St Paul's Newsletter: Friday, 24 March 2023
2023 St Paul's Newsletter - Term 1, Week 8
From the Principal
Dear Families,
What an amazing day it was, last Saturday at our Country Fair. We could talk forever about how well everything ran, the preparation that was involved, the effort the people went to, and the fun that our kids had.
The forecast weather conditions, on the day of the Country Fair, had many of us checking our Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) satellite App in the days leading up to Saturday. The forecast heatwave meant we needed to brace ourselves for a warm one! The rigorous promotion through media, promotional flyers, letters, emails, and social media ensured we were always going to attract a decent crowd on the day, regardless of what was thrown at us. It turned out to be a perfect day in so many ways, including the weather, which ensured a phenomenal profit.
The balmy conditions allowed the crowds to come out in force to sample the fine food and wares on sale. The centre stage proved to be a genuine focal point during the day, with a tight schedule ensuring that many local schools and performers had the opportunity to showcase their talents. The rides and animal farm kept children from all ages amused.
Many thanks must go to all our parent volunteers, who provided so much support in the weeks leading up to the day - those who sourced generous sponsorship dollars and items, those who acted as stall conveners and assistants on the day, and to the fantastic set-up and clean-up crews. I would love to acknowledge individually all those who helped make our fair a huge success, however, there are so many that it is just not possible (we have done our best below!).
From personal experience, both as a staff member and as a 'school dad' being involved in several school fetes, I really am conscious of the effort that our parents went to. It’s not just about a couple of hours of volunteering, but it’s also about the preparation and the SUPPORT that is required from an entire family. When one parent gives to the fete, the other one is responsible for driving to and from school sport, doing the shopping, as well as all the other bits and pieces to keep things going in the household so that the community event can be supported. Sometimes the day involves the help of grandparents, aunties and uncles!
We should all feel proud of having made a difference, no matter the contribution. It would, however, be remiss of me not to acknowledge the untiring efforts of Bek Milikins, Tameka Groen, Tasha Selby and Carla Rademaker who have lived, breathed and dreamt of the Country Fair during recent months. Their efforts at rallying and coordinating the troops cannot be underestimated. Thank you everyone for a job well done.
May I also take this opportunity to encourage your support of our generous sponsors, should the need for their products or services arise. Please see our sponsors page below, they gave so generously for the benefit of the children.
It was a pleasure being involved in the 2023 Country Fair. Our collective efforts combined have raised over $18,500 for the school students, with which we will now begin designing an outdoor learning space - AMAZING!!!
Thank you to each and every St Paul's family ...
Year 1/2 Mass
Last Wednesday morning our Year 1/2 students came together for a special Mass. The children were excellent in the way they conducted themselves, and they read and participated with confidence. We are most proud of them all! Thanks to Jacqui Kerr, Kelly Geoghegan, Emma Dinkgreve, and Irene Haritos for organising the Year 1/2 Mass.
Country Fair Food and Drink Sponsors
Confirmation Family Workshop: 26 March
The Sacrament of Confirmation is available for students in Year 5 and 6 who have been Baptised, made their First Reconciliation and First Eucharist and are yet to receive this Sacrament.
We thank those families that were able to come along to the Sacramental Family Workshop yesterday afternoon at 3:30pm. We thank Irene Haritos, Cathie Vermeer, Daniel Salan and Carolynne Boyd for attending with the families.
Country Fair Gift Donations
REMINDER
Term 1 concludes for students at 3:00pm, Wednesday 5 April.
SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY - Thursday 6 April
Country Fair Service Donations
Annual Whole School Sports Day
Our annual School Sports Day will be held on Wednesday 29 March. Students have been practising for their events in anticipation of an exciting day.
Students are permitted to wear a t-shirt in their house colour for Athletics Day but it is not free dress day. The sports uniform should make up the rest of their clothing.
Please remember to apply and provide sunscreen for your child/ren as some races are not necessarily run with hats on (sprints, distance etc.) as they often fall off.
While it is exciting to ‘win’ we also encourage all students to be good sports throughout the day.
We have received offers of assistance from many families and we are very appreciative of this help. Thank you, it would be difficult, if not impossible to have a smooth transition from event to event without our parents’ support.
Country Fair Plants/Flowers/Produce
NAPLAN
Throughout the last week our Year 3 and Year 5 students sat NAPLAN - National Assessment Program Literacy And Numeracy. As educators, we do use the data that NAPLAN provides us in order to measure student learning growth in literacy and numeracy, but we use the data alongside all of our other formative and summative assessments. The NAPLAN data is useful, but it does not measure everything that we hold dear at St Paul’s. This is extremely important for parents to understand. NAPLAN does matter, and it is important to us, but NAPLAN is not ALL that matters!
NAPLAN does not assess what makes people special and unique. NAPLAN does not know that some children love to sing, are good at drawing, or can teach others how to use a computer. It does not measure work ethic, or ability to work in a team. NAPLAN does not know when a child’s classmates can count on them, or when the child looks after their mum and dad or their little brother and sister. NAPLAN does not measure how caring or thoughtful your child is, it does not measure our people skills. Successful children are resilient, they show persistence and grit, and these are attributes that are difficult to measure.
If your child is feeling a little anxious after sitting the NAPLAN tests this week, please reassure them that although these tests will tell us how they did on that day, they do not tell us everything about your child. They can’t tell us that your child brightens up their teacher’s day and they can’t tell us how special each and every child is.
I wish to congratulate all of our students on their efforts each and every day. I wish to acknowledge the way our teachers conducted the NAPLAN tests so professionally this week. Particularly I congratulate every year 3 and Year 5 student on their efforts in NAPLAN.
Country Fair Entertainment
Yours sincerely,
Michael Watt
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
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
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.
Operoo - Student Medical and Contact Details
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.
- 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?
Important Dates
TERM 1
- Wednesday 15 - Monday 27 March NAPLAN Testing Window
- Thursday 29 March - School Advisory Council
- 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
