St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday, 2 February 2023
2023 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 1, Week 1
Credit: Daniel Flucke
From the Principal
Dear Families,
Welcome back to the new school year. It was great to welcome all families back this week, and
the students are looking refreshed after their break over summer. The staff officially
commenced last Friday, although many have been working at school over the past weeks
in preparation for the term ahead. I wish to thank our staff for their dedication in preparing
for the beginning of the year.
2023 Preps and New Families
On Monday our Prep students experienced their first day of school! This is a momentous
occasion for families and particularly special for the child themselves. For many of us our
first day of school is etched in our memories, and often life long friendships are forged on
this day. We thank our Prep families for entrusting your children into our care.
WELCOME TO ST PAUL’S:
Ariana, Darcy, Joseph, Ava, Willow, Scarlett J, Anita, Eva, Poppy, Zara, Mia, Ollie, Noah, Isabella, Indi, Antony and Scarlett B
All families at St Paul’s know that we provide a high quality education with a special
personal touch. This nurturing environment is evident to all those that visit us, and this
year, on behalf of the St Paul’s community, we also welcome the following children in other year levels and their families:
Harris, Ella, Sam, Leo, Freddy and Adelina
I know that our established families will take the opportunity to introduce themselves to our new families and help them become familiar with our vibrant school and Parish community.
The Country Fair: Saturday 18 March
Our Country Fair will be held on Saturday 18 March. The Country Fair is our school fete, and is a major fundraiser providing opportunities that benefit all children. There will be rides, auctions, food and so much more! Our last two Country Fairs, (2017 and 2019) paid for our playground upgrade, which was much needed prior to 2017. The sensational playground equipment we all enjoy now is thanks to the previous committees and support from families across those years, and now it's our turn!
We are looking to create attractive and purposeful outdoor learning spaces and gardens under the shade sails behind the school administration office. The space we are trying to create will be used by students, staff, and parents, where people can meet and learn together.
As we prepare, I am reminded of the importance of teamwork. At the end of last year, and over the holidays our P&F met to organise the important aspects of this major event. We have a most passionate and dedicated team of organisers. For me, this has highlighted the passion and vigour with which many parents work in earnest to coordinate and prepare for our fair, which only comes around once every two years. The following story beautifully illustrates the strength of teamwork and reminds us of the need to call on the support of others:
A child was having difficulty lifting a heavy stone. He tried and tried but couldn’t budge it. His father came past and noticed the difficulty he was having. He asked his son, “Are you using all your strength?”
“Yes, of course I am,” the little boy replied indignantly.
“No, you are not,” his father answered. “I am right here just waiting and you haven’t asked me to help you.”
Everyone has a support group made up of family, friends, workmates and teachers. That support group is there to help – and many are just waiting to be asked.
Using all your strength means calling on members of your personal support group to help you through the challenges of life. On our own we can find it hard to lift a stone, but with the help of our support group, we can move mountains.
I wish to thank and acknowledge Bek Milikins, Tasha Selby, Carla Rademaker and Tameka Groen for the initial work they have done over the holidays to get our Country Fair back up and running after missing out in 2021. Over the coming weeks we will be seeking the assistance of all families with the Country Fair. We would welcome people to join the organising committee, but if that's not possible, a couple of hours on a stall throughout the day, sponsorships, donations, ANY assistance will be most gratefully received. Please give this some thought and keep an eye out for opportunities to help, wherever you can.
They were nothing more than people by themselves.
Even paired, any pairing, they would have been nothing more than people by themselves.
But all together they have become the heart and muscles and mind of something perilous and new, something strange and growing and great.
Together, all together, they are the instruments of change.
Keri Hulme, the bone people
2023 New Staff—Welcome!
As announced last year, three new staff members join our team in 2023.
We welcome Miss Emma Dinkgreve to role of Year 1/2D Classroom Teacher and Mr Daniel Salan to the role of Year 5/6S Classroom Teacher. We also welcome Mrs Teresa Fraraccio who will be taking on the role of Music/Performing Arts Specialist Teacher for Terms 1 and 2 while Mrs Irene Haritos enjoys an extended break.
We extend a very warm welcome to all new families and staff.
St Pauls' 2023 Staffing Update
It has been a true pleasure to welcome new staff to our school this week. Daniel Salan, Emma Dinkgreve and Teresa Fraraccio have settled into their new roles beautifully, and we once again thank them for joining us this year.
