Newsletter #01 February 3

Principal's News

Dear St Paul’s families,

Welcome 2021! It is great to be back and more importantly seeing you in person.  There are still protocols and procedures in place regarding COVID-19, and I will elaborate on those a little later.

A special welcome to our new children starting at St Paul’s this year. It was lovely on the first day to wander through the school and see all the new students as well as the existing students filled with excitement. So big “Hello” to”: Niro Arden, Darcey Bysouth, Bridie Clift, Eternity Conquest, Jaxon Dunn, James Echanes, Manny Fakaia-Reale, Ella, Khloe & Zachary Garland, Tate Gorringe, Angela Harris, Angus Hissey, Harlow Johnson,  Spencer Kimpton, Kennedy Krychaluk, Angela Iang & John Thang, Fetongi Latukefu, Alia Lijo, Lachlan Limburg, Grace Luo, Jennifer Ly, Dexter Madden, Ashton McDonald, Sam Midgley, Max Millsteed, Dolly Moore, Olly Morton, Dean Morvell, Paker Mott, Lottie Moyle,  Nhu Nguyen, Mischa Pascale,  Conor & Tyler O'Rielly, Layla Powell, Olivia Puleio, Bruce Ratcliffe, Joseph Santos, Ellie Sexton, Dustin Simmons, Maggie Slimmon, Oliver Traeger, Jordan & Justin Tran, Aiden Varghese, Miranda Bui, Duane Johnson and Eden Vo.

I was really impressed with how settled the children were last week with the first two days of school. It was very pleasing to be greeted with smiles and “thumbs up” from the children and parents alike.  I am sure the enthusiasm will continue.

VISITORS -  Any visitors to the school who will be onsite for longer than 15 minutes must sign in. There is a sign in register at the front office. For events such as Assemblies and whole school masses, there will be a QR code sheet located at the front reception as well as down at the hall. It is as simple as using your smart phone to take a photo of the QR code and follow the prompts. Parents who are attending school-based meetings will be required to use the IPAD in reception as usual.

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL - Last night the Council met for the first time.  A special Welcome to Melissa Mott and Mia Kolpin who have both been nominated and accepted as new members. We currently still have one vacancy remaining and it would be great if we could fill that position prior to our next meeting in March.

FOUNDATION REST DAY -  Today the Foundation children had their first rest day as they become accustomed to the rigours of a normal school day. They will undoubtedly get tired as the days progress and so Wednesday 10th, 17th & 24th will be Foundation rest days.  This will get them ready for full time attendance from Monday 1st March.

CHROMEBOOK SESSION - Tonight, the Year 5 children and their parent/s will be attending the Chromebook and Cyber Safety Parent Information Session at School. It is compulsory that all Year 5 children attend with an adult as the children will be receiving their chrome books.

FUNDRAISER - This Thursday, we have our “Caps on for Cancer Research" Day. Students and staff alike are encouraged to wear a coloured cap or hat to school and bring along a gold coin donation. We all know someone, be it a friend, family member or work colleague, who has been affected by cancer in one way or another.  The more we can support the research the more opportunities for cures to be found.

WHOLE SCHOOL MASS - This Friday, 5th February,  we celebrate our Beginning of the Year Whole School Mass in the hall at 9.15am.  You are most welcome to join us in this important celebration.  Following that we have the pleasure of Mr Tony Dalton, Family Engagement Consultant, who will be leading us in a Guided Learning Walk to help parents better understand how to engage their children in learning. Thank you to the parents who have already volunteered to attend. We still have some spaces available. The “Guided Learning Walk” session is approximately an hour in length.  If you would like to attend, please let me know as soon as possible.

ASSEMBLY - This Friday afternoon, we will host our first whole school assembly. As always parents are most welcome to attend. It will be in the hall and Darcy and Lyla will lead us in our assembly for the first time in their roles as school captains.

A few important reminders for our existing and new families to be aware of as we commence the new school year.

- Children’s learning Time - Learning time is valuable. Every day counts and it is vital that your children are at school every day.  If you have appointments during the day, please notify us in advance and where possible try and make appointments after school.

 - DRIVE THROUGH - IT IS A LEFT TURN ONLY WHEN EXITING. We had a near miss on Monday night when a school parent ignored the left turn only sign and turned right into the pedestrian crossing.  Also, please be respectful of the residents along 14^th Street by not blocking their driveways when waiting to collect your children. Please use the Pedestrian crossing at the front of the school. It is there to keep you and your children safe.

- School uniform - we have a uniform for many reasons. It is important that all children are wearing their correct school uniform, and this includes Sports days as well. If your child is unable to wear the correct uniform, please notify the classroom teacher.

SAFER INTERNET DAY -  This Tuesday, 9th February, the  Safer Internet Day 2021 webinar hosted by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner will look at how parents and carers can support young people to have safe and respectful online relationships and what to do if things go wrong.

It will cover topics such as:  starting conversations with your child about their online friendships and positive ways to deal with changing relationships, understanding the rights, laws and community expectations that govern social media use and where to seek help if your child is involved in a cyberbullying incident. The webinar will include case studies, research and targeted advice so you can support the young people in your life to have safe, enjoyable online experiences.

Dates for webinars in Victoria:

Tuesday 9 February 7.30 to 8.30 pm, Wednesday 10 February 12.30 to 1.30 pm, Wednesday 10 February 7.30 to 8.30 pm, Monday 15 February 12.30 to 1.30 pm, Monday 22 March 12.30 to 1.30 pm

Register at https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

Please be aware there will be local road works in San Mateo between Thirteenth & Fourteenth streets beginning next week.  This may cause some delays.

Have a great week everyone and as always,

Keep the Faith!  

Vince Muscatello

GUIDED LEARNING WALKS - FRIDAY 5th FEB - 10.15am-11.15am

You are invited to come along and see firsthand how children learn at our school here at St Paul's

Guided Learning Walks for Parents are a marvellous opportunity for parents to come to the school and with other parents in a small group to be guided around classrooms by one of the school leaders 

These guided walks will provide you with;

• A first-hand look into classrooms and the learning
• Special commentary and insights from school leaders
• An opportunity to ask questions
• A chance to meet and listen  and learn with other parents 

If you are interested in joining us on Friday - please contact the school on 50234567 or email msutherland@spmildura.catholic.edu.au 

Places are limited.

Senior Unit News

It might have only been a few days into the new school year but already students and staff in the Senior Unit have shown a wonderful ability to work together safely and respectfully, well done everyone! The excitement and enthusiasm that everyone has demonstrated gives wonderful promise to what is sure to be a fantastic 2021. It was wonderful to see so many senior students want to be involved in supporting the enjoyment of younger students through the Play Leader Program this year. The training of our next group of Play Leaders will be conducted this Monday and they well be officially introduced to the school community at the Week 4 school assembly. Our year 5 students have already begun the process of making their foundation buddies feel welcome by being involved in fun activities last Friday morning. Senior Unit staff would like to give special thanks to Mrs Simms for facilitating the smooth issuing of Chromebooks to our year 5 students this year, as well as the constant support that she provides to all of our students on a daily basis throughout the year. We would also like to encourage parents not to be shy when it comes to contacting their childs clasroom teacher to discuss their learning progress and wellbeing, or simply to say hello.

Middle Unit News

It's  been a smooth transition into 2021 for the Middle Unit students, with ‘getting to know you’ activities and games last week and a gentle start to regular subjects in Week Two.

In Writing, we have started learning about the purpose, language features and styles of letters. Students will be creating a letter to their teacher to help share information about themselves. This will help our teachers get to know the students a little better. You may wish to discuss with your child some important information they may like to include in their letter. 

In Reading, we are learning to make connections to the texts we are reading (Thelma the Unicorn, When I Grow Up, Feathers for Phoebe and Gwendolyn) and identify the author’s message. 

For Maths, we’re beginning with Place Value, students have been learning some of the fun different ways we can learn about Place Value.

Remember to send your child with an appropriate and labelled cap for the CAP ON FOR CANCER RESEARCH fundraiser this Thursday.  It is a gold coin donation.

Junior Unit News

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Welcome back! What a busy and wonderful start to the year. It has been so lovely to be able to have parents and carers back on the school grounds. 
This week, the Junior Unit have been getting to know their new classmates and teachers. We have played board games, created an all about me bunting, decorated our classrooms and played human BINGO. 

