St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday, 8 September 2022
2022 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 3, Week 9
From the Principal
Dear Families,
Welcome back to school, post musical! Henry Ford said, “Gathering together is a beginning; Keeping together is progress; Working together is success”. Wonder in Aliceland was a truly successful event because our community worked together. What an amazing effort and what an amazing show!
We know that our parents went to extraordinary lengths. Every single parent sourced a costume, some very elaborate, and we know some parents purchased items to ensure the costumes were the best they could be - thank you so much. Every parent was sure to encourage and support the students to go out on stage and perform to the best of their ability. The acting was brilliant. Their costumes were amazing. We acknowledge that there were particular families that made specific props, and to those families, we say thank you. We also thank those parents who came along to an impromptu working bee and made sure our props came together. We are extremely grateful to our parents for your efforts - the children were tremendous because of their parent's support and they are a credit to each and every one of you.
We thank the entire school staff for all of their hard work leading up to the performance. There has been an incredible number of extra hours worked this past term - as always the staff have gone above and beyond the call of duty. St Paul’s is a special place, largely due to the culture of shared responsibility. Thank you to our wonderful staff.
We are extremely grateful to Irene Haritos who worked COUNTLESS hours, tirelessly, never letting go of her vision and the belief that the students are capable of great things. Irene most importantly set the students up for success, with her passion, enthusiasm and growth mindset. We are extremely grateful.
Thank you to all involved.
A couple of things to close off the 2022 musical - Wonder in Aliceland:
- We plan to hold our next musical in Term 3, 2024.
- As you are aware, our videographer fell ill at the last minute. We recorded the show, but we will not be charging parents for a copy of the recording.
- We expect to release the recording just after the school holidays (post edit).
- We have many, many photos (over 900!). These are currently being sorted and we will release those ASAP.
- We have approximately 6-10 programs left over, "Available while stocks last". If you missed out on a copy or would like another copy, please pop into the office - first in first served!
- We are already beginning preparations for the 2023 Visual Arts Show - Watch This Space!
"A change is as good as a holiday!"
There are 2 exciting changes coming soon at St Paul's:
In 2023 we have made the decision to run 6 classes
Currently, we have 5 classes. We are able to offer 6 classes because our student numbers are growing, with at least 17 preps next year and strong growth in other levels, our school is bursting! Staffing is currently being finalised but there will be new staff working at St Paul's next year. 2023 Staffing and Class Structures will be announced throughout next term, but for now, we can rest easy knowing that your children are in excellent hands at this great school.
Semester 2 Report Changes - Seesaw
At St Paul's we are always looking to add value to the practices we have in place. Over the past couple of years, we have strengthened our use of Seesaw to engage our families in learning. We use Seesaw to provide feedback to our students and inform/engage parents. Seesaw was a brilliant tool during remote learning and we know that our families are familiar with it, so we have made the decision to use Seesaw as a basis for our Semester 2 reports.
Semester 2 reports will look slightly different to what parents have seen in the past. In fact, you are already receiving the reports via Seesaw right now! We have shifted to a ‘continuous reporting model’. Let me explain…
What is continuous reporting?
Continuous (or ongoing) reporting is the process of reporting regularly throughout the term/semester, rather than just at specified points. As teachers, we assess our students throughout the semester. In the past parents did not get a report on how their child was going until the end of a semester, which was often a long time after the assessment had taken place. The system of continuous reporting will allow parents to get an up-to-date, timely snapshot of what their child is learning and how they are progressing. It will support parents to participate in discussions with their children about their learning and enable parents to follow up with teachers in a timely manner if they have any concerns. Continuous reporting is a report or learning journal that builds throughout the year and provides students and parents with regular assessments of student learning. Ongoing reporting will utilise Seesaw.
At the end of Semester 2, the written report will include:
- A personal comment about your child’s achievements
- Overviews that describe the learning content
- Work habits and effort
- The Victorian Curriculum Achievement page (dots).
- There will be no checklists included, these are now on Seesaw in the form of rubrics.
What is the Victorian Curriculum Achievement Page?
This page will still be included... See below for an example...
What is a rubric?
Rubrics displayed on Seesaw have replaced the checklists you have seen in the past.
A rubric for assessment is a table or a grid that lists success criteria for a task or subject, and then a scale for the teachers to indicate your child's achievement. If you open your child’s Seesaw you will see that teachers have set tasks and the teacher has included a rubric with the task, which lists success criteria in a table with an indication of the level of achievement for your child.
