St Paul's Newsletter: Thursday, 23 February 2023
2023 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 1, Week 4
From the Principal
Dear Families,
Yesterday we celebrated our Ash Wednesday / Beginning of the School Year Mass with Father Cruz in St Paul's Church. It was so wonderful to be able to come together as a school and celebrate our faith which is central to what we do at St Paul's. After the last couple of years being disrupted and Churches being closed, it is important that we re-engage with our faith practices which are the foundation for our classroom meditation, prayer, reflection and social justice work. At the Mass, the St Paul's Staff were commissioned in the work they will do in 2023. Huge thanks to our SRC for their fantastic reading, and to Irene Haritos for returning to St Paul's on her Long Service Leave to lead the Mass.
It was also fantastic to have our parents join us for Morning Tea after Mass. THANK YOU to those parents that were able to make it! I wish to thank our staff for providing the morning tea, with a special mention and St Paul's welcome to our new staff members, Daniel Salan, Emma Dinkgreve and Teresa Fraraccio. It was sensational to see Dione Salan, Daniel's proud mum, attend Mass and stay for morning tea too! Daniel brought in some AMAZING Rocky Road from home, compliments to the chef.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent.
Lent is a time of reflection and renewal. It is a time for us to consider how we live the word of God and to renew this living. The Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are one way in which Christians embody the values of justice, compassion, generosity and the "giving up" of oneself.
God and compassion are one and the same. Compassion is the joy of sharing. It's doing small things for the love of each other – just a smile, making someone a cup of tea, or showing some simple kindness. These are the small things that make up compassion. Compassion means trying to share and understand the suffering of people, to have empathy.
Throughout the remainder of this term, students will be immersed in the story and rituals of Lent and Easter. During Lent, we feel the call to give up our time or possessions for the good of others. We ask students to think about how these practices have significance in our life during Lent. How can we live generously and justly during Lent?
Shrove Tuesday: Pancakes
Last Tuesday 21 February was 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.
Students thoroughly enjoyed their pancakes, cooked up by Miss Paula and a small team of helpers. We thank Kate McCaffrey (Patrick Year 3), Adam Carne and Sylvia Carne (Oscar Year 6, Gus Year 4, and Beatrix Year 3) for their assistance on the day.
Project Compassion
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on Wednesday 22 February. Ash Wednesday also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.
The theme of Project Compassion 2023 is ‘For All Future Generations’ and reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long-term solutions to global issues. We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. If you would like a Project Compassion box at home throughout Lent, please see your child’s teacher. Alternatively you can donate by either placing your donations in the Project Compassion boxes that are in each of the classrooms and school office or online via the Caritas Australia website at: https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/
Carolynne Boyd, RE Leader
District Swimming - Congratulations to all!
We were very proud to send our District Swimming Team to Belgrave Pool yesterday. We congratulate Zach, Grace, Liam, Esther, Olivia, Austin and Jessica on a wonderful performance. Congratulations to all! Esther came second and will go through to division.
Working Bee - 2 March
The next Working Bee is scheduled for Thursday 2 March from 3:15 - 5:15pm. Families have received an Operoo eForm to register for either a Working Bee or Emerald BBQ. If you have not registered for one of this year’s Working Bees, you are most welcome to join us next Thursday if it suits you.
School Attendance - Punctuality
Last week we wrote to parents about the requirement for students (and staff) to stay home if unwell. This is very important for the health, safety and wellbeing of all in our community.
When healthy and well, school participation helps children develop important skills, knowledge and values to further their learning and participation in the community. Attending school, when we are fit to do so, helps your child develop crucial social and emotional skills such as good communication, resilience and the ability to work in teams.
Attendance records are kept by teachers and we are legally required to record attendance accurately. Attendance Rolls are marked/recorded by 9:30am. Rolls are marked a second time each day, between 2:00pm and 2:20pm. Attendance roll records are collected in the office at 9:30am and 2:30pm - this data is also exported externally to the MACS central system.
PUNCTUALITY: We respectfully ask our community to ensure children are at school on time. It is disruptive for the students already in class, and for the students themselves, when students are late for school. Teachers in the act of teaching (after 8:45am) are not available for parents, please do not interrupt a teacher when they are teaching the class. Please arrive between 8:25am and 8:43am.
To begin the day at St Paul's, the following arrangements apply ...
- 8:25am Morning Yard Duty begins, toilets are unlocked and children can be dropped off at school. Playground is open. Teachers are in classrooms preparing and are only available by appointment prior to 8:30am.
