Newsletter #25 August 27
- Principal's News
- Foundation Unit News
- Middle Unit News
- Junior Unit news
- Senior Unit News
- ADMINISTRATION NEWS
- Technology News
- Languages - Italian News
- Arts News
- Hands Up Mallee
- Physical Education News
- Upcoming Event
- National Science Week Celebration Day
- Remote Learning Gallery
- Continuous Raffle Draw
- Sunraysia Catholic Communities Bulletin
Principal's News
Dear St Paul's families,
Welcome to another weekly update. I hope you took some time out for yourself yesterday and recharged the batteries. It's strange that we have been back in remote learning for two and a half weeks and yet it feels much longer. There have certainly been many challenges presented to us and how we choose to respond often determines the outcome.
I have been enjoying the photos coming in from the children engaging in their learning. I hope everyone enjoyed the science day activities last week as well. The facebook posts have been a welcomed distraction allowing me to focus on the positives. I love seeing the smiles on the children's faces as they showcase their talents.
Congratulations to this week's Gotcha award winners:
25 GOTCHA AWARDS: Lola Droffelaar, Simione Vea
50 GOTCHA AWARDS: Aaron Clarke, Suiti Havea, Lila Senior, Alissa Ovenden, Ithika Parvez, Ofa Ahotaeiloa, Daniel Robin, Oliver Welsh, Lorenzo Pettinau, Sebastian Bergman,Abbiegail Peters
Congratulations to Alison Kedmenec who has been employed as a teacher to replace Mrs Blagus when she commences maternity leave later this year. On behalf of the school community I would like to welcome Alison and wish her all the best in her chosen career as a teacher.
The effects of the Covid-19 restrictions will undoubtedly be felt for a very long time. The financial strain that has been placed on many families within our community has caused much distress and anguish. If your financial circumstances have changed and you require assistance, please contact the office so that we can discuss the best possible way to support you and your family.
Due to the remote learning restrictions in place for Term Three, the Senior Unit camp has been cancelled. However, the senior unit staff are looking at opportunities for the children to engage in day based excursions for term 4 around Sunraysia. It's not ideal however, if possible, we would love for the children to engage in some fun learning experiences. As a result of this the costs have been amended for the Senior Unit Camp and families will have their accounts adjusted accordingly to reflect this change.
The Middle Unit staff are currently reviewing their camp programs for Term 4 and a decision will be made in the coming weeks. More information to follow.
Please look after yourselves in the coming weeks and remember we are only a phone call away if you need assistance.
As always
Keep the Faith!
Vince Muscatello
Foundation Unit News
We hope everyone had a restful day yesterday and made the most of the beautiful weather. It was nice to have the opportunity to take a break from the online learning and hopefully you got to spend some quality time with your children.
It has been lovely to see many of the children joining in with the Google Meets. Google Meets take place on Monday and Thursday. It gives the children the opportunity to connect with their teacher and class mates. It is also an opportunity to share some news or show something special to each other. Below are pictures of this week's Google Meets taking place.
Google meets
Middle Unit News
Everyone has had an incredible week while we have been working on our Inquiry 'Into the Unknown'. Students are showing that they're thoughtfully considering their answers. From today onwards they will be focusing on their Explorer of choice from the Age of Exploration. They will be thinking about how this explorer has changed the world. Next week we will resume our normal slides again and we thank everyone for adapting so quickly to this minor change.
Next week, we are going to begin looking at procedures with children. We are going to be breaking down the parts and their purposes. If you want to support this learning at home then you could click on the link below to access some very simple activities to complete as a family.
You could use a cake mix from the supermarket, or cook from a recipe book and make sure your child is directing the activity.
Missing you all as usual! Only three weeks to go! Let's go team!
Junior Unit news
We have had another busy week of remote learning. Many of the students have submitted the chosen weekly learning task, a completed information report, via Dropbox which has been wonderful to see. The students have put in a wonderful effort in writing their information reports last week and it was wonderful to see the students use the skills they have been learning in the classroom. Great work Juniors!
The Junior Unit teachers have enjoyed seeing how the students are going in different aspects of their learning and are very impressed with the content of the work that they have submitted and shared with their teachers. The Junior Unit students have worked hard to create their own analogue clock in their maths learning last week and it was great to see these in our class Google Meets. The students also created some amazing sunglasses in their Art learning, as well as displayed a lot of creativity in their Science Day learning activities.
We look forward to another busy week and want to thank everyone who has shared their work and photos with their teachers. Well done Junior Unit!
Remote Learning Work Samples
Senior Unit News
What Does Remote Learning Look Like This Week For The Senior Unit?
In Reading, we are learning how to 'read' visual texts by closely analysing and interpreting a range of images such as advertisements, photographs and short videos.
In Writing, we are learning how to create interesting characters in our writing because they bring our stories to life!
In Mathematics, the Grade 6 students are learning how to understand the connection between different world times zones while the Grade 5 students are learning how to calculate elapsed time.
In Religious Education, we are learning to understand the four different types of prayer.
Mrs McGlashan has been working hard with some very enthusiastic writers on ways to improve their writing. Congratulations to Evan, Josh, Eddy and Jacob for their hard work. Here are just a few examples for you to enjoy!
- As the ghost spider stealthily stalked it’s juicy prey, a tree fell on it and then it exploded!! By Evan
- There was only one thing that kept me comforted now, a big warm woolly blanket. By Josh
- The bulldog sadly sat outside on the long dirty path, trying to keep warm. By Eddy
- The two cats are siting on a burnt tree. There are new leaves starting to sprout on the blackened tree. By Jacob
A Reminder
If you have any questions about the tasks being set, please do not hesitate to contact your classroom teacher. We appreciate the support from all of our families and welcome your feedback.
We also encourage any of our Senior students who need support, clarification or just a chat to join in on our Senior Meets. They have been very successful over the past 3 weeks and provide another level of support to students. Details on how to join these meets are below:
- Monday 9am to 10am
- Wednesday 1pm to 2pm (Note change of time from previous weeks)
- Thursday 9 am to 10 am
- Friday 10 am to 11 am
- Join via https://meet.google.com/
- Join Code: Seniormeet
ADMINISTRATION NEWS
Grade 5/6 Camp
Unfortunately, the Gr 5/6 Camp to Campaspe Downs this year has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Senior unit teachers are working on a program of possible local excursions, incursions and/or activities (pending COVID-19 restrictions) in term 4 instead of the camp.
The total cost of the camp was $580. A credit of $520 per student has been applied to school fee accounts. $60 will be used for the Term 4 activities.
School Fees
Thank you for all school fee payments to date.
All 2020 school fees are to be paid no later than end of Term 3 (Friday 18th September) unless other arrangements have already been made. Statements will be sent out next week.
If you are experiencing financial difficulty and will be unable to pay by the due date please contact the office to put a payment plan in place.
Technology News
It has been fabulous over the last week to receive photos of students enjoying their Technology lessons and see the amazing work students in Yr3-6 are turning in on their Google Classrooms.
Webinar
If you are looking for an opportunity to keep up to date with the latest information regarding keeping young people safe online, don't forget about the 'Tech in EDU Magazine" webinar on September 3rd. CLICK HERE to register or refer to the attached poster.
Until next week, remember...
Technology is cool, but you've GOT to use it as OPPOSED to letting it use YOU!
Mrs Narelle Simms
Languages - Italian News
Mamma Mia - Mangia, Mangia !!
What a buzz of culinary activity in a number of St Paul's family households over the past week. As you can see from their smiling faces, the students clearly enjoyed their 'hands on' Italian lesson. Thank you to students who have sent in photos of their impressive cooking endeavours and also for your lovely feedback.
Dear Signora,
Last night we had minestrone soup for dinner. I helped to peel the carrots. It was fun learning how to make minestrone. From Hannah Davies
"Hello Signora - it was delicious and my family and I enjoyed it. Grazie for the Gotcha" Siena Fraser - Donoghue
"Signora, l have made my soup ... it looks so good and Gosh, it tastes so good! " - Jessica Ram
"Faye ha fatto tutto da sola! Si è divertita molto a preparare il minestrone! "- Chantal & Faye Ratcliffe (Faye made it all by herself ! She enjoyed it very much preparing the minestrone !)
" A picture of me cutting my vegetables for my minestrone soup" - Livinia Fitzgerald
"I just wanted to let you know that I made minestrone soup ... with the roast leg of lamb bone. Oh my goodness! The house smelt Devine and we all gushed at how tasty the soup was. No leftovers but I will be making this soup again and again!" Mrs Courtney & Harry Stanger
We definitely have some talented Master Chefs emerging in our St Paul's community.