These checklists are no longer in the school report:
The checklists are now in the form of rubrics, uploaded to Seesaw, throughout the term/semester:
Next term our Deputy Principal & Learning and Teaching Leader, Stephenie Peels, will run a "drop in" session for those parents that would like a live demonstration. Dates and times will be set and communicated.
It is vital now that all parents have access to their child’s Seesaw learning journal.
It is imperative that every parent is on Seesaw and is logging in to view their child's learning progress. The staff also ask that on occasion parents leave a positive comment for their child on their work. We see the children ‘light up’ when they open Seesaw and mum or dad have left them a message of encouragement around their learning.
Parish House - 57 Moores Rd: AVAILABLE FOR RENT
The property next door to the school, at 57 Moores Rd, is currently vacant. This means the house next door to our school is available for rent. We hope that a St Paul's family, either current or prospective, is interested in renting the house. Features include:
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 living areas
- Main Bathroom with toilet/shower
- Separate extra shower
- Big yard space
- Next door to St Paul's!
References will be required upon application. Please contact Richard Licciardi at MRE Property Marketing on 9756 6011 if you are interested in more details.
SEEKING ASSISTANCE
Bunnings BBQ - 12 November
On Saturday November 12 our Parents and Friends have been offered a Bunnings BBQ outside Bayswater Bunnings. Can you assist?
- We are looking for people to fill shifts throughout the day.
- We are looking for 3-4 people per shift as per times listed below.
- Shifts are as follows:
- 7:45am - 10:00am (set up and begin cooking)
- 10:00am - 12:30pm
- 12:30pm - 3:00pm
- 3:00pm - 4:30pm (stop cooking at 3:30pm, pack up, clean up, report figures)
We have had some volunteers indicate they can help already, THANK YOU!
Please email mwatt@spmonbulk.catholic.edu.au by 3:30pm this Friday if you are willing and able to assist. THANK YOU!!
AQUANATION: Swimming Excursion
At St Paul's we believe the best way to teach water safety is through a practical program.
On Tuesday 13 September all St Paul's students will travel to Aquanation, corner Greenwood Ave and Reilly St, Ringwood, for a practical and engaging water safety program.
Fully qualified swimming instructors will be teaching students in small groups. Parents are welcome to come along to watch, however, parents will not be permitted in the change rooms and we thank you for your understanding.
Students will travel by bus to Aquauanation with their teachers and available support staff.
Arrangements for Years Prep-3 students are as follows:
The Year Prep-3 students are placed into groups. The groups move through 4 activities over a 2 hour swimming session, from 12:00pm - 2:00pm.
On Tuesday, Years Prep-3 students are asked to arrive wearing their bathers under their sport uniform.
Years Prep-3 students are asked to wear school shoes to school with thongs or slides in their bag.
Arrangements for Years 4-6 students are as follows:
The Year 4-6 students are placed into groups. The groups move through 4 activities over a 2 hour swimming session, from 9:30am - 11:30am.
Year 4-6 students will need to be at school earlier than normal due to the 9:30am start at Aquanation. We understand this may cause inconvenience for some families, we thank you for your understanding and support.
Year 4-6 students need to arrive at school by 8:30am on Tuesday 13 September.
The Year 4-6 bus departs St Paul's for Aquanation at 8:40am.
On Tuesday Years 4-6 students are asked to arrive wearing their bathers under their sport uniform.
Years 4-6 students are asked to wear thongs or slides to school, with shoes and socks in their bag.
School Closure Days OSHClub
The final day of Term 3 for students is Wednesday 14 September. On Thursday 15 and Friday 16 September the school staff are engaged in literacy professional learning. We are all participating in training for InitialLit which will be implemented at St Pauls from 2023 onwards.
On Thursday 15 and Friday 16 September OSHClub is available all day. We are thrilled to be able to offer OSHClub on both of those days and we highly encourage our families make a booking.
Term 4: No Hat, No Play
From the beginning of Term 4 students are required to wear their school hats on the yard and will be permitted to wear their summer uniform if it is warm. At the beginning of Term 4, parents are welcome to decide on the most appropriate uniform depending on the weather. We usually end the winter uniform, and move into full summer uniform, at the end of October. I will update everyone on specific dates for uniform changes in next term's newsletters.
Hats are a must from the beginning of Term 4!
Term 4 is not far away so please remind your child to ‘dig out’ that hat! Hats are available to purchase from the RHSports Uniform Shop if needed.
MACSSIS
Every St Paul’s Family has (should have!) received an email with instructions to participate in this year’s MACSSIS School Improvement Family Survey that is run by Orima Research. Staff, students (from Year 4-6) and parents complete this survey.
The school receives vital feedback from the survey results and as such, it is incredibly important that as many families as possible complete the survey. Your input into the survey will provide our community with information around our strengths, challenges and opportunities for improvement.
