2024 Newsletter #02 February 21
Principal News
Dear St Paul's families,
Welcome to this fortnight's updates.
RICHMOND FOOTBALL CLUB: Well, there was certainly a lot of excitement last week when the players arrived at school. There were some great questions asked by the children and of course the opportunity to take lots of photos with the players. I think some of the staff were more excited than the children. Thank you to Mrs Slimmon and AFL Victoria for organising this.
ASH WEDNESDAY: I was extremely proud of how the children participated in the Ash Wednesday Mass celebration at Sacred Heart Church last week. They were very respectful throughout the Mass which was pleasing to see. Thank you to Mrs Blagus for her planning and coordinating for this celebration. There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to make the event flow as seamlessly as possible.
BEGINNING OF THE YEAR PICNIC: It was wonderful to see so many of our school families attend our picnic this year. The children enjoyed the games prepared by the staff and of course the free Zooper Doopers. I hope everyone who attended had the opportunity to meet new families and forge new friendships.
SCHOOL PHOTOS: Yesterday we had our annual school photos. It was lovely to see the effort the children put into their appearance. School photos are such an important keepsake, and they are fun to look at many years later. Thank you to our school leaders, Ariah and Taylor in assisting the photographers and classes throughout the morning.
PICK UP/ DRIVE THROUGH: Last Friday Council came to inspect the "Drive Through" area as cars exited the school grounds. It was pleasing to see that everyone obeyed the sign and completed a "LEFT TURN ONLY". I had hoped this would continue moving forward, however, it appears some people still don't know their left from their right.
BUS STOP AREA: A lot of cars are parking next to the bus stop on Fourteenth street. Please note this area is to be kept clear so that buses can safely arrive and collect the children. Council have advised that anyone parking in that area may be fined for illegal parking.
NEW SCHOOL SITE: You may have read in the Sunraysia Daily recently that land was purchased next to the Mildura Sporting Precinct. The heading on the front page was misleading as the Catholic Church has not purchased the land but rather DOBCEL (Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited). While this is a good news story for the growth of Catholic Education in the region, and may be quite a few years away, it is also important that the correct information is reported. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
DIOCESAN LEADERSHIP GATHERING: Thursday and Friday Mrs Sutherland and I will be attending a meeting in Horsham with other Principals and school leaders across the Ballarat Diocese. We will have an opportunity to meet with Professor Pasi Sahlberg via video), Dave Runge and Canadian school improvement expert, Jean Stiles, as they work with us on our strategic plan for Catholic Education for the future.
AUTISM WORKSHOP: Amanda Barton is running an Autism workshop in Mildura. Details for the Mildura workshop is below:
Date: Friday 8 March 2024 Time: 11:00am – 1:30pm AEDT
Location: The Benetook Room – 190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura VIC 3500
For more information and to register, visit the Amaze website:
https://www.amaze.org.au/news-and-events/autism-and-health-workshops/
BOOK FAIR & WISH LIST DAY: This Friday 23rd Feb, all classes will be given the opportunity to visit the Book Fair and create a wish list. Parents are encouraged to discuss the list with their children over the weekend. The Book Fair will be open from Monday 26th February to Wednesday 28th February. Students may purchase items before school (8.30am-8.55am), at lunch (11-11.30am) & after school (3.25pm - 3.45pm). Payment can be made online prior to collection, or by cash/eftpos on the day.
SWPBS LAUNCH/ CASUAL CLOTHES (YELLOW THEME): This Friday 23rd Feb, is our School Wide Positive Behaviour Relaunch. The children will be completing activities in class between 1.00pm and 2.00pm
At our assembly at 2.45pm there will be a special celebration. Students are encouraged to wear casual clothes with YELLOW to represent our 'Bee' Norms. Shoes must be closed toe e.g. runners. No thongs, crocs etc are to be worn.
CONGRATULATIONS: Well done to the following students who have already reached a milestone by following our school norms : Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be Your Best.
BEE MILESTONE: Kalasia-Rose Fonua, Abbie Peters, Elih Groenen, Max Mangan, Natasha Cavallo & Charlie Smith.
ST PAUL'S TRIVIA NIGHT: Friday 22nd March St Paul's will be hosting a Trivia Night to raise fund to purchase new goal posts for the John Hill oval. See below for letter seeking sponsorship and/or donations for this event. If you can contribute in any way possible it would be greatly appreciated. More information to come. Tickets will be going on sale soon - $10 per person. Try and organise a table of ten. The more the merrier.