Continue to send through your photos and I will include more Minestrone Master Chef students in next week's Photo Gallery ... especially if your child plans to do the cooking activity leading into the weekend. Buon Appetito !!
Grazie - Signora Ghidinelli
Minestrone Master Chefs
And as an extra treat ...
Here are some beautiful photos of our proud Foundation and Junior students sharing their Online Italian activity tasks completed during the first couple of weeks of Remote Learning 2.0. - Bravissimi Studenti! Keep up the great work and keep your photos coming in.
Grazie molto.
Foundation & Junior Unit Remote learning
Arts News
In this strange new world, it's very odd to go to the supermarket and see everyone wearing a mask on their face or go out to walk the dog and see other walkers wearing masks. The students in the middle unit had lots of fun this week creating a magic MASK artwork.
Check out these awesome creations showing the AMAZING kids behind the mask!
Mask Art
Hands Up Mallee
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Physical Education News
Some amazing videos have been sent through to me during this period of remote learning. I have been so impressed with the quality of time and effort put into the activities I have set. Here are just a few snap shots of what some children have sent through to me. Keep up the wonderful work everyone!
Obstacle Courses & Tabata
Upcoming Event
It was with a heavy heart that Mrs Mitchell had to cancel the 2020 Mini Olympics, but she was determined not to let it get her down. Instead, she has enlisted the help of her rag-tag buddies, Ms Jess, Signora and Mrs Simms, and together they are planning an event of epic proportions to replace it.
Put this date in your diary: Friday 4th of September. That is next Friday. There will be no regular lessons on this day. Instead, we will host the first ever (and hopefully only) St Paul's Online Olympics; an event with a difference. All information will be released on the day and available via the usual online learning platforms. Be ready to be active and have loads of fun.
This is a whole school event. House points will be recorded for participation in each event and there will be plenty of opportunities to earn bonus points for your house. If you or your child are unsure of their house, check Simon, you will find the information on their student dashboard.
GO HILL, GO CHAFFEY, GO MERCY, GO McKENZIE!!
National Science Week Celebration Day
Last week was National Science Week and we celebrated with an online remote learning day full of all things Science. Thank you to everyone who engaged in the wonder and awe that is Science and, in particular, the 'Deep Blue,' which was the theme for this years event.
Winners
The winners of the 'Make a Marine Creature' competition have been decided. All entries were amazing and it was a very hard job for Ms Jess and Mrs Simms has now entered these marine creatures into the National CuriousCubs Competition. Good Luck.
Congratulations to these winning entries:
Gr6 - Jett Johnson
Gr5 - Suiti Havea
Gr4 - Tiarna DeMaria & Oliver Capp
Gr3 - Mila Pascale
Gr2 - Poppy Thannhauser
Gr1 - Ruby Slimmon
F - Holliee Tickle & Mike Hogan
Other competition winners from the day are:
Draw a Blobfish - Riana Peiris,
F-2 Scavenger Hunt - Max Mangan,
3-6 Scavenger Hunt Collage - Bella Hensgen.
We will make sure your prizes are ready for you when we return to school. Well done.
Each entry that successfully solved all of the 3-6 Scavenger Hunt Riddles will also recieve a special certificate and prize.
We are now very excited to be planning and preparing the next 'unplugged' event happening next Friday.
Remote Learning Gallery
Another superb week of online learning. All of our students continue to amaze us with the engagement, effort and perserverance they are putting into their learning.
Continuous Raffle Draw
Congratulations to the following families who won at Friday 21st August Virtual assembly
- Grip Ball, Frisbee & Monkey Tree Board Game (donated by Gibson family & Rebel Sports) – won by Byrne family.
- Game of Life Board Game, Down & Soccer ball (donated by Droffelaar family & Rebel Sports) - won by Gabriel Collins family
- Colouring Set, Down & Rugby balls (donated by Gibson family & Rebel Sports) - won by Tyson Collins family
Sunraysia Catholic Communities Bulletin
The Sunraysia Catholic Communities bulletin for last weekend is below.
The Bulletin will also be put up on Daily Messages on SIMON Everywhere.