Your cooperation in completing the survey is greatly appreciated.
*If you have not received an email with a Family Pin to complete MACSSIS, please contact the school office.
World of Maths
We are looking forward to welcoming the team from World of Maths on Monday 12 September. World of maths is an incursion that visits schools with interactive hands-on maths activities. The students always enjoy the world of maths session and we look forward to the visit.
Prayer Gathering Assembly
This Monday, at 2:10pm, our Prep class will host our next Prayer Gathering Assembly in St Paul's Church. All welcome!
"FOOTY" ... OODIE HOODIE DAY
On the last day of term, Wednesday 14 September, students are invited to wear free dress.
Students are encouraged to wear an Oodie or a Hoodie! Further to this, normally on the last day of Term 3, being the season of AFL football finals, we invite the students to wear their favourite team colours. Their favourite team might be an AFL team, or a soccer team, whatever team they choose!
We also thank our Parents and Friends Committee who have organised a special hot lunch day - HOT DOGS! to celebrate footy finals.
Students can choose to wear their favourite team colours, they can wear a hoodie, they can wear an Oodie, or they can wear a mixture of it all! We ask that students bring a gold coin donation for the Year 4-6 fundraising initiative - Real Library in Pakistan. What a great way to end another tremendous term at St Paul's!
Warm regards,
Michael Watt
Monbulk Netball Superstars: A Stella Performance!
Making up half the team, St Pauls students; Jess, Katie, Maeve and Stella played in their Grand Final for '11 & Under' on Saturday for Monbulk Netball Club.
Winning 17 – 6 against Mount Evelyn. Dominating through the mid-court Katie and Maeve had some amazing intercepts and passes down the court. Whilst the power goaling duo of Stella and Jess, outplayed the defence of Mount Evelyn.
Stella was awarded LYVNA Association Best and Fairest, showing the great season both she and the girls had.
Their coach and parents, are extremely proud of the girls. They have certainly put a lot of effort into improving their netball skills this season, and of course had a lot fun playing.
ITALIAN DAY - Friday 14 October
School Closure Days 2022
We ask that parents take note of these dates and put them in their calendars:
SCHOOL CLOSED - Thursday 15 September:
SCHOOL CLOSED - Friday 16 September:
SCHOOL CLOSED - Monday 31 October (Cup Eve)
SCHOOL CLOSED - Monday 5 December
*Please Note: Friday 16 December is the conclusion of the school year for St Paul's students.
From the School Office
CDF Pay: Hot Lunch Day - Hot Dogs – Wednesday, 14 September 2022
Event & Date: Wed 14 September 2022 - Hot Lunch Day
Orders Close: Monday 12 September @ 8am
* Please note: No late orders can be accepted after this time
For a direct link to CDF Pay click here.
Rapid Antigen Test Kits (RATs)
As per government guidelines, schools are still being provided with RAT kits for staff and students during Term 3, however schools are no longer required to routinely send them home with students. We are instead providing them to St Paul's families on request.
If you would like to collect RAT kits from school or would like them to be sent home with your child/children, please either phone or email the school office.
Holiday Program - Skateboarding
Hi everyone,
For those whose kids enjoyed the skateboarding sessions last week, there is a school holiday program happening in Gembrook. Go to the website to book in.
https://skatepark.ymca.org.au/all-aboard
Emma-lee Curwood
Call for Support from our Year 4, 5 & 6 Students
If you have a business and would like to support our Year 4, 5 & 6 students in reaching their goal of $10,000 to build a library for a school in Tramri, Pakistan, please consider the advertising opportunity below and contact the school office.
Lunch Clubs are BACK!
Our lunchtime clubs are back up and running. They are held in the library/open learning space 1:30-2pm, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
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 Carla Rademaker with items being purchased by gold coin donation. Payments can be made via CDF Pay. If you are looking for items of secondhand uniform please feel free to text Carla on 0409 866 901 with your wish list. Items will usually be sent home via class tubs or collected from the school office by arrangement.
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
Catholic Secondary - Key enrolment dates for Year 5 students in 2023 starting Year 7 in 2025
The key enrolment dates for students in Year 5 in 2023, who will be starting Year 7 in 2025, have been agreed after consultation with the Executive of the Principals Association of Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools (PAVCSS).
Critical Dates:
27 January 2023 – Applications will open for Year 5 students commencing Year 7 in 2024.
18 August 2023 – Applications will close.
20 October 2023 – Offers to be posted to prospective Year 7 applicants.
10 November 2023 – Final date for parents/carers to accept an offer made by a school.
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY
