2023 Newsletter #16 October 11
Principal News
Dear St Paul’s families,
Welcome to our news update. Term Four has begun as expected, with lots of smiling faces and a general level of excitement as we came back from holidays. There was also the subtle display of black and white throughout the school. If you know, you know, and boy did I know! I have watched the replay quite a few times already and as someone pointed out Tom!, bragging rights until the next AFL Grand Final. Who knows it could be “Back-to-Back” for the Magpie Army. One can only hope.
CLASSES 2024: As term 4 commences we begin planning for the 2024 school year. A key component of that is classes for next year. As always, the opportunity for parents to share their insights and thoughts regarding their children is available. Please understand that an incredible amount of time and energy is put into organising our classes for the 2024 school year. The teachers work with the children very closely and consider their academic, physical, social & emotional, and spiritual needs. We look at their friendship circles and the relationships they have built and developed throughout the year. Your thoughts and insights will be taken into consideration as we plan, however, not all requests can be accommodated. If there is anything that you need us to know about your child/ren, please do so by emailing me: principal@spmildura.catholic.edu.au. All correspondence must be received no later than Friday 20th October.
WOTWW- Walking off the War Within (Family Event)- This Saturday 14th October at Nowingi Place, Hugh King Drive, Mildura. The Walking Off The War Within community event is about coming together, walking side by side and talking about mental health. Mental illness and suicide within our communities are often hidden, shielded by stigma. 1 in 5 Australian's suffer from a mental illness and on average 8 Australian's take their lives every day. Our young people are not immune to the ripple effects that this can have. WOTWW is about breaking down that stigma, helping people talk openly about how mental illness and/or suicide has touched their lives and providing people with information/access to services and the confidence to seek support in a safe, family friendly and inclusive setting. Please see Flyer attached for more information
STAFFING: Last term we farewelled Mr Shaun Emmett as he continues his educational journey elsewhere. On behalf of the school community, I wish Shaun all the best for the future. Signora Ghidinelli has commenced her Long Service Leve this term. I hope she enjoys the time away with her family travelling.
PARISH NEWS- Please note the Reconciliation Parent Information evening is this Wednesday at 7.00pm at Sacred Heart Church. First Eucharist celebrations will also commence Friday 20th Oct 6.00pm mass, Saturday 21st Oct 6.00pm mass and Sunday 22nd Oct 9.00am mass. Several of our St Paul’s families are involved in these special celebrations. It would be lovely to see our school community supporting our children at these masses.
WARMER WEATHER- At the moment it is still cool on the mornings but is warming up during the day. As a result of this many children are taking off their jumpers and not putting them in their bags. Please check to make sure that your child’s clothing is clearly labelled. Hats are compulsory and must be worn outside. We have refrigerated bubble taps positioned around the school and are easily accessible for your children to get a drink when needed, especially during play time. Please discuss this with your children and remind them daily to ensure they are dressed appropriately.
SCHOOL CALENDAR- There are lots of important events coming up in the month of October. Please check daily for any updates such as: Senior Unit Swimming Program, St Paul’s Variety Night, Cyber Safety Incursions etc.
2024 FOUNDATION- This Thursday we welcome our new Foundation children to St Paul’s as they begin their Transition Program. The children will be attending two separate sessions.
12.15pm –1.00pm Session 1 Groups A & B
1.15 pm – 2.00pm Session 1 Groups C & D
The sessions are focussed on Play based Learning, with outside play (bring a hat) fruit snack will be provided and story and songs to conclude the session.
ASSEMBLY- This Friday at 2.45pm in the hall. J8 will be hosting. You are all most welcome to attend.
GOTCHA AWARDS- Congratulations to this week’s milestone achievers for following our school norms: Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be Your Best!
Bee Milestones – Zalee LePoidevin, Harry Williams, Tan Doan, Charlie Rowe, Tyler McIntosh, Catherine Lotong, Aaron Clarke, Oliver Traeger, Dan Boby, Olivia Prescott, Victoria Mouzakis, Vincent Cricelli, Mehar Atwal, Jessica Ram & Lilah Golding.
