St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday, 16 February 2023
2023 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 1, Week 3
Credit: Daniel Flucke
From the Principal
Dear Families,
We generally think of 14th February as St Valentine’s Day. We don’t know who Valentine was, but there are many legends about him. One of the stories names him as a bishop when the Roman emperor of the time made it a law that no Roman soldier should be allowed to marry. The emperor thought that his soldiers would not fight well in his many wars if they were afraid to risk dying in
battle because of great love for their wives and families.
The story tells us that Bishop Valentine said that the emperor’s law was not right; it was unjust - men and women have the right to marry and have families. Soldiers began to approach the bishop, and so he arranged marriages secretly. Word got back to the emperor, but Valentine was courageous in speaking before him: “I have promised to serve God who loves us, and I obey his laws.” According to this legend, Bishop Valentine was put into prison where he died on 14 February - a patron saint for all who are in love.
Shrove Tuesday: Pancakes
This Tuesday 21 February is Shrove Tuesday. Ash Wednesday is on 22 February, the first day of the Catholic season of Lent, which lasts 40 days. By observing the 40 days of Lent, believers replicate Jesus Christ's sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.
On Shrove Tuesday pancakes have traditionally been eaten on the day before Ash Wednesday because they were a way to use up eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. Many people "give something up" during Lent as a way to prepare for Easter.
This year, all students from P-6 will enjoy pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. Mr Watt and Miss Paula will be the head "Masterchefs" and we will cook enough pancakes for all students. Although the idea of the day is to use up pancake ingredients from the cupboard, we have decided that for practical reasons, we will be using both the (click on the brand names for ingredients etc) “Woolworth's Original Pancake Shaker” mix and the "Green's Pancake Mix Original Shake" mix.
Students will receive their pancake plain (no topping). Your child may choose to bring a topping with them to school in their lunch box, such as a dollop of jam or a wedge of lemon. We understand some parents may not wish for their child to eat pancakes or that there may be dietary requirements, please note: Pancakes are not compulsory, students can choose not to have a pancake.
Parents can provide children with their own pancake in their lunch box.
SPECIFIC DIETARY REQUIREMENTS ONLY: Parents can provide an alternative mix to the office that we can cook up (this will occur only if your child has specific dietary requirements). Alternative mixes can be delivered to Helen Hermann on Tuesday morning.
Ash Wednesday: Beginning of School Year Mass
There will be a 10:15am Ash Wednesday Mass at St Paul’s Church on Wednesday, 22 February. During the Mass we will acknowledge the Beginning of the School Year and staff will be publicly commissioned in their role as educators.
Mass will be followed by a welcome morning tea for parents and we hope we see as many of you as possible there!
2023 Art Show: Wednesday 31 May
Preparations are now under way for our 2023 Art Show. This is promising to be a fun evening in which to celebrate the artwork that has been completed by our children. Staff members are also heavily involved, creating individual pieces, as well as classroom art pieces. Six very special art pieces will be put up for auction, with each piece collectively completed by the children from each class. As the Art Show is a special school event in which to showcase the children’s skills, we anticipate that every family will take the opportunity to attend the evening.
Emma-lee Curwood is leading the event, but she can't do it alone! We are looking for roving performers, artists, makers, and we are hoping to form a parent committee. If you are interested in getting involved we ask that parents complete two small tasks:
- Complete the engaging volunteers Operoo eForm
- Email Emma-lee Curwood: ecurwood@spmonbulk.catholic.edu.au
Please Stay Home if Unwell
Primary schools have a responsibility under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 to help manage infectious diseases in their facilities. There are cases of gastro in the wider community at this time, as well as colds/coughs, and for the health, wellbeing and safety of all students and staff it is appreciated when parents keep their children home if they are displaying symptoms of illness.
Different exclusion periods apply to different infectious diseases for cases and contacts. If your child is diagnosed with an infectious condition, please follow medical advice regarding school exclusion (CLICK HERE for exclusion periods for particular infections) and notify the school of the condition when completing the absence notification. Your information will be dealt with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.
Covid-19 Management
As we are aware, Covid-19 is still circulating in the community. COVIDSafe measures, and the language around our instructions have changed, but all Victorian Catholic schools are required to continue to implement important practices to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Schools must continue to take the important steps of ensuring air purifiers are in use, external ventilation is maximised, good personal hygiene is encouraged and face masks continue to be made available for staff, students and visitors who wish to wear them.
What if we have a positive Covid test result?
Firstly, we hope the symptoms for any positive case are manageable and we wish every member of our community the best of health at all times. Parents/carers should inform the school by phone or written notification if a student tests positive to COVID-19 (via a PCR or rapid antigen test).
