St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday 18 March 2021

2021 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 1, Week 8

From the Principal

Dear Families,

This Friday is the National Day of Action - Bullying: No Way! Bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence are all interpersonal behaviours that can create or contribute to negative social environments. Bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence are absolutely not accepted, and we regularly remind our students of this at St Paul's.  

Bullying
The national definition of bullying for Australian schools says:

Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.

Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records).

Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.

Behaviours that do not constitute bullying, but are conflicts that still need to be addressed and resolved include:

• mutual arguments and disagreements (where there is no power imbalance)
• not liking someone or a single act of social rejection
• one-off acts of meanness or spite
• isolated incidents of aggression, intimidation or violence

Likewise not all online issues are bullying. Online bullying is sometimes referred to as cyberbullying and refers to bullying that is carried out through information and communication technologies.

Harassment

Harassment is behaviour that targets an individual or group due to their:

• identity
• race
• culture or ethnic origin
• religion
• physical characteristics
• gender
  
• orientation
• marital, parenting or economic status
• age
• ability or disability
  

Harrassment offends, humiliates, intimidates or creates a hostile environment. It may be an ongoing pattern of behaviour or a single act directed randomly or towards the same person(s), intentional or unintentional.

Discrimination

Discrimination occurs when people are treated less favourably than others because
of their:

• identity
• race
• culture or ethnic origin
• religion
• physical characteristics
• gender 
• orientation
• marital, parenting or economic status
• age
• ability or disability
  

Violence
Violence is the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual,
against another person(s) that results in psychological or physical harm. It may involve provoked or unprovoked acts and can be a single incident, a random act or can occur over time.

These definitions outline key characteristics and have been taken from Student
Wellbeing Hub .

How does St Paul's Deal with Bullying?

First, we listen carefully and calmly while documenting what the student tells us.  We then investigate and collect additional, relevant information.  When we have the information we need, we discuss a plan of action with the students and make all parties aware of the plan (relevant students, staff, parents).  Our Behaviour Support Plan is currently known as our Positive Action Agreement for a Safe School, or our PAASS document.  Myself and Sarah Kleverkemp (Student Wellbeing Leader) are working with the SRC to review our PAASS document, but in it's current form we still follow it.  Our PAASS document can be ACCESSED HERE.  Our Anti-Bullying Policy is AVAILABLE HERE.

Hello from the St Paul's Staff

It is an absolute pleasure to work with the staff of St Paul's.  Let me introduce:

Emma-lee Curwood

Emma-lee's role:

• Visual Art Teacher 
• Year 2/3 Teacher

"When I teach Art, I love seeing all of the students' creativity and passion coming through their masterpieces. Through a range of mediums, students get hands-on making and creating, expressing their own ideas. I also enjoy Thursdays and Fridays when I am teaching the year 2/3 class."

Carolynne Boyd

Carolynne's role:

• Year 5/6 Teacher

"Since starting at St Paul’s in 2001, I have felt I have been a part of a warm, welcoming community. It has always amazed me just how supportive and accepting the students at St Paul’s are of each other.  I consider building relationships with the students and parents vital in my role as an educator and believe the social and emotional wellbeing of students is an area of focus that helps develop the whole person – mentally, academically and spiritually. One of the most rewarding things about being a Year 5/6 teacher is watching the students develop their independence and take on leadership roles throughout the school."

Jo McIntosh

Jo's role:

• Year 4/5 Teacher

"Working at St Paul’s is being part of a close-knit community of students, parents and staff. When I started teaching Art and PE in 2019 I enjoyed the strong relationships initially developed with students and now cherish the continued connections formed with the students in my class - it’s wonderful to see their knowledge and confidence grow with real-world tasks and hands-on learning activities. Outside of school I love watching my three sons play their myriad of sports and I volunteer with many local sporting clubs and committees."

Maria Cook

Maria's role is:

• Year Prep/1 Teacher
  

"What I love the most about teaching Prep/One at St Paul’s is that students at this level have a passion and eagerness for learning and discovering. It is so rewarding seeing them develop socially and academically throughout the year.
When I’m not at work what I enjoy doing is gardening, shopping, going on long walks with my dogs and going to the footy to watch the mighty Tigers play."

Athletics Day is only 2 weeks away!

Emerald BBQ

Our first Emerald BBQ for 2021 was held last Saturday 13 March.  It was a huge success, thanks to the families that were able to problem solve on the day!   I must acknowledge the families that pitched in to help as we were low on many items, including having no bread!  Luckily our quick thinking families were able to work it all out, and the Emerald BBQ sold out of snags just after lunchtime.  A HUGE thank you to the following families for giving up their time last Saturday: Czaja, De Wit, Maher and Barnes. 