Over the holidays we had further staffing developments. We are thrilled that Julie Dietrich will continue in her Maths Support/Tutoring Role from Week 5 of this term. Further to this, Stephenie Peels will now take leave for Term 1 and Term 2 this year (previously we announced Term 2 only). We are very pleased that Carolynne Boyd has stepped step into the Deputy Principal Role. We are also pleased to announce that Kelly Geoghegan will take over as Learning and Teaching Leader, and Maria Cook will carry out the Literacy Leading Teacher role. Maria will be released from classroom duties every second Thursday by Isabella Lepore. We congratulate and thank Carolynne, Kelly and Maria for leading our school, and we know they will be terrific leaders for our staff, students and families.
2023 Staffing:
Leadership Structure - Terms 1 and 2
- Principal: Michael Watt
- Deputy Principal: Carolynne Boyd
- Learning & Teaching Leader: Kelly Geoghegan
- Learning Diversity & Student Wellbeing Leader: Sarah Kleverkamp
- Religious Education Curriculum Leader: Carolynne Boyd
- Maths Leading Teacher: Kelly Geoghegan
- Literacy Leading Teacher: Maria Cook
Office Administration:
- Office Manager: Helen Hermann
- Office Assistant: Bosa Sofranic-Carter
Classroom
- 5/6S: Daniel Salan
- 4/5MV: Jo McIntosh (Mon-Wed) & Cathie Vermeer (Thu-Fri)
- 3BD: Carolynne Boyd & Julie Dietrich (Wednesday and fortnightly Fridays)
- 1/2D: Emma Dinkgreve
- 1/2KG: Jacqui Kerr (Mon-Wed) & Kelly Geoghegan (Thu-Fri)
- Prep CL: Maria Cook (Mon-Wed and fortnightly Thu) & Isabella Lepore (Fri and fortnightly Thu)
Specialist Teachers
- Physical Education (Tuesdays): Emma-lee Curwood
- Music/Performing Arts (Tuesdays): Teresa Fraraccio (Terms 1 & 2) and Irene Haritos (Terms 3 & 4)
- Visual Arts (Wednesday-Thursday): Emma-lee Curwood
- Languages (Italian, Tuesdays): Isabella Lepore
Support Roles
- Maths Support (Tutoring): Julie Dietrich (Mon & Thu)
- Counsellor: Paula Hogan
- Library Technician: Alayne Kowald
- Learning Support Officers: Elizabeth Van Graas, Alayne Kowald, Bosa Sofranic-Carter, Greg McCourt & Paula Hogan
Specialist Classes
During 2023 the specialist classes of Physical Education, Music/Performing Arts and Italian will be held on Tuesdays, with 45 minute classes. Art classes will run for one hour this year, across Wednesday and Thursday. All children are to wear their full sports uniform on Tuesdays, and also "Class Sport" days. Individual classes will be notified by their teachers as to which other day children will be required to wear sports uniform.
School Hours
Children are supervised from 8:25am and need to gather on the playground, around the equipment. Classrooms open at 8:30am.
Music is played as a signal to move into classrooms at 8:43am and the bell rings at 8:45am to start the school day.
The school day begins with time for Meditation and Prayer. Research has shown that Meditation enhances academic, social and emotional performance.
With the exception of the students who travel by bus, all students need to be in class ready to start the school day by 8.45am. Written communication is required by the Government for any absences and early dismissals. Late arrivals and early dismissals must be recorded with a parent/ guardian signature.
Dismissal time is 3.00pm. We respectfully request that all students are collected as near as possible to 3.00pm as the teaching staff are required in meetings and have other professional responsibilities at the end of the day. Thanks for your understanding.
Learning and Teaching at St Paul's
In recent years, the St Paul’s Staff have been engaged in a collaborative inquiry on evidence based literacy approaches in order to find the best way forward for addressing our English curriculum. We believe strongly in explicit teaching strategies for the benefit of all students. We believe that, although we deliver a curriculum, we teach each child.
With this in mind, you may notice a strengthening in our collaborative and team-based teaching practice this year. We are implementing InitiaLit across the junior school for literacy, and we are implementing Spelling Mastery in the middle-senior school for spelling. Both of these programs are grounded in strong research around best practice and, given that children acquire skills at different rates, the programs involve instructional grouping. Instructional grouping is a practical way to address the spread of skill in a year group, and helps teachers target learning for each child at their point of need more effectively. Teachers work in teams and students may be working with different teachers (not always their classroom teacher) at times, depending on their point of need. As always, teachers will be working together to address the needs of every child.
Sun Smart
All children must wear school hats at playtimes every day during Terms 1 and 4. Children that do not have their hat at playtime will be confined to the undercover space, in the shade. Sun hats are always to be worn to Phys Ed and Sport classes.