SWBPS - We have also been learning about how to follow the 3 bee's before and after school. The students understand that their classroom opens at 8.45am. They are to stay outside in a supervised area until the music plays. Then they make their way through the outside of the school, to their classroom and wait outside until their teacher opens the door. The end of the day is at 3.25pm and they collect all their belongings and make their way to the pickup area where they are to sit down and keep an eye out for their car. This is a great opportunity to discuss these area with your child. You can ask them questions such as, "What colour is our car?" or " Where can you wait in the morning before the bell goes?"

Reading - Home readers will be coming home each day from this week. Please ensure you are reading with your child every night and log this in their Home Reading Log.

Labels - Please ensure all items are labelled. This includes jumpers, hats, containers/lunch boxes and backpacks. Thank you. 

Foundation Unit News

We have had a wonderful start to the year, the Foundation students have settled in beautifully and are becoming familiar with the morning routines. Today is the first of 4 rest days for the children. It is a huge adjustment and a very busy day for the children so I'm sure they will enjoy having a restful day at home.

The children will be borrowing 2 books to read each night from tomorrow. These books are to be returned to the blue basket each morning and then they are to borrow 2 new ones. We would really appreciate parents taking the time to read the books each morning at school as a part of their daily routine/jobs to completed each day. (as well as listening to them read at home each night)

Below are photos of the children taking part in some activities to develop their fine motor skills, this will assist in the writing process.

My New Gallery

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Religious Education News

Sacrament of First Reconciliation

The information brochure for this year's First Eucharist program, including Reconciliation, is attached below. If you would like your child to participate, please call in at the office to collect a registration form, or call the office on 5023 4567 by Monday 8th February and we will send the registration form out to you. 

The registration forms need to be filled out and returned to the Parish Office, with payment, by Friday 12th February. If you have any queries, please email me. jfreeman@spmildura.catholic.edu.au

Jess Freeman - Religious Education Leader 

Technology News

Welcome back!

The start of 2021 has been very busy in the Technology Room.  This week students have started their lessons, refamiliarising themselves with the routines and procedures that keep the Technology Room running smoothly.  In particular, students have focussed on the whole school norms, Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be Your Best, and discovered what they look, sound and feel like during learning time in Technology and when using Technology at school and at home.

Foundation and Year 3 ICT User Agreements

This week your child/ren will bring home ICT User Agreements. These agreements and the associated documents are to be read and discussed with your child/ren, signed and returned no later than Friday, 5th of February.

Once the signed agreement is returned, students will have access to devices, such as iPads and Chromebooks, and digital programs to enhance their learning experiences at St Paul's.

Please ensure both a parent/carer and the student understand the information and have signed the form.

Grade 5 Chromebook Information Session - STUDENT & PARENT

Students commencing Grade 5 have 1:1 Chromebook devices and it is important that they, and their parents, are well informed about the program expectations and cyber safety

We are looking forward to seeing you at the information session being held tonight - Wednesday 3rd February, at 6pm in the school hall. The session will cover the school's 1:1 Chromebook program as well as important information regarding cyber safety rights and responsibilities.

All Gr 5 students, together with at least one parent/carer, must attend.

Please note that it is compulsory for the Gr 5 students (and a parent/carer) to attend as it is a requirement in order to be able to collect their Chromebook which will be distributed at the end of the session. Please note, a parent must sign for the device.

If parents are unable to attend the session, students will not receive their Chromebook.

For further information or enquiries, please contact our Learning Technologies Leader, Narelle Simms, nsimms@spmildura.catholic.edu.au

Safer Internet Day

Next Tuesday, February 9th is Safer Internet Day.  On Safer Internet Day the world comes together with a shared vision of making online experiences better for everyone.

Here at St Paul's, we will celebrate Safer Internet Day in Technology classes next week.  Students in the Junior unit will read Swoosh, Glide and Rule Number 5, a brand new picture storybook being launched by the eSafety Commissioner.  Students in the Middle and Senior Units will participate in a live Virtual Classroom webinar, Be an eSafe kid: Fake news, real harms hosted by the eSafety Commissioner.

We haven't forgotten the parents/carers, you can also get involved and help promote a better internet via a new webinar being offered by the eSafety Commissioner, Cyberbullying and online drama.  For more information and to register click the button below to head to their website.

Mobile Phones and Smart Watches at School

At St Paul's, we discourage students from bringing mobile phones and smart watches to school. These devices can cause disruption at school and can be used inappropriately to access social media and take photos without permission. This can cause distress, breach the privacy of others and breach our school social media policy.