Hive Milestones – Liam Aranas, Sienna Humphrey, Jenny Tran, Riana Paththini-Kuttige, Manpriya Atwal, John Thang, Ava Fidura, Addison Welsh, Chaunte Clark, Charlotte Hogan, Annalise Goncalves-Wood, Scarlett Moir, Heidi Slimmon, Olivia Mackay, Lilly Hector, Mason Roccisano, Mila Pascale, Nicholas Horne, Joseph Lloyd, Harry Burns, Manmeet Kaur, Arianna Pileggi, Emma Circosta, Harper Hannah & Tilly Wankun.
I hope you all have a great week and enjoy the weekend.
As always,
Keep the Faith
Vince Muscatello
ONLINE ORDERING - Canteen & Uniform Shop
From this Friday, 13th October parents will be able to order Canteen and Uniform shop online through CDF Pay secure payment portal. See attached guide on how to set up.
- Create CDFpay account - scan QR code or browse to https://spmildura.cdfpay.org.au
- Verify your account & add children (they are selected from class lists within CDF pay)
- Select Shop - Canteen or Uniform
CANTEEN
Price list has had a long overdue update and new prices are effective from 13/10/23. When ordering online the prices will automatically calculate.
- Order separately for each child, it will be added to your cart and then checkout.
Don't hesitate to ask for if you need any help. There may be teething issues but we will work through them asap.
Remember, for term 4 you can order Canteen either online or with a paper bag & money with the child. We will change over to totally online from beginning of 2024 onwards.
UNIFORM SHOP
Orders are placed in similar manner but choose Uniform Shop. Orders will be sent home with child - generally at end of next day.
Arts News
Our 2023 Variety Night extravaganza is fast approaching! It will be an evening of art, music, food and fun!
The idea of this event is to come and go as you please. Wander through and see the beautiful art created by our wonderful St Paul's students, share a meal with your family and friends, watch an act or two on stage in our Talent Show and maybe even put in a bid on our Collaborative Art Piece silent auction.
On the night, there will be an opportunity to order your family's dinner to be delivered, if you so wish. We are just finalising with some of our amazing local restaurants, a google form will be available by the end of this week on daily messages on SIMON Everywhere APP. If you do wish to order dinner, payments for the exact amount in cash will need to be sent to the front office by Monday 23rd October.
If your child/ren are performing in the Talent Show, a timetable will be provided as soon as the acts are finalised. These performances are purely by choice and if taking part, the children are responsible for creating and rehearsing their showcase. They have however been given some time to practice with Ms Jess. **Please note that all Foundation students have been learning a dance in class and are invited to perform on the night.**
If you have any queries, feel free to email me at jfreeman@spmildura.catolic.edu.au :)
Collaborative Canvas
Foundation Unit News
Welcome to Week 2!
This Term in Religion our topic is "Joy". We have begun the unit by taking part in some joyful activities. Last week we made dream catchers, we took part in some fun dances, we have made stress/happy balls, we decorated biscuits and ate them. It has been a lot of fun and the children have enjoyed taking part in these activities.
Just a reminder for anyone who has not yet returned their Health Assessments. The school nurse will be making one more visit to school within the next week.
Our Term 4 policy is that all children are to wear hats when outside. Please make sure your child has a hat and if they don't, please purchase one at the uniform shop.
Tomorrow is the beginning of Orientation for the 2024 Foundation students. It will run for 6 weeks. While this is happening Mrs Jess Powell, Cindy and Maeva will be taking the current Foundation students in the Junior area for the two hour block each Thursday.
Junior Unit News
Welcome back to Term 4! It is hard to believe we are in the last term of the year.
In Religion this Term, we will be learning about the topic ‘ Celebration’. We have been discussing various celebrations that we celebrate with our families and at school. Today the students participated in a very special ‘Teddy Bears’ Picnic with their favourite plush toy. We look forward to sharing our ongoing learning with you this term.
SPECIALIST UPDATE: This Term our Specialist timetable has changed slightly. The Junior Unit students will now participate in a Library session with Mrs Marg every Thursday. This will be replacing Italian, as Signora Ghidinelli is on long service leave for Term 4.
Technology for the Junior Unit will be taught by Mrs Vergara.
Assemly this Friday @2.45pm will be presented by J8.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Reminder: Hats are compulsory this term. We have a no hat, no play policy in place. Please make sure hats are clearly labelled.