School Procedures for the Bushfire Season
With Extreme Fire Warning Days parents/guardians are reminded that there is NO SCHOOL for staff or students on CODE RED days.
Fire danger ratings and warnings are used in Victoria to provide clear direction on the safest options for preserving life. Schools and children’s services listed on the DET Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) will be closed when a Code Red fire danger rating day is determined in their Bureau of Meteorology district.
St Paul’s has been identified as being one of those at high bushfire risk and is listed on the BARR. Where possible, we will provide parents with up to four days notice of a potential Code Red day closure by letter, email and App Notification. A Code Red day will be determined by the Emergency Management Commissioner no later than 1.00 pm the day before the potential closure. Once we are advised of the confirmation of the Code Red day we will provide you with advice before the end of the school day.
Once confirmed, the decision to close will not change, regardless of improvements in the weather forecast. This is to avoid confusion and help your family plan alternative care arrangements for your child. It is also important to note that:
- No staff will be on site on days where the school is closed due to a forecast Code Red day.
- Out-of-school-hours care will also be cancelled on these days
- School camps will be cancelled if a Code Red fire danger rating day is determined for the Bureau of Meteorology district in which the camp is located.
- All school bus routes will be cancelled.
On these Code Red days families are encouraged to enact their Bushfire Survival Plan – on such days children should never be left at home or in the care of older children. For those of us living in a bushfire prone area, the CFA advise that when Code Red days are forecast, the safest option is to leave the night before or early on the morning of the Code Red day.
As part of preparing our school for potential hazards such as fire, we regularly update our Emergency Management Plan, reprioritise any maintenance works that may assist in preparing for the threat of fire and clear our facility’s grounds and gutters.
What can parents do?
Make sure your family’s bushfire survival plan is up-to-date and includes alternative care arrangements in the event that our school is closed.
- Ensure we have your current contact details, including your mobile phone numbers. Keep in touch with us by reading our newsletters, and by talking to your child’s teacher, any other member of staff or myself about our emergency management plan.
- Most importantly at this time of year, if you’re planning a holiday or short stay in the bush or in a coastal area, you should check warnings in advance of travel and remain vigilant during your stay.
- If your child is old enough, talk to them about bushfires and your family’s bushfire survival plan.
You can access more information about children’s services closures on the Department of Education and Training
website – see http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/pages/closures.aspx
For up-to-date information on this year’s fire season, visit the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or call the 24-hour Victorian Bushfires Information Line on 1800 240 667.
Prayer Gathering Assembly
Each fortnight, on a Monday, Prayer Gathering begins at 2:10pm. Parents are welcome to join us, and we gather in St Paul's Church. Our Prayer Gathering Assemblies run for approximately 30-40 minutes and the first one for this year is coming up this Monday. We will announce the Semester 1 Student Representative Council (SRC) and present our Year 6 Leaders.
Parent Teacher Transition Interviews
Transition to a new school year for staff and students involves setting up strong communication processes and building on the relationship between teachers and families to support student learning. As part of our transition process, on Wednesday 8 March, parents/guardians are invited for an initial interview with the classroom teacher to help support your child’s learning this year.
We use schoolinterviews.com.au to organise our interview bookings and you will receive the details for this over the next couple of weeks.
Please Note
School will conclude at 1:00pm on Wednesday 8 March
Car Parking
The importance of observing the strict parking and traffic regulations that are in place for the asphalt car park cannot be over-emphasised. These regulations exist to ensure the safety of all children and adults within the car park area.
The following rules must be followed:
- Observe correct procedures for using the car park as stipulated in the attached plan/map below
- Driving speed is to be that of walking pace
- Always exercise extreme caution when reverse parking
- Children, regardless of age, must always be accompanied by an adult when walking through the car park to the school or vice versa (in other words, hold the hands of young children, older children should never be more than 1m away from an adult)
- Children and adults should always use the designated pathways
- Never leave a car unattended in the drop off zone
- At the conclusion of the school day, when children have been collected from their classroom, they should never be allowed to go to their vehicle unaccompanied by an adult, regardless of their age
- If you have young children or toddlers, never let them walk around or behind parked vehicles, they should remain next to you at all times
For the safety of everyone, particularly the children, there can be no exceptions to these rules. Complacency is a recipe for an accident.