ST PAUL'S HISTORY: Don't forget to check out this week's instalment of the history of St Paul's Primary school. It is well worth a read.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
23rd February - SWPB Relaunch. Asembly 2.45pm
27th February - Foundation Unit excursion to Sacred Heart church
1st March - School Cross Country
5th- 8th March - Senior Unit Camp-Adelaide
5th March- School Advisory Council Meeting 7.00pm St Paul's
I hope you all have an enjoyable week and upcoming weekend.
As always
Keep the Faith
Vince Muscatello
Trivia Committee - Donations Please!
NAPLAN - Years 3 & 5
Library
Hello from the Library,
Thanks very much to the wonderful foundation parents who donated lovely new books to our library at the Book Buddy night.
We have our first Book Fair for the year coming up next week. On Friday all students will visit our Book Fair to make a wish list. The Book Fair will be open next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the 26th, 27th and 28th of February. Opening times are 8.30 am Lunch time and after school. Everyone is warmly invited to pop in and have a look. All purchases go towards making money for our school. There will be a colouring in competition to go with the Book Fair, all students have the chance to win $20.00 towards their books.
Look forwards to seeing you here,
Kind regards Marg Pongrac.
Senior Unit News
Camp Updates
We are rolling along very quickly towards Senior Camp!
Please take note of some important notes regarding camp.
- As we are crossing the South Australian border on our first day - please DO NOT pack any fresh fruit for your child.
- Students are required to bring a packed lunch on the first day of camp.
- Students can bring bathers and a beach towel as there is a splash park at our accommodation we will utilise.
- Snack donations - thank you to parents/carers who have brought some snacks in for our camp, we would love to fill up two big tubs with snacks that our students can enjoy throughout camp. Please drop them off to your childs classroom..
- NO sleeping bags required. Linen and towels are provided at our accommodation.
Chromebooks
Please ensure student Chromebooks are brought to school each day with the battery at least 80% charged.
We use Chromebooks almost every day in the Senior Unit, so please remind children that they are to be using their Chromebooks correctly by remaining on task and using approved websites.
Week 4 Photos
Middle Unit News
Each term, students participate in live online sessions with Marty and Laura from Inform and Empower. Today we learnt about the importance of having a strong password to keep our accounts and information secure.
In literacy, we are reading and writing about different Australian Animals and their life cycles. Ask your child about the family differences between an Emu and a Kookaburra! Students have been using their new knowledge to write sentences with coordinating conjunctions.
In PE and Sport, students have been practicing hard for Cross Country next week. Please read the Sports section for further details and we look forward to cheering on our superstars.
Over the last few weeks, students have been writing their SRC application speeches. Last Tuesday, those students who wished to be considered as an SRC candidate made their speech to their class which was followed by anonymous voting. Announcements of the successful candidates will be made at the assembly on Friday. We are so proud of everyone who made a speech. It is never easy putting yourself out there and talking in front of your peers, but everyone was amazing and spoke confidently. Well Done.
IMPORTANT: Middle Unit students are required to wear their sports uniforms on Mondays and Wednesdays. Sport will be taught by their normal classroom teachers. Our specialist lessons will take place on Thursdays this year. Our specialist teachers are Mr Brouwers-Art, Mrs Simms-Technology, Signora Ghidinelli-Italian, and Mrs Powell-SWPBS.
Just a reminder that email is often the easiest way to contact your child’s teacher. If you have any concerns please feel free to contact us. We look forward to meeting more parents over the coming days and weeks.
M1 - Mrs Brouwers kbrouwers@spmildura.catholic.edu.au
M2 - Mrs Emmett kemmett@spmildura.catholic.edu.au
M9 - Mrs Slimmon rslimmon@spmildura.catholic.edu.au
M10 - Mrs Parker aparker@spmildura.catholic.edu.au
Junior Unit News
Last week in Inquisitive, we were learning about how plants grow and change. Our Focus Question ‘How high and fast can a bean or pea plant grow in one week?’ We discussed that scientists look around and ask questions about the natural world. They then make a hypothesis (an idea that you can test) about something and do an experiment to see if they were right.
So this is exactly what we did in the Junior Unit! Firstly, we drew inspiration from the Jack and the Beanstalk story. We then learnt about the process of planting beans and peas and what materials we needed.
As a class we then came up with a hypothesis/ prediction. Here are a couple of examples:
- We think the bean sprout will grow as tall as the teacher pointer in 20-30 days.
- We think our beans and peas will grow about 5 cm high.
- We think the beans will grow taller than the peas.
Here are some pictures of bean and pea experiment!