Camp Quality

The Camp Quality Primary School Education Program has been booked to visit St Paul's.  Camp Quality will deliver a Puppet Show to all students this Monday. The program consists of a live, educational performance focusing on cancer education, optimism, friendship and tolerance.  Many of us have been touched by cancer, and while Camp Quality addresses a challenging topic, we agree with the Camp Quality team when they say that laughter is the best medicine. So, we are preparing our classes for laughter, fun and noise! The performance details are below:

 Show date:    Monday 22^nd March 2021

Show time:    11:45am (Prep-Yr 1) and  12:25pm (Yr 2-6) 

Puppeteers:  Angela and Abbie

Earlier this week parents were sent a letter with information for parents, and also with contact details if you have any questions of the team at Camp Quality.  This letter is attached below.  Of course, parents are also welcome to contact our Student Wellbeing Leader, Sarah Kleverkamp, your child's class teacher, or myself.

Ready, Set, Prep!  Transition Program

Last Friday we had our first "Ready, Set, Prep" session - Library Storytime.  Stephenie Peels took the children through the story of "Going on a Bear Hunt" and then our students and parents used their binoculars to go looking for the teddy bear that was hiding at St Paul's!  It was an awesome session, with lots of fun and laughter.  Our next session will be held on 26 March where the students and families will Experience Italy.

Sacraments

The Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are available for students who have been baptised and in Year 3/4 or above, and are yet to receive these Sacraments.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is available for students in Year 6 who have been baptised and are yet to receive this Sacrament.

Preparation of the candidates will take place in Religious Education lessons with classroom teachers. This preparation will be supported by  Sacramental Family Workshop/s for each Sacrament (dates below). 

IMPORTANT DATES

Confirmation Ceremony:  Saturday 29 May at 2:00pm

Confirmation Workshops: 

• Wednesday 31 March from 3.30-4:30 pm in the St Paul’s Church 
• Tuesday 18 May from 3:30-4:30 pm in the St Paul’s Church 

First Reconciliation Ceremony:  Wednesday 16 June from 3:30-5:30 pm 

• First Reconciliation Workshop: Wednesday  June 2  from 3.30-4.30 pm in the St Paul’s Church 

First Eucharist Ceremony: Sunday 15 August 10:30 am 

First EucharistWorkshops: 

• Wednesday 14 July from 3:30-4:30 pm in the St Paul’s Church 
• Wednesday 11 August from 3:30-4:30 pm in the St Paul’s Church 

Vale Yvonne Mitchell

Last weekend we received the very sad news that Mrs Yvonne Mitchell passed away.  For those of us that did not meet Yvonne, she worked in the administration office here at St Paul's for almost 30 years. Yvonne was extremely dedicated to the community of St Paul’s School, and she retired in 2015. Generations of families passed through the doors of St Paul’s during her time. Yvonne was the welcoming 'face of the school' for such a long time and the stage that we built a few years ago is named in her honour.  Many in our community know Yvonne, especially members of our staff, and we offer our condolences and deepest sympathies.  Please keep Yvonne's family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers.

Condolences

We send our deepest sympathies to Signora Isabella Lepore and her family as her Mother-In-Law passed away last weekend.  We are all thinking of Isabella, Tony (Isabella's husband) and their family at this very difficult time.  Please keep Isabella in your thoughts and prayers.

School Closure Days

Our Term 3 School Closure day for staff Professional Learning has now been set.  There is no school for students on Monday 26 July.  Staff will be engaged in Literacy Professional Learning.

Our Term 2 School Closure Day is on Friday 28 May.  Staff will be engaged in Professional Learning focussed on Education in Faith.

A reminder that tomorrow is a School Closure Day. St Paul’s staff will be working on the Rights, Responsibilities and Respectful Relationships curriculum. 

There is no school for students tomorrow, we hope you have a great weekend!

Kind regards,

Michael Watt

2021 School Closure Days

Student Wellbeing

Values Awards - Respect

In class we focus on a certain value for a fortnight.  Each fortnight teachers select two students who have demonstrated the nominated value. We record the reason why that student has been selected for the award and they receive a certificate that displays this recognition.   Certificates are presented at Prayer Gathering Assembly.

This week we congratulate Tess, Monty, Archer, Niamh, Hugo, Kane, Lucas, Liam, Ruby and Caleb  for being recognised for showing the value of respect.

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

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.