaschoolguides.starcommunity.com.au/enrolments-guide