In our specialist sport lessons last week, each class participated in a hockey clinic at school. The students were taught various hockey skills and participated in fun activities. This was a real hit!
In Religion, the students had a go at creating a prayer. We have been learning about relationships with each other, the world and God. We discussed that prayer is a way that Catholic Christian’s can build their relationship with God.
St Paul's History- The Early Years Chapter 2
1973
A new principal, Sr M. Barbara, was appointed to Sacred Heart School, but at the beginning of 1973 she was not well enough to assume these duties. Sr Josephine Dyer was asked by the Mercy Order if she would accept the position as she had been at the school for a year. After some thought, she agreed to be Principal.
At this time, there were six Sisters of Mercy and nine lay teachers at the school and the enrolment was 479. Fr T. Brophy was appointed as Chaplain. An amount of $155,000 to build the school was granted.
It is stated in the minutes of 19/7/73, that Peter Teggelove, congratulated Mon. McKenzie on the success of the venture so far and said that the progress of the Mildura school was being followed very keenly by the whole diocese.
By September 1973, tenders had been called. The cost was estimated at $220,000 to $250,000, without extra site works. The whole question of Catholic education, and Parish and parent involvement in it, was raised. It was mentioned that the staff would determine what kind of school it would be.
The tender to build the new school, now tentatively known as “The Vines”, was let to Sandor Constructions and the families at Sacred Heart School were zoned so the grade sizes could be worked out for 1974.
1974
The school began to exist as a community of people at the beginning of 1974 with Sr Josephine Dyer as Principal. Sr Kathleen Hill was appointed Principal Sacred Heart School.
There were not enough classrooms to accommodate both lots of children and teachers at Sacred Heart School, so it was decided that grades Prep, 1 and 2 for the new school would have temporary accommodation in the Sacred Heart Hall. There was a large stage area that was used for Grades 1 and 2 and a dressing room that was used for the Prep. Class. As the school building would not be ready until Term 3 1974, all Grade 6 children stayed at Sacred Heart School.
A general meeting of all parents whose children were receiving Catholic primary education was called on Tuesday 26th February 1974, where a sperate committee was elected for each school.
At the new school meeting of 7th March 1974, it was announced by Mons. McKenzie that the name of the school was to be St Paul’s.
Equipment for the classes in the Hall was acquired by dividing what was in the classrooms at Sacred Heart School. Desks were also taken over and two large blackboard and cupboard units were obtained which made a divider between Grades 1 and 2. The small room had been previously used as a teaching area, so the blackboard was already installed. Old carpet squares were found to make floor space comfortable for suitable activities and various extra tables, shelves and cupboards were acquired so that the resulting area was very satisfactory. A sandpit was installed in the area outside for the children and the staff had adequate facilities in the Hall kitchen.
The benefits of this arrangement were not seen at the time, but later this “intermediate” stage, between being in a closed classroom and an open plan school, became apparent. The children remained in grade groups, each with a teacher, but because of their isolation from the rest of the school, they became a unit of people, familiar with each other. This was unconsciously encouraged by the teachers by having singing and musical activity sessions in the empty Hall section of the building.
The most important outcomes of this were that the three teachers involved got to know all the children, the children got to know all the teachers and each other. The teachers came to realise the basic necessity for the successful functioning of an open plan school, that of support for each other, even if you may not wholly agree with what the other teacher is saying, and constant awareness and consideration of other groups operating in close proximity to your own.
The teachers also got to know each other- their talents and inadequacies, their strengths and weaknesses. They frequently saw each other teaching. Some teachers can find this a disturbing experience if they think they are being watched, but this too was invaluable later.
While this was happening, the children from Grades 3, 4 and 5 were being taught in conventional classrooms where neither they nor their teachers had any group preparation for their new environment.
During this time, the School Committee met fortnightly to work on site plans and other pre-occupancy needs. A list of requirements for the site was put as follows: Oval, Basketball Courts, Tennis Courts, Adventure Playground, Outdoor Teaching Areas, Seating Accommodation, Bicycle racks, Watering System, Car Park, Presbytery, Church, Gymnasium and Swimming Pool.
Assistance from the City Council was promised re: planting of trees along Fourteenth Street and advice on levels for the oval and general drainage. The District Forest Officer undertook to prepare a plan for tree planting, and John Devilee worked out drainage plans and suggested a watering system. This was estimated to cost under $1000 if parents would supply the labour. This was completed by August 1974.
In investigating bus travel to St. Paul’s, it was found that the proposed arrangements were not satisfactory as the bus company was not able to re-route some of its buses to provide an adequate service. This situation has not changed to date and some children have to wait outside the High School for the feeder bus.
Foundation Unit News
Welcome to Week 4!
We would like to say a huge thank you to the families who attended our "Foundation Books and Pyjamas Night" We hope it gave you an insight into how we teach reading at school. If you have any questions about any of the information that was presented on the night please feel free to chat to your child's teacher. We hope the children have fun learning along at home with you as you work together to learn the "Rainbow Words" and the the take part in the weekly reading. When your child has learnt the first set of words "red words" please ask them to place their folder on the teacher's desk the next morning and we will hear them read them at some stage throughout the day. If successful they will be given a certificate and then the next colour words can be learnt. There is no pressure to learn these words in any time frame, it is up to you and your child how much time it takes. We certainly don't want it to be a competition or cause any children or parents stress. Every child will learn at their own pace.
FAMILY PHOTOS - If you haven't sent in your family photo, please try to do so ASAP as we don't have many on our display board yet.
EXCURSION - Next Tuesday 27 th February we will be walking to the Sacred Heart Church to visit the Church and look at all of the beautiful symbols inside. We will have brainfood in Henderson Park and then we will be coming back to school by bus. Please ensure you have given consent for this activity on the SIMON Everywhere App.
Boxes - Next week we will be completing a fun activity where we need boxes to build a construction. If you have any boxes from food eg cereal containers, muesli bar boxes etc. could you please send them in with your child.
REST DAY - Next Wednesday will be the last rest day for the Foundation students. If you feel your child still needs to have Wednesdays to rest at home, please let your child's teacher know.
SPORT NEWS
CROSS COUNTRY
Next week, Friday 1st March, we have our School Cross Country on the John Hill Oval. Parents and friends are most welcome to come along and spectate. Students may wear their sporting house colours. Check House colour on SIMON everywhere App -Click on Profile - current enrolment detail - scroll to bottom
Please note: Students in Grades 3 to 6 will compete in their sporting age groups. If you are unsure which age your child is in please speak to their classroom teacher.
Students in Foundation to Grade 2 will compete in their year-level groups.
The schedule for Cross Country is as follows:
12:30pm ~ 12+ Year Old Girls and Boys
1:00pm ~ 11 Year Old Girls and Boys
1:30pm ~ 10 Year Old Girls and Boys
2:00pm ~ 9 Year Old Girls and Boys
RECESS
2.30pm ~ Grade 2 Girls and Boys
2.45pm ~ Grade 1 Girls and Boys
3.00pm ~ Foundation Girls & Boys
Division Tennis
Due to the 40 degree forecast for tomorrow, the Division Tennis has been postponed to next Thursday, 29th February.
Students selected, will be notified that they are participating as soon as practicable.
Parents are responsible for dropping students to and from this event.
Hands Up Mallee
Last week we recommenced our Friday bike/scooter days. The Seniors and Middle Unit enjoyed being able to ride and scoot during the first half of lunch play on Friday. This week, the JUNIOR/FOUNDATION unit can bring their bikes/scooters to school and meet Narelle Simpson at the front of school to have some fun with them.
This week we also had staff from Sunraysia Community Health Services visit us to see our Walking Club and Breakfast Club in action. They were really impressed with how these clubs operate and are trying to get other schools to follow our lead as the majority of students are not getting enough physical activity and our Walking Club is an easy, sustainable way that schools can support students to increase their daily physical exercise.
For those who are new to our school, Walking Club runs every Monday, Wednesday & Friday morning from 8:00 - 8:30am at the front of the school. A supervised walking track with music is set up and the students get to walk the track when they get dropped off. It is an opportunity to walk and talk with their friends while getting some physical activity in. Breakfast club then follows this in the Hall, where from 8:30 - 8:45 students are welcome to join us for some breakfast and sit down with their friends while they eat. Toast with Vegemite and Honey, along with Cereal is on offer to eat and Milo or Juice is available to drink. This is also an opportunity for our Senior students to assist from time-to-time with the serving, cleaning and packing up, allowing them to give back to their school community.
If you have any questions regarding Walking or Breakfast Club, please don't hesitate to contact me at nsimpson@spmildura.catholic.edu.au
Sts Anne and Joachim Catholic Parish - Bulletin
Parent Noticeboard
ALL GIRLS CRICKET – 4-week program
- Mildura Sporting Precinct (Oval 2)
- Starting Monday 26th of Feb – 5:00pm – 6:00pm
- $25 – Includes ‘Pop-Up Blast Pack’ for participants
- https://www.playhq.com/
cricket-australia/register/ 4fac73