Middle Unit News
It was so wonderful to see all our students back at school last week. They settled straight back into some wonderful learning. Term 4 is always a busy time. Please keep up to date with events via the newsletter or Facebook.
A reminder that hats are compulsory in Term 4. Any student not wearing a hat will be asked to sit on the 'No Hat, No Play' seat.
Last week in Religion we began looking at our new unit of Gifts. We have been looking at the creation story and the gift of 'Rest'. Next week we will learn more about Paul and his gift of 'Letter'. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their gifts and how they can use their gifts for the Common Good.
In Literacy and Inquisitive we have been looking at our natural environment. This includes natural features, native animals, and using our natural resources respectfully. Next week we will look into sustainable farming. If any families have sustainable farming or home practices, please discuss them with your child so they can share them during class. We would love to hear your stories and any pictures you may have.
On Monday students will complete their last interactive Cyber Safety event. This year students have linked into 1 session a term, and they have thoroughly enjoyed their learning.
This term there has been a slight change to our specialist classes. Mrs Lucy Gray will be teaching technology and Mrs Tana Lawrence is currently teaching Auslan for LOTE while Signora Mary-Anne Ghidinelli is on long service leave. Ask your child what they have been learning. It's very impressive!
Senior Unit News
Welcome to Term 4!
It has been a great start to term in the Senior Unit. In Literacy we have been learning how to plan and write persuasive texts. This has presented excellent opportunities for students to stretch themselves by drawing on all of their various literacy knowledge.
This term, in Religion, we are exploring the concept of Solidarity. We look forward to building a better understanding of what Solidarity can look like on a classroom, school, community and global level.
Swimming
The Seniors will be participating in swimming lessons in Week 4 (23rd Oct - 27th Oct) at First Stroke Swimming. Please ensure you have given consent via SIMON so your child can attend. Students will wear their sports uniform throughout the week and please ensure that bathers are appropriate for swimming lessons. We are very thankful to Mrs Parker for organising this for our students.
Puberty Lessons
This term we will be learning about developmental changes that occur in our bodies. Classroom learning will be accompanied by a Q&A session with a school nurse later this term. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please contact Tom Pike at tpike@spmildura.catholic.edu.au.
RRRR
This term in our Resilience, Rights, Respectful and Relationships unit we will cover Positive Gender Relations. Attached below is the overview of the unit, please contact Tom Pike if you have any further questions or concerns regarding the information to be taught in the unit.
Chromebooks
A reminder that students are required to bring their Chromebooks to school each day with at least 80% charge. If there are issues with your child's Chromebook, please contact Tom Pike.
Grade 6 Graduation
Our Grade 6 Graduation Mass is Sunday December 10th at 5pm-6pm at Sacred Hearth Church.
Hands Up Mallee
Our wicking garden is producing its our first few broccoli heads! It is so pleasing to see that our system is working, especially now that the weather is starting to warm up.
Just a reminder to check to make sure that your child/children have a clearly labelled school hat. Hats are now compulsary to wear again with the sun's UV rays climbing rapidly. Students who do not have a hat will be asked to sit on a designated 'No hat seat' and will not be able to play.
Bike/scooter Friday is a day where we encourage students to ride/scoot to school and then during the first half of lunch play they are supervised using their bikes/scooters at the front of school area. Units take it in turns to make sure that it is safe for all. This week it is the MIDDLE UNIT followed by the JUNIOR / FOUNDATION UNIT next week. It would be great to see lots of students taking the opportunity to have some fun with their bikes/scooters at school and increasing their fitness and road safety.
This year we are again running a competition for the front cover design of our 2023 School Magazine. Entries must be in portrait format and must include the year and our school name. All entries to be handed in to the office or emailed to nsimpson@spmildura.catholic.edu.au no later than Wednesday 1st November.
Parent Noticeboard
Body Confident Children and Teens - Webinar for Parents
17th October 7 - 8.15pm (AEDT) via Zoom Cost: $15.00
With a focus on prevention, this session provides information and practical tips to help parents better understand and promote positive body image in the home. Topics covered in Butterfly Foundation's Body Confident Children and Teen webinar include:
- Body image influences
- The role of body image in problematic eating and exercise behaviours
- How to positively role model
- Responding to appearance talk and appearance-teasing
- What to do if concerned.
To Register: