2025 Newsletter #01 February 3

Principal News

Welcome to 2025! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, filled with time spent doing things you love.

I’d like to take a moment to express my gratitude to Mr. Vince Muscatello for his 12 years of leadership. I officially started as Principal last week, and for those of you I haven’t met yet, I’d like to introduce myself.

I’ve been part of the St Paul’s community since 2000, when I completed my Bachelor of Education at LaTrobe University. Back then, Colin Markham was the principal, and he gave me my first opportunity to teach for two days, which quickly turned into 8 weeks in a Grade 5/6 class. This led to more teaching roles, and I eventually became a permanent member of the staff. St Paul’s has always felt like home to me, and I’m so grateful for the warm, welcoming, and inclusive community here.

My two daughters, Krystelle and Maisey, attended St Paul’s from 2010 until Maisey graduated in 2018. My nephew was a student here, and my niece is currently in Grade 4, making St Paul’s a very special part of my family’s history.

I look forward to working with you all as we continue to build on the wonderful foundation here at St Paul’s!

Congratulations

A special congratulations to Rebecca Bugden and her husband David on the safe arrival of their beautiful daughter Mara.  We will wish them all the best and look forward to meeting her soon. 

Beginning of Year Picnic and Meet the Teacher - Save the date - Wednesday 12th February 5.30pm-7pm (weather permitting) 

Families are warmly invited to bring their own picnic and enjoy some quality time with their children and friends on the John Hill Oval. This will be a relaxed and enjoyable opportunity for everyone to connect. During this time, classroom teachers will be available in their classrooms from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm for an informal meet and greet with parents. This is a great chance to ask any questions, get to know your child’s teacher, and learn more about the year ahead. We look forward to seeing many families come together and join us for this special evening!

PE Uniform Days
Students will have the chance to participate in Physical Education lessons 1-2 times per week. To take part in these lessons, students are required to wear their sports uniform on the designated days.

Supervision of Students

Please be aware of the following information regarding bell times and supervision.  It is important that you support us in our daily routine so that we can ensure the safety of all students.  From 8.30am - 8.55am teachers are in their classrooms preparing for the busy day ahead.  If you need to speak to the teacher please make an appointment with them.

8.00am - Mondays, Wednesday and Friday supervised walking club from 8am

8.30am - Teacher Supervision begins Front of School & Mercy Oval

8.30am - Mondays, Wednesday and Friday supervised Breakfast club from 8.30am in the Hall

8.30am - Library open for children to sit quietly and read. 

8.55am - Bell rings and students use this time to get organised. Parents welcome to come into the class with their child.

Class routine

8.55 – 11.00am - Learning time. (10.00am Brain food) It is important that all students have a sufficient and healthy snack at this time.  This food should sustain children and give their brain energy for the next period of learning.   

11.00 – 11.40am - Lunch Play

11.40 – 11.55am - Eating time

11.55 – 1.55pm - Learning time

1.55 – 2.25pm - Eating & Play time

2.25 – 3.25pm - Learning time

3.25pm - Dismissal bell & afterschool supervision until 3.45pm

Supervision is provided by members of staff for students from 8.30am until 3.45pm. Staff do not supervise the school grounds outside of these hours. Students should not arrive at school before 8.30am (or 8am on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays if they are participating in Walking club).  Students should be collected no later than 3.45pm. Teachers wearing hi-vis vests are on duty at recess and lunch times. No child is to leave school before the dismissal bell unless they have completed a sign out pass at the office.

Attendance

It is now a legal requirement for schools to contact parents if students are absent from school without an explanation – ‘on the day of the absence, as soon as is practical’.  As a result, our office staff will be required to SMS you at 9.30am if your child is absent from school and you have not let us know already.  Please use SIMON Everywhere App before 9.00am on the day of absence or beforehand if known.

Hats

As the weather is very warm and the UV is high, students are required to bring a school hat to school everyday. 

Mrs Carmel McGlashan 

As many of you may already know, Mrs. McGlashan is currently on long service leave and will soon be retiring after a remarkable three-decade-long career in teaching. Mrs. McGlashan has had a profound impact on the lives of countless students, and her dedication to education has been truly inspiring.

To celebrate her incredible contributions to the school community, we will be acknowledging Mrs. McGlashan at assembly on Friday, February 14th at 2.30pm. This will be a wonderful opportunity for us to show our appreciation for her years of hard work, passion, and the lasting impression she has left on both her students and colleagues. 

Catholic Education Theme 2025

Our Diocesan education community theme for 2025 is: ‘May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace.’ (Romans 15:13). This will also be the focus of Catholic Education Week 2025 celebrations from 26 - 30 May.

Our Diocesan education community theme for 2025 is: ‘May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace.’ (Romans 15:13). 2025 is the Jubilee Holy Year, the 2,025th anniversary of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The concept of "Jubilee" originates in the Book of Leviticus (chapter 25) as a special year of reconciliation, pilgrimage, and coming home. Jubilees are now celebrated every 25 years.  Pope Francis has designated the 2025 Holy Year as a time to renew ourselves as "Pilgrims of Hope."  Our theme is built on the Jubilee while drawing on the gift of scripture where St Paul writes to the community of believers in Rome.  

The context of the greater passage of St Paul’s letters to the Romans is to provide direction, encouragement, and guidance to the community of believers in Rome, a community that Paul had not met personally.  In the Ballarat Diocese today, as a community of communities from the Murray to the Sea, we are also tasked to uplift and guide those within our Catholic Christian educational community.

Newsletters 

Newsletters will be published every second Wednesday from Wednesday 12th Feb.  Please read these as they have important information and details of upcoming events.

As we begin the school year it has been wonderful to see students settling into their learning with enthusiasm and reconnecting with friends and teachers. A big thank you to our staff, students, and families for making the start of the term so positive and welcoming. We look forward to an exciting year ahead, filled with new learning opportunities, events, and achievements. A reminder to check the school calendar for upcoming events, including our Meet the Teacher and Beginning of Year Picnic, and stay connected with our Facebook Page.  Wishing everyone a fantastic term ahead!

Melissa Sutherland

Principal

Meet the Teacher and Beginning of Year Picnic