While the asphalt car park is the preferred car park of use, some parents require the staff/parish car park when visiting during school hours. Should this be the case, the same rules apply with the addition of the following:
- Vehicle traffic flow is one direction only. Cars should enter the car park from Moores Rd and exit via Prices Rd
- Driving speed = walking pace
- Vehicles must always carefully reverse park
- Please observe the Disabled Car Park spaces on Wednesday mornings
- Children, regardless of age, must be accompanied by an adult. Children are never to walk through the car park by themselves
- If the car park is full, do not park in the driveway. Cars will have to be parked safely in Prices or Mt Pleasant Roads, giving due consideration to the residents in the area.
When using one of the car parks it is important to remember that the safety of our children and adults is of utmost importance. A lapse in concentration or flippant disregard for the rules can be a costly mistake that can haunt us for the rest of our lives. A map outlining the car park zones is included here:
Interrelate School and Family Services
Once again we have engaged the services of Interrelate. Interrelate lead family information sessions on human development. The sessions are age appropriate and help facilitate discussions between parents and their children.
Interrelate Family Night: Thursday 2 March
National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) 2023
The 2023 National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests will be administered, online, to students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 across Australia from Wednesday 15 March to Monday 27 March 2023.
Icy Pole Fridays
Our Year 6 Social Justice Group are happy to announce our much-anticipated Term 1 event, Icy Pole Fridays, is on again for 2023!
If you would like to participate we require full payment for the term prior to our first icy pole day which is Friday, 10 February 2023. Payment should be made via CDF Pay, our online school shop, which is easily accessible via the ‘CDF Pay’ tile on the home screen of our school app, SZapp.
There will be 9 Fridays in Term 1 and the cost, if you decide to participate, will be $4.50 for each child.
If you have any questions please contact either Paula or Helen via phone (9756 7201) or email:
Paula Hogan (phogan@spmonbulk.catholic.edu.au)
Helen Hermann (office@spmonbulk.catholic.edu.au)
Condolences
On behalf of St Paul's we offer our deepest condolences to Angela Silver (mother of Pearl, Year 3) on the passing of her father, Pearl's Grandfather, just before Christmas. Paul Gerard Cavalot will be fondly remembered by his family and friends and we are thinking of Angela, Graham and Pearl as the new year begins.
Our condolences also go out to Declan McDermott, Principal at St Thomas More's, who's father, Sean, passed away over the holidays. Please also keep Declan in your thoughts and prayers.
CHILD SAFE STANDARDS - VOLUNTEERS
At St Paul’s Monbulk we hold the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people as a central and fundamental responsibility of our school. Our commitment is drawn from and inherent in the teaching and mission of Jesus Christ, with love, justice and the sanctity of each human person at the heart of the gospel. St Paul’s Monbulk is a Child Safe school. We have procedures in place to protect our children.
St Paul’s Primary School:-
- Has zero tolerance for child abuse
- Actively works to listen to and empower children
- Has systems to protect children from abuse, and will take all allegations and concerns very seriously and responds to them consistently in line with the organisation's policies and procedures
- Is committed to promoting physical, emotional and cultural safety for all children
- Is committed to providing a safe environment for all children
All staff, volunteers, contractors, clergy and board/school council members at St Paul's School are expected to actively contribute to a school culture that respects the dignity of its members and affirms the Gospel values of love, care for others, compassion and justice. They are required to observe child safe principles and expectations for appropriate behaviour towards and in the company of children.
Schools can not function as effectively without parent volunteers. At St Paul’s we have many opportunities for parents to contribute to our school. All volunteers must have a valid Working With Children Check Card.
St Paul’s welcomes volunteers and in line with the Child Safe Standards all families will receive an “Engaging Volunteers” eForm through Operoo. This is an annual Operoo eForm form which we ask parents, who wish to volunteer, to complete. Respectfully we must inform our parents that in line with the Child Safe Standards, parents that do not complete this eForm will not be permitted to volunteer.
Important Dates: School Closure Days 2023
Each year schools close for at least one, sometimes two, closure days per term for the professional development of staff and strategic school improvement work. This year there is no school for students on the following days:
Term 1 - no school for students on:
- Thursday 6 April - Learning and Teaching Professional Learning
Term 2 - no school for students on:
- Monday 24 April - Review Preparation
Term 3 - no school for students on:
- Friday 1 September - Education in Faith Professional Learning
Term 4 - no school for students on:
- Monday 6 November - Reporting and Assessment
- Monday 11 December - 2024 Planning (OSHClub will be available)
Students conclude for the 2023 school year on Monday 18 December.
We ask that parents note these closure day dates in their calendar.
Important dates for this year can be found on our "Important Dates" page further in our newsletter, and also our school calendar, available on our website - CLICK HERE for our school calendar.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Watt
CAN YOU ASSIST?
We are seeking a parent to coordinate our Second Hand Uniform Shop, located in the Meeting Room here at school. This involves sorting donations and meeting other parents that wish to visit the shop.
Can you help??
If so, please contact the school office on 9756 7201
THANK YOU!
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?
- Have you uploaded your child's updated Allergy, Asthma or Anaphylaxis plan?
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 in the near future. Please note the levies portion of school fee accounts will be due for payment by 18 February. To set up a periodic payment plan please complete this Direct Debit Request Form or contact the school, if you require assistance setting up a payment plan, or to discuss your school fee account.
Conveyance Allowance
If you received Conveyance Allowance for your child in 2022, you do not need to complete an application form for them again in 2023, unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.
You only need to complete a new application form if any of the following have occurred:
- You have a new student that has started at St Paul’s in 2023 - you will need to complete a new application form for that child only
- You did not apply in 2022
- Changed family circumstances, such as a change of address since 2022
Please check with the school office if you are unsure.
Important Notices for Health Care Card Holders:
Camps, Sports & Excursion Fund (CSEF)
2023 Concessional Fee Policy
From the commencement of 2022 Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) introduced a Concessional Fee Policy. Please refer to the Policy to determine whether you may be eligible for discounted school fees.
Important Dates
TERM 1
- Wednesday 8 February - Prep rest day (no school for Prep students)
- Tuesday 21 February - Shrove Tuesday
Wednesday 15 February - Prep rest day (no school for Prep students)
Wednesday 22 February - Prep rest day (no school for Prep students)
- Wednesday 22 February - School Advisory Council
- Wednesday 22 February (10:15am) Ash Wednesday/Staff Commissioning/Opening of School Year Mass & Parent Morning Tea
- Thursday 2 March - Working Bee
- Thursday 2 March - Interrelate Family Night
- Wednesday 8 March - Parent/Teacher Transition Interviews (school concludes at 1:00pm)
- Monday 13 March LABOUR DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY
- 13 - 19 March Catholic Education Week
- Wednesday 15 - Monday 27 March NAPLAN Testing Window
- Wednesday 22 March - Year 1/2 Mass
- Thursday 29 March - School Advisory Council
- Saturday 18 March COUNTRY FAIR
- Wednesday 5 April Term 1 Concludes for Students
- Thursday 6 April SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY
- Friday 7 April GOOD FRIDAY
- Sunday 9 April EASTER SUNDAY
TERM 2
- Monday 24 April SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY
- Tuesday 25 April ANZAC Day PUBLIC HOLIDAY
- Wednesday 26 April Term 2 Commences for Students
- Monday 8 May School Photos
- Wednesday 10 May - Mother's Day Mass
- Wednesday 10 May - School Advisory Council
- Friday 12 May - Mother's Day Stall
- Saturday 13 May - Emerald BBQ
- Sunday 14 May - Mother's Day
- Wednesday 17 May - 2022 ART SHOW
- Thursday 1 June - Working Bee
- Thursday 22 June - School Advisory Council
- Wednesday 21 June - 3 Way Conferences (aka Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews)
- Friday 23 June - Term 2 Concludes
TERM 3
- Monday 10 July - Term 3 Commences
- Wednesday 26 July - Grandparents and Special Person's Day
- Wednesday 26 July - School Advisory Council
- Tuesday 8 August - Feast of Mary MacKillop
- Wednesday 9 August - Mary MacKillop Mass
- Saturday 12 August - Emerald BBQ
- Tuesday 15 August - Feast of the Assumption of Mary
- Wednesday 16 August - Assumption of Mary Mass
- Thursday 31 August - Working Bee
- Thursday 31 August - School Advisory Council
- Friday 1 September - SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY
- Wednesday 6 September - Friday 8 September - Year 5/6 Camp to Sovereign Hill
- Friday 16 September - Term 3 concludes
TERM 4
- Monday 2 October - Term 4 commences
- Wednesday 11 October - Prep Mass
- Wednesday 18 October - School Advisory Council
- Saturday 21 October - Emerald BBQ
- Thursday 26 October - Working Bee
- Monday 6 November - SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY
- Tuesday 7 November - Melbourne Cup PUBLIC HOLIDAY
- Thursday 30 November - School Advisory Council
- Wednesday 6 December - Gratitude Day Mass
- Monday 11 December - SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY
- Wednesday 13 December - Passing On Ceremony
- Wednesday 13 December - Year 6 Graduation (6pm Mass)
- Monday 18 December - Final school day for students
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. 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
Community Directory
