St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday 4 November, 2021
2021 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 4, Week 5
From the Principal
Dear Families,
I hope our school community had a restful 4 day break from school and I welcome all students back on-site together full time. It ahs been sensational to have everyone back together again. We are looking forward to the second half of Term 4. It is a busy time of year for all, a time that requires both application and energy.
The 2021 school year has presented us with many and varied challenges, and we are looking forward to working with the students to finish off the year on a most positive note.
Special Message: School Uniform
Last week I wrote about the implementation of our school Uniform Policy. I prefer to use the word 'implementation' rather than 'enforcement'!
Our school Uniform Policy is in place for a variety of reasons. These reasons include health and safety, instilling a sense of pride and community, and maintaining our high standards. The policy is attached via the link below, and I wanted to specifically point out the implementation section of our policy as follows:
IMPLEMENTATION:
The Uniform Policy applies during school hours, while travelling to and from school, and when students are on school excursions.
Summer and winter uniforms, as well as sports uniforms, are clearly prescribed and are required to be worn appropriately.
The only acceptable forms of jewellery that can be worn are:
a watch
a small cross on chain
plain studs or sleepers in the ear
Cosmetics, including nail polish, may not be worn at school.
Extreme hair colours and/or extreme hairstyles are not permitted.
Shoulder length hair must be tied back.
The only head wear that is acceptable is the school hat during Terms 1 and 4 and plain navy beanies during Terms 2 and 3. Hats are to be worn outside in Terms 1 & 4 (see Sun Protection Policy). Hats are not to be worn inside.
Scarves may be worn to and from school, but are not to be worn during school hours due to the possible danger of catching on playground and sports equipment.
Ribbons and clips worn in the hair are to be school colours and of reasonable size.
Slippers are to be worn inside during Terms 2 & 3 only.
Black leather school shoes are to be worn on non sport days.
It is the responsibility of all staff and parents to remind children about adhering to the uniform policy.
Our school policies are discussed at School Advisory Council Meetings. Our Uniform Policy has been addressed in the past by our SAC and I am calling on our community to ensure we are aligned with the requirements of our uniform. The Uniform Policy relies heavily on staff, parents and students working together to ensure that we maintain our high standards and sense of pride in our school.
I wish to highlight two matters regarding uniform:
HAIR LENGTH: As stated in our Uniform Policy "shoulder length hair must be tied back". A fair question from students might be - where does "shoulder length" begin and end? There is no clear cut answer to this, but if the hair is falling onto shoulders, or is below the collar, or falling down the face to the chin/neck area, then it would be seen as needing to be tied back.
I have noticed that some students either have shoulder length hair that needs to be tied back, or their hair is very close to shoulder length and will soon need to be tied back. Conversations about this topic can be very tricky because it is never our intention to offend a student because of their hair length. A child may not be aware of how long the hair is getting. However, our Uniform Policy is clear, we have rules and we need to stick to them.
Our hair length rules are in place because in schools we have issues around the management of lice, we also do not want hair flying around on the playground for safety reasons, and further to this, students need to be comfortable while they are learning and not having their hair falling in their face. In the current climate, we are reminded to avoid touching our face and we want to avoid running our hands through our hair.
Over the past couple of days, I have had a chat with some students about hair length. I have pointed out the requirements of our Uniform Policy and discussed options with them. I do try and work with the students respectfully to come up with a solution that is in line with our policy. At times I may have a diplomatic conversation with a parent just to inform them of how we are managing this with the student.
If I or a staff member notices that hair length needs addressing, or is getting close to the length, we will talk to the student in order to find a solution. The last thing we want to do is 'enforce' our Uniform Policy in a punitive manner, and we are confident that all of our students can maintain the high standards that we are accustomed to.
SHOES: Our uniform policy requires us to wear black leather school shoes on school days unless we have class sport or physical education with Mrs Geoghegan. Myself and the staff have noticed that some students are wearing their runners on their non-sport days and we respectfully remind our students to wear the correct shoes to school.
We understand that there are times when uniform items get lost or circumstances mean that incorrect uniforms will be temporarily worn. This is acceptable with a written note to the teacher.
Please CLICK HERE for a copy of our Uniform Policy which includes our uniform guide. I thank our community for their support with our uniform policy and I ask that you open the link and have a quick read if you are unsure of any of our uniform requirements.
2022 Prep Transition
Last week Ms Paula and myself conducted the first 2022 Prep Transition Session via Zoom where we met the students online, and found out a little about each of them. We are so looking forward to meeting the new students of St Paul's in person, face to face in the coming weeks. We have exciting news - Directives from MACS now allow us to conduct 2022 Prep Transition sessions on-site. Our next Transition Session will be held on Friday 12 November here at St Paul's. School tours are now available for any families that wish to book a time.
I can announce that Mrs Maria Cook and Mrs Maree Ranahan will teach Prep in 2022. Maree will be in the classroom each Monday, and Maria will be in the classroom from Tuesday-Friday. Maria and Maree are an excellent team and have been together for several years now. We know our 17 Preps will benefit greatly under their guidance and care. The remainder of our 2022 staffing plan is still being finalised and this will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sacraments Update
We have set the dates for our Sacramental Program:
- Confirmation - 2:00pm Saturday 13 November
- First Eucharist - 6:00pm Thursday 25 November
- First Reconciliation (students only) - 11:45am Wednesday 17 November
- Reconciliation for Confirmation Candidates (students only): 2:00pm Thursday 11 November
Kind regards,
Michael Watt
From the School Office
Fee Statements
Fee statements have recently been emailed to families. Please contact the school by the end of this week if you wish to discuss your school fee account or set up a periodic payment plan for any outstanding balances.
Camp credits will be applied to accounts for those affected once finalised.
Operoo - Student Medical and Contact Details
Parents/Guardians, have any of your contact details changed?
Have there been any changes to your child's medical profile?
Before your children return to onsite learning at school we encourage all families to log in Operoo to check and update your child's Operoo profile, ensuring the information held about your child and your contact details are accurate and up to date.
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
