Newsletter #21 July 29
Principal's News
Dear St Paul's families,
Welcome to our weekly update. I begin this week's news on a serious note. One of our year 6 students, Joel, was involved in an accident Monday night after school whilst walking home. He was transported to hospital and is recovering. Thankfully,his injuries, whilst serious, were not life threatening. I cannot stress enough the importance of discussing with your children road safety. Please encourage your children to cross the roads either via a pedestrian crossing, if nearby, or at the appropriate intersections. It only takes a split second for a child to be distracted and an accident to occur. At present there are more vehicles on our roads due to the restrictions in place and we need to be extra cautious. I am very grateful for the assistance provided by some of our St Paul's mum's who were present at the time of the accident.
I mentioned last week that families have the option to park in the Salvation Army car park at the end of the day. Thank you to those families who have taken up the offer as it means less cars waiting in line.
This week we welcome Jess Hosking to St Paul's. Jess is completing her placement as a Learning Support Officer. I hope Jess enjoys her time with us and develops many new skills along the way.
Thank you to everyone involved in the Student led conferences last week. I know that most families would have relished the opportunity to be at school with their children learning about the progress they have made. However, given the current circumstances, the online google meet or phone calls were the next best option.
Our virtual assemblies are improving each fortnight. I'm not too sure about my acting skills , but it's safe to say, that I am not on Broadway's radar. Hopefully, they are providing some entertainment for you and your family.
Congratulations to this week's Gotcha winners. The children are enjoying the choice of rewards available when they reach their 50 Gotcha milestone.
25 GOTCHA AWARDS:Leylan Clifford, Noah Hunt, Jacob Nowak, Maddison Byrne, Lenin Guevarra, Dae Dae Moore, Christian Panagiotopoulos, Jack Hogan, Alan Abraham Jessil, Abbie Freeth, Sarah Richmond, Addison Welsh, Charli Dunn, Oscar Hissey,
50 GOTCHA AWARDS:Jessica Cavallo, Tyson Collins, Dustin Kennedy, Jacob Nowak, Lily Stewart, Lainesia Toutai, Jett Johnson, Soobhanah Parvez, Aisha Smythe, Daniel Sunna, Elena Akkus, Oliver Capp, Tiarna De Maria, Deji Obatoki, Harshveer Khangura, Zalee Le Poidevin, Chloe Moir, Jessica Ram, Hudson Stone, Lesieli Toto, Samuella Allieu, Monica Leslie, Levi Morton, Issac Puleio, Cooper Wilkens
We are in the middle of winter and unfortunately we have more and more children presenting with flu like symptoms. Our current directive from Catholic Education clearly state that any child displaying flu like symptoms, fever or shortness of breath should remain home until the symptoms have cleared or a medical certificate has been provided. Parents will be asked to come and collect their child from school when presenting with these symptoms.
On a sadder note, On behalf of the St Paul's community, I would to offer my sincerest condolences to the Dobricic (Christian S14) and Harradine (Oliver F17) families on the passing of their grand mother and great grandmother. May she rest in peace.
Catholic School Parents Victoria, along with Catholic Education Ballarat, invite St Paul's school families to complete the following remote learning family survey. The survey is designed specifically for parents/carers to provide feedback on their experiences during remote learning at home in term 2 of 2020.
The valued feedback of parents/carers will provide Catholic School Parents Victoria and Catholic Education Ballarat with information to form future discussions and sharing of parent perspective with key decision makers to improve education and the learning experience for Catholic school students. Feedback will inform CSPV of the impact on student learning and wellbeing as well as the strengthening of relationships and learning between home and school.
Please complete the 10 minute survey by Wednesday 12 August:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/
Senior Unit News
2020 Senior Unit Camp Survey
To assist us in planning, could you please complete the survey by clicking on the link below. Thankyou to the families that have already completed the survey.
https://forms.gle/GcTYisirgonz5LWZ7
Responses to the survey will be accepted until 4pm this Friday, 31st July.
Littlescribes Mini-Writing Festival
This week our Grade 5 and 6 students have been engaged with the Mini-Writing Festival. Attached is a flyer that explains more about the festival, what you can do at home to encourage your child to write as well as a discount code should you be interested in purchasing any of the author's books. As part of this festival, students will be invited to submit their writing to the 'Story Starter Wall' - this will include their name, school and year level. If you have any concerns with your child submitting work to the Little Scribe Story Starter page, please notify your classroom teacher.
Drink Bottles and Hydration!
As you would be aware, our drink fountains at school are currently unable to be used due to COVID-19 restrictions. Unfortunately, we are still seeing a number of students without drink bottles. In order to encourage good hydration, it is important that children have access to water at all times. Please ensure your child has a drink bottle packed every day.
Junior Unit News
Welcome to our Junior Unit news for Week 4!
This week in Mathematics, students have continued to learn all about Subtraction. Below is a photo of some students working together in a café protocol to come up with a range of Subtraction problems that equal a given amount. They all did an amazing job and worked so hard!
In writing, dinosaurs have been the topic of choice for a lot of students collecting facts ready to write an Information Report later this week. We can't wait to see the end results.
In Religious Education, we are learning all about compassion while exploring the Creation story.
A reminder that all students are required to bring a drink bottle full of fresh water each day.
Please remember, continue to enjoy reading with your child each night!
Have a great week everyone.
Foundation Unit News
The Foundation Unit have been learning about RESPECT. We have been talking about respectful voice, words and actions. During one of the lessons last week the children made a Respectful Garden using words we like to use and say. We have made a display in the Foundation area.
Arts News
The Foundation children have been having a great time diving into the world of Roger Hargreaves and the Mr Men and Little Miss series. We have been loving the hilarious stories, bright colours and boldly drawn illustrations!
One of my particular favourites is Mr Tickle, with his long elastic arms, mischievously wandering around tickling his unsuspecting victims.
Here are Mrs Gray's class with their wonderful Mr Tickle art pieces. Aren't they just brilliant!
Mr Tickle
Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for Mr Messy and Little Miss Giggles!
Jess Freeman
Technology News
Another week of fun in Technology exploring all things to do with algorithms, coding and programming.
Students in the middle unit had a great time learning about visual programming with block coding. First, they explored the functions of different coding blocks and discovered blocks of code can be sorted into different categories. Then, they experimenting with describing and following algorithms by playing a game of Human Robots, where students took turns to create a sequence of code with the blocks and then follow the codes by acting them out.
Students in the Senior Unit have also been learning about creating algorithms and programming using visual coding. They have been following a sequence of learning tasks from the code.org website. Students have been learning to identify patterns in algorithms and use repeats blocks to write algorithms more efficiently and exploring the concept of branching by using conditional blocks of code when creating algorithms that require decision making. Students ability to think critically and creatively, problem solve and be persistent has certainly been tested at times. To quote one student, "this is really tricky but I'm not giving up!" Another student said, "I have surprised myself and feel proud for finally working it out!'
Until next week, remember...
Technology is cool, but you've GOT to use it as OPPOSED to letting it use YOU!
Mrs Narelle Simms
Hands Up Mallee
Breakfast Club Roster | ||
Friday 31st July: Alissa Ovenden Ithika Parvez | Monday 3rd August: Sarah Richmond Leticia Sapuppo | Wednesday 5th August: Gabrielle Smith Vivian Thai |
Practicing mindfulness is a great way to promote positive wellbeing. Meditation and breathing exercises can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Smiling Mind has developed a list of healthy brain breaks that we can practice as a way of reducing stress.
- Move: any kind of physical movement is a great way to clear your mind and release excess energy.
- Breathe: slowing down your breathing rate can help reduce feelings of fear and anxiety.
- Ground: connect with what is happening at present to engage your senses.
- Sleep: a good night’s sleep is important for our mental and physical wellbeing.
- Connect: keep connected via phone, social media, emails or skype.
- Contribute: consider how you might help others.
- Create healthy habits: mindfulness can help us create healthy habits. For mindfulness and meditation resources, check out Headspace. This information has been sourced from Smiling Mind and Headspace.
At a school level, to assist with student mindfulness, we are now offering yoga to all students at recess time every Thursday with a qualified Yoga practitioner.
Physical Education Update
All grades have been continuing to practice their athletic skills. The Foundation and Junior grades have continued to focus on their shot put and vortex throwing techniques, while our older grades have been working on their triple jump and hurdles abilities. Here are some photos from the past week. A reminder that next week on Friday 7th August we will be running some fun Tabloid Sports/Mini Olympics activities here at school. The Play Leaders will be running various activities from 12.15pm, with the Senior and Middle classes being out on the John Hill Oval and the Foundation and Junior grades on the Mercy Oval. Unfortunately parents and family are unable to attend.
Sunraysia Hockey Association:
Come and try hockey - Players aged 5 to 11.
When: Saturday 8th August 8.30a.m. to 9.30 a.m. Please arrive at 8.15.
Where: Sunraysia Hockey Turf, Old Aerodrome Ovals, Gate C, Eleventh street, Mildura
Sticks are available to borrow for the come and try session.
Anyone interested in any of the age groups is welcome to contact clubs or the Association. Our competition will continue through to September/October restrictions allowing.
Kyra Mitchell (PE teacher/Sports Coordinator)
Continuous Raffle Draw
Congratulations to the following families who won at Friday 24th July Virtual assembly
- Hand Blender Set (donated by St Paul’s family) – won by King family.
- Board Game, down balls & Frisbee (donated by Akkus family & Rebel Sports) - won by Ratcliffe family
- Tennis racquet, case & balls (donated by Rebel Sports) - won by Bella Kennedy family