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL: Students who report a positive result are recommended to isolate for a minimum of 5 days and not attend school until their symptoms have resolved.
FACE MASKS: It is recommended that masks be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home. It is recommended that masks be worn by a person who has COVID-19 for 10 days after a positive test when they need to leave home. Masks are not required to be worn outdoors but can be worn when physical distancing is
not possible.
Absence Notifications
Parents/carers are required to provide an explanation for their child's absence from school, and a principal/school must record in writing the reason given by the parent/carer. If we do not receive a notification of absence from a parent/carer, then under our Government regulations we must follow up using an automated messaging solution (SMS). We must advise parents/carers of unexplained absences, on the same day, as soon as practicable, therefore at approximately 9:30am the parent/carer of a child that is absent without explanation will receive a text message from the school office. All schools must report the annual rates of student attendance for the year to the school community at least once a year (see our Annual Report to School Community).
The Country Fair: Saturday 18 March
Our Country Fair will be held on Saturday 18 March.
Tomorrow is the first of 3 Free Dress Days coming up to assist with preparation for The Country Fair. School uniform is not required for these Free Dress Days. Tomorrow we encourage students to wear a silly/fun/favourite hat!
The following days are Free Dress Days and we ask that donations be brought into school:
- Friday 17 February: Free Dress and Fun Hat Day - Wear a fun hat and bring a block of chocolate (ideally 180g) for the lob-a-choc!
- Friday 24 February: Favourite t-shirt Free Dress Day - Wear your favourite t-shirt and bring a raffle item (as outlined below).
- Friday 3 March: Free Dress Day with a Mystery Jar - Wear Free Dress and bring in a jar filled with small items (small toys, marbles, lollies, loom bands, etc etc).
Each class will also be responsible for putting together a hamper as a raffle prize. We ask that items are brought in on 24 February. Please check below for the theme of your child's class hamper. All donations are gratefully accepted!
- Prep CL: Baby Hamper
- 1/2KG: Garden Hamper
- 1/2D: Art and Craft Hamper
- Year 3BD: Baking Hamper
- Year 4/5MV: Rainy Day Games and Activities Hamper
- Year 5/6S: "Pamper Pack" Hamper
IMPORTANT - We are very conscious of cost of living pressures. If a child comes to school wearing free dress on those days listed above, but does not have a donation item, we don't ask why and we don't follow up. Although we hope that all families donate on each Free Dress Day, a family might donate to only 1 or maybe 2 or all 3 of these days, depending on their situation. We are particularly conscious if a family has 2 or 3 children here at the school, we know this can be a lot. Across the board we are confident that we'll have a good number of donations.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Watt
Literacy Parent Information Session
Wednesday 22 February
9:00am
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
Subway Lunch Day – Friday 3 March
Event & Date: Friday, 3 March - Subway Lunch Day
Orders Open: CDF Pay now open for orders
Orders Close: Monday 27 February @ 10pm
* Please note: No late orders can be accepted after this time
For a direct link to CDF Pay click here.
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 have now been emailed to families. If you have not yet received yours, please contact the school office. Please note the levies portion of school fee accounts is due for payment by 18 February. To set up a periodic payment plan please complete this Direct Debit Request Form or contact the school office if you require assistance setting up a payment plan, or wish 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
- Saturday 20 May - Confirmation 12:00pm
- Wednesday 31 May - 2023 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
Learning for Sustainability Conference 2023
EASL's (Eastern Alliance for Sustainable Learning) annual Learning for Sustainability conference is back and in-person on February 24th. This conference offers professional development and networking opportunities for early years, school and community members interested in living and acting more sustainability. Details about the conference and workshops are below. There is a workshop for everyone!
When: February 24th 2023 9.00am-3.30pm
Where: Box Hill Institute Lilydale Lakeside
Tickets from $65
We are excited to announce our Keynote Speaker, Dr Ann Jones, who can be heard across Australia showcasing the best of nature, adventure and scientific research on her weekly program, What the Duck?! She also presents children's nature adventure podcast Noisy by Nature and presents nature and science programming for ABC TV (such as Catalyst) and online (such as How Deadly).
The day will motivate and inspire all who attend. Join us for a workshop, browse the foyer to hear from education for sustainability providers and an afternoon screening of Damon Gameau's 'Regenerating Australia' followed by a discussion hosted by Andrew Gray and Sam Wines founders of Co-Labs Melbourne. Co-Labs Melbourne was born from a desire to support planet-positive and impact-oriented initiatives related to research, education and innovation that add value not only to the economy but also society and the environment.
Dr Ann Jones appears by arrangement with Claxton International Speakers
Community Directory