- 8:30am - Classroom doors are open. Parents are welcome to chat with teachers.
- 8:43am - Music is played over the loud speakers for children to move into classrooms for meditation. Respectfully, parents can now please begin to move out of the classrooms.
- 8:45am - Bell sounds to begin the school day. Teachers are not available, we are now in the act of teaching.
Reasons for student absence need to be recorded and the teachers apply the following when taking their roll:
- If a student arrives between 9:00am and 9:30am then this is recorded as a LATE ARRIVAL.
- If a student arrives after 9:30am but before 12:00pm this is recorded as a MORNING ABSENCE.
- If a student leaves school between 12:00pm and 2:30pm then this is recorded as an AFTERNOON ABSENCE.
- If a student leaves school between 2:30pm and 3:00pm then this is recorded as an EARLY DISMISSAL.
- If your child is late for school or has an appointment and needs to leave early, then parents are reminded that students must be signed in and signed out, by the parent, at the office.
Literacy Information Session
Yesterday we held a Literacy Information Session for parents. We had a good number of parents in attendance, and we thank Maria Cook (Literacy Leading Teacher) and Sarah Kleverkamp (Learning Diversity) for a great presentation.
We plan to create and release an electronic version in the near future for those that could not attend.
Whole School Sports day - Wednesday 29 March
We are looking forward to our annual Whole School Sports Day on Wednesday 29 March. The children are to wear their school sports uniform on the day, including their school hat.
If the children already own a T-shirt in their house colour they can wear it on the day in place of their sports polo. Students can wear some streamers and/or headbands in their house colours. Hair is not to be sprayed in team colours, thanks.
Please ensure your child has adequate sunscreen applied to their face, arms and legs prior to commencing the day’s activities and that they bring along their sunscreen (named) to re-apply during the day. All events will be held at the school.
Mrs Curwood is currently planning the day and we require helpers. If any parents are available to assist with events on the day, please email Mrs Emma-Lee Curwood to offer your services: ecurwood@spmonbulk.catholic.edu.au
Thanks!
Second Hand Uniform Shop - Thank you!
We wish to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Kelly Garrett (Jetta - Year 3, Kirra - Year 1) for taking on the role of Second Hand Uniform Shop Coordinator.
Kelly will be available to assist families with the second-hand uniform, by appointment, due to work commitments on some days during the week.
School Advisory Council (SAC)
Last night we had our first School Advisory Council Meeting for 2023. We discussed a range of topics including our Child Safety policies and procedures that went out via Operoo and our latest initiatives for school improvement. We had an update on Learning and Teaching around the school and we heard all about our upcoming Country Fair. We discussed general expectations around uniforms including school shoes, and we finished the meeting with a discussion about dates and events for the year.
I am most grateful to our School Advisory Council for their support and for volunteering their time. If you wish to make our School Advisory Council aware of any matters, please contact one of our members: Cara Kirby (Chairperson), Megan Bourke (Secretary), Sally Zylinski, Debbie Czaja, Jenny Burns, Kristen Dias, Simon Doherty and Lein Jenkins. Fr Anthony Cruz, Carolynne Boyd (Deputy Principal) and myself are the Parish/Staff members on the SAC. Debbie, Simon and Lein are new to the SAC this year and we wish to acknowledge and thank them for joining the group.
The Country Fair: Saturday 18 March
Our Country Fair will be held on Saturday 18 March.
THANK YOU TO ALL FAMILIES FOR THE ABUNDANCE OF CHOCOLATE WE COLLECTED LAST WEEK!
Tomorrow is the SECOND 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 their favourite t-shirt!
The following days are Free Dress Days and we ask that donations be brought into school:
- Friday 24 February: Favourite t-shirt Free Dress Day - Wear your favourite t-shirt and bring a raffle/hamper 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 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!
- Prel 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 the 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
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
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.
Levies Due
Thank you to those families who have already paid the Levies portion of their school fees, which were due on 18 February.
If you have not yet paid for the levies, we would appreciate if you could attend to this at your earliest convenience.
If you would like to discuss your school fee account or wish to set up a periodic payment plan please complete this Direct Debit Request Form or contact the school office.
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
- 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 29 march - Whole School Sports Day
- 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 (AGM)
- Wednesday 6 December - Gratitude Day Mass
- Thursday 7 December - Christmas Carols Night
- 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 Kelly Garrett with items being purchased by gold coin donation. If you are looking for items of secondhand uniform please feel free to text Kelly on 0435 810 954 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
