2023 Newsletter #19 November 22
Principal News
Dear St Paul's families,
Welcome to this week's news update. As we come to the busy end leading into Christmas, routines change and more and more functions appear on our calendars. It is important to try and keep to the routines and structures, you have put in place so far this year, going for a few more weeks. We know when our children are settled and focussed they learn better. Let's try and keep interruptions to a minimum when possible.
Little Angler Fishing Kits: Victorians love fish and fishing. Recreational fishing offers terrific opportunities for people of all ages, skills, abilities and backgrounds to enjoy a fun and healthy activity and build social connections. Our aboriginal heritage is also deeply linked to fishing, with thousands of years of indigenous fishing history in Victoria. The Victorian Government is committed to increasing the number and diversity of people fishing and enjoying Victoria’s local seafood, growing healthy and sustainable fisheries sectors and contributing to Victoria’s social and economic prosperity. Every Victorian should have the opportunity to fish.
The Victorian Government committed $1.5 million over four years at the 2022 State election to provide 60,000 primary school-aged children with Little Angler Kits that include a fishing rod, tackle tray, some tackle and a kids' guide to fishing. The aim of this commitment is to continue to grow recreational fishing participation in Victoria by actively encouraging primary school-aged children to learn more about the art of fishing, marine life and the natural environment.
Grade 5 students received a Little Angler Kit. Gr 5’s have been selected based on the Victorian Curriculum focus, movement and motor development, and safety considerations.
FOUNDATION PARENTS 2024: Thank you to the parents that attended our meeting last Thursday. It was a great opportunity to share the "nuts and bolts" of school information with them as their children prepare for next year. It was also the last orientation session for our new foundation children. Exciting times ahead!
2024 Classroom Teachers: We have been working over the last two months finalising classes and roles. Our other specialist and support teaching roles will be confirmed in the coming weeks and published in our newsletter. I am happy to share with you the areas the teaching staff will be in for next year.
Foundation | Laura Squillace | Mila Giddings | Maryanne Heeps | |
Junior | Aimee Oxlade | Amy Jones | Carmel McGlashan Grade 1 | Danielle Baker Grade 1 |
Middle 3/4 | Kirstie Emmett | Karen Brouwers | Rachel Slimmon | Alisha Parker |
Senior 5/6 | Jessica Freeman M-Th | Rebecca Stevenson M/T/W | Rebecca Bugden | Tom Pike |
PROMOTIONAL VIDEO: This Week Mr Kevin Cummins from DOBCEL visited the school to take some footage for a new video promoting our school community. Kevin has been working with a lot of catholic schools in our diocese and was really impressed with the teaching and learning that he witnessed at St Paul's and how engaged the children were during class.
DIRECTOR VISIT: The executive director of Catholic Education Ballarat (DOBCEL) , Tom Sexton, visited St Paul's on Monday and spent time with myself and Mrs Sutherland discussing how the year has progressed and future goals for St Paul's. It was also an opportunity for him to visit our other Catholic Schools in the area.
CALENDAR UPDATES: Please check the calendar carefully for events coming up.
Tuesday 28th November
- School Annual General Meeting 7pm online
- Grade 6 Graduation Practice and Pool Day
- Grade 5 Students visit to St Joseph's College.
Thursday 30th November
- Grade 2 Camp experience ( including Stayback)
- Grade 1 Camp experience ( including Stayback)
Friday 1st December
- Foundation Camp experience and Gotcha Reward Day
- Foundation Unit Liturgy 9.15am in the Chapel.
Tuesday 5th December - Grade 6 Orientation Day St Joseph's College
SWPBS GOTCHA : Finally, congratulations to this week’s gotcha recipients for Being Your Best, Being Respectful and Being Safe
Bee Milestones - Kyky Philp, Cienna Pascale, Orlo Williams, Jack O’Callaghan, Mila Pascale, Emi Capp, Willow Droffelaar, Chi Vong, Oliver Moroni, Hayley Rowe, Aaliyah Windahl, Alice Blanchard, Harlow Johnson, Chase Chau, Riley O’Callaghan, Patrick Stevenson, Carlos Catain, Elsa Allieu, Chase Humphrey, Archer Barlow and Charlie Smith.
Hive Milestones - Joseph Santos, Sam Midgley, Mila Pascale, Emi Capp, Francis Chan Za Hmung, Ollie Thannhauser, Jesse Pitt, Monica Leslie, Elijah Hunt, Jassmeet Bassi, Owen Vo, Noah Demario, Dolly Moore, Mackenzie Mangan and Kalasia-Rose Fonua.
Have a great week everyone and as always,
Keep the Faith
Vince Muscatello
RE News
Sacrament of First Reconciliation
Congratulations to all students who will be celebrating their Sacrament of First Reconciliation this evening. Just a friendly reminder for parents and / or carers that the celebration commences at 7pm at the Sacred Heart Church. If you have any further questions, please contact the Parish Office. Thank you!
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) - Tuesday 28th November 2023
All St Paul's Community are welcome to attend our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 28th November at 7pm. This is an online meeting so feel free to jump online in the comfort of your home.
If you would like to join the School Advisory Council (SAC) please speak to Vince Muscatello or Melissa Sutherland. The SAC meet the first Tuesday of the month at 7pm. It does not require a huge workload on the member’s behalf, rather it is a place where the school leaders can consult with the parent body to ensure the best outcomes for our students.
To access the online meeting, please click - St Paul's Annual General Meeting
https://meet.google.com/ksz-nhqg-rnf
To access the AGM Booklet - please go to SIMON Everywhere/ Daily Messages
Foundation Unit News
Exciting times ahead and some important dates for the calendar.
This Friday: 24th November 2023
Foundation Liturgy in the Chapel at 9:15am. Our topic is "Joy"
Foundation will also be presenting their learning at assembly
Next Friday 1st December "GOTCHA" reward and camp day
9:00am - 11:00am Excursion to Benetook Farms travelling to and from the venue by bus. Please ensure you have given consent for this activity on the SIMON Everywhere App.
11:45am - Shared Pizza lunch (supplied by the school. If your child doesn't eat pizza please supply an alternative lunch)
12:15pm - 1:45pm - Buddy session
3:25pm - 5:00pm - Camp program - children will participate in fun activities after school.
The children are required to wear their sports uniform on the day. They will also need to pack a brainfood snack in either a named ziplock bag or brown paper bag. (something that is easy to dispose of when finished) They will need to bring bathers and a towel that they can change into after school to participate in some fun activities. Children need to be picked up by 5:00pm.
Middle Unit News
In Literacy, students have been learning to write complete pieces of text using an MPO outline (multi-paragraph outline). This is a culmination of the student's hard work all year as they complete well-constructed information texts based on the layers of the earth.
Last Friday our students led us in a beautiful Liturgy in the chapel. The liturgy was co-constructed with the students. This is where the students took the lead on planning the space, selecting and choosing the songs, writing and reading their own prayers, acting and creating props for the gospel, and typing into the planner and slides. The students took great pride and ownership of their work, so it was wonderful to have so many families join us for our celebration.
Over the last two Thursdays, our Grade 4 students have had the opportunity to meet and spend time with their 2024 buddies. The teachers want to thank these students for the kindness they showed towards these new students.
On Thursday 14 December to celebrate the end of the year we will be going on an excursion to Ten Pin bowling and Jaycee park. Please ensure you have given consent for this activity on the SIMON Everywhere App.
End of term pack up: Could all students please bring in a bag, plastic, paper, reusable, that we can fill with students' artwork, etc as we pack up the classroom in the last few weeks of term. Thanks
Puberty Lessons
During Weeks 7-10 we will be learning about physical, social and emotional changes in our bodies.
Week 7 - An introduction to puberty.
Week 8 - Using anatomical names for internal and external reproductive systems.
Week 9 - A basic understanding of human reproduction.
Week 10 - Reflection and summary of learning.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, don't hesitate to get in touch with Rachel Slimmon at rslimmon@spmildura.catholic.edu.au
RRRR
Our puberty lessons will be supported throughout our RRRR lessons which will focus on ‘Gender and Identity’, and ‘Positive Gender Relationships’. During these lessons, we will continue to focus on respect, consent, and seeking help.
Junior Unit News
Welcome to Week 8!
The Junior Unit Camp Day is fast approaching! Below is the invitation for the day. Students are asked to wear their full sports uniform (including school hat) on our Camp Day.
Students will be transported via bus at 11am to the Wallis Cinema (93 Deakin Ave) to watch Trolls Band Together (PG). After the cinema, students will be transported via bus to Park for Play (464 Eleventh Street) and then returning to St Paul's at 2.30pm. From 2.30pm, students will be involved in a variety of activities planned by their teachers. Students will be provided with a pizza dinner.
Grade 1 students will be picked up via the drive thru at 6:00pm.
Grade 2 students will be picked up via the drive thru at 8:00pm.
Please read all the information and give consent for this activity on the SIMON Eeverywhere App. Thank you.
The Junior Unit Liturgy will be held on Friday 1st December at 9:15am. All are welcome to come and join in our celebration.
End of term pack up: Could all students please bring in a bag, plastic, paper, reusable, that we can fill with student's artwork, etc as we pack up the classroom in the last few weeks of term. Thanks.
SRC
Due to the weather heating up, the SRC will be selling SUPERDOOPERS on Thursdays at recess for the remainder of the year. Super Doopers will be $1 each and will be available from near the downball courts.
Maths Competition Results
Congratulations to the following students who particpated in the APMSO Maths Competition.
Distinction & Best in School
Alice Blanchard
Credit
Andrea Norton, Dan Boby, Estee Clifford, Harriet Gibson, Ryan MacDonald, Levi Morton, Khloe Garland, Aidan Silcox, Nimrat Singh Dhaliwal, Ariah Tickle, Conor O'Rielly & Mila Pascale.
Participation
Asena Akkus, Jasmeet Bassi, Harper Hannah, Jennifer Ly, Tevita Pohahau, Hunter Rayson, Tolini Vave, Emma Williams, Willow Droffelaar, Lucas Nguyen, Seth Ram, Ariani Arden, Nicholas Horne, Blair Traeger, Ryder Baker & Tan Doan.
Proficiency
Harry Burns, Milan Caristo, Hannah Davies, Lola Droffelaar, Kalasia-Rose Fonua, Annalise Goncalves-Wood, Mike Hogan, Sienna Mackay, Rafael Mammone, Max Mangan, Dae Dae Moore, April Nyabonda, Soobhanah Parvez, Cienna Pascale, Abbiegail Peters, Lorenzo Pettinau, Issac Puleio, Hayley Rowe, Reyon Shermin, Ari Williams, Jessica Allieu, Kooper Carmichael, Natasha Cavallo, Joseph Fotheringham-Gottardo, Harvey Heagerty, Geordie Moratis, Jessica Ram, Faye Ratcliffe, Dustin Scott, Ruby Slimmon, Tilly Wankun, Samuella Allieu, Taylor Burns, Zac Erben, Treeza Jessil, William Langford, Grace Panagopoulos, Konna Peters, Hayden Rowe, Poppy Thannhauser, Mia Aranas, Manpriya Atwal, Emilia Capp, Amber Echanes, Olivia Prescott, April Simmons, Owen Vo, Chi Vong & Harry Williams.
Hands Up Mallee
We are currently in the process of renewing our membership with SunSmart. It is a really good process to go through as it ensures that we are following the safest reccommendations to not only keep our students safe from the sun's harmful UV rays, but it also helps us to better educate students on the importance of being sunsmart. Congratulations to all our students for remembering to wear their hats when outside. There has also been an increase in the number of students who are using our sunscreen stations that are located in each unit. Keep up the great work!