If a parent feels it is necessary for their child to bring a mobile phone or smart watch to
school, then the expectation for student use of mobile phones and smart watches in the school are listed below:

• Devices brought to school is done so entirely at the owner’s risk. 
• Mobile phones are to be switch off or on silent and handed in to the office immediately on arrival at school and can be collected at the end of the school day .
• Smart phone, smart watch, notification alerts and location must be switched off.
• Phones and watches are not to be used to call home or visa versa.  If contact needs to be made with parents or with your child at school, this can be done via the office phone number.
  

Any use of mobile phones and smart watches by a student, that is in breach of these expectations, will lead to the confiscation of the device. In this instance, parents will be notified and confiscated devices will need to be collected from the Administration office by the student’s parent or guardian at the end of the day.

Upcoming Event

This year we are very fortunate to have Martin McGauran, a renowned educator and presenter, visiting our school to work with your children to help them understand the importance of being smart and safe online.  Martin and his sister, Carley who specialises in child psychology, will also be presenting a 90 minute session for parents/carers on Tuesday 16th February at 7pm in the school hall.  This is a fantastic opportunity not to be missed for parents and carers in our school community with children of all ages. 

Hands Up Mallee

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 8:00am, we run a Walking Club program for the students out the front of the school with music. This is a great way for the students to build up their physical activity for the day while getting to talk to their friends and listen to music.  At the conclusion of Walking Club at 8:30, students are welcome to join us in the Hall for Breakfast Club until 8:45am. Students will be offered a selection of healthy breakfast options to kick start their day. Whilst eating their breakfast at tables, students have the opportunity to have a chat with students from all year levels. A very important part of running our Breakfast Program so successfully is not only the fantastic connection we have with the Breakfast Partnership Program but also allowing the Senior Students an opportunity to volunteer their time to assist with the serving of breakfast. Students are rostered on for each day of the breakfast program – this usually means assisting twice per year. A roster is pinned up on the Senior Fridges as being included in each week’s newsletter.

If you have any questions regarding our breakfast program, please don’t hesitate to see me or contact me via email at nsimpson@spmildura.catholic.edu.au

The students volunteering is greatly appreciated and is a great experience for them.

Caps On For Cancer Research

Tomorrow,  4^th February, 2021, it is World Cancer Day.  This year we are raising funds by particpating and holding a “Caps on for Cancer Research Day”

On this day students and staff and are invited to wear a cap/hat to school of their choice and to contribute a gold coin to our fundraiser. The cap signifies “a thinking cap” to symbolise that through research we can defeat cancer.

The funds raised will support a colleague of our school, Jim Waight and his team, as they endeavour to raise $20,000 for The Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, by riding in the Murray to Moyne cycle event.  The event, a 520km ride from Swan Hill to Port Fairy, is planned to take place on the 27-28 March 2021.  If this event is cancelled Jim and his team have decided to complete the “event” via indoor trainers or another suitable route. They expect this will not be as enjoyable but accept it is practical and they are determined to raise funds for cancer research.

Physical Education Update

Welcome everyone to 2021! Here are some photos of our Senior students making connections with each other through some get to know you activities. I've also included some photos our girls rugby team's first training session.

Reminders:

1. Children need to be in full sports uniform on their allocated PE days, especially wearing runners and their school hat! The UV levels are extremely high at this time of year and like at lunch times, we have a no hat no play rule for sports lessons. 
2. Children must bring a drink bottle! The closest bubble tap to our outside learning areas takes children more than 5 minutes to walk over and back, which not only wastes their time but also those on their team or group.
3. If children are unable to participate in sport due to injury or illness a note from home is required. This can also be emailed to me at kmitchell@spmildura.catholic.edu.au

Sport Days - Children to wear sports uniform 

Foundation - F15, F16 & F17 on Thursday & Friday

Junior Unit - J4, J5, J6, J7 & J8 on Monday & Wednesday

Middle Unit - M1, M2, M9 & M10 on Monday & Wednesday

Senior Unit - S11, S12, S13 & S14 on Tuesday & (2nd day TBA)

Interschool Sports:Please let the school know, or email me directly, if you have a love of a particular sport and would like to assist with our interschool sports. Coaching, umpiring, training or scoring helpers are always greatly appreciated.

Rebel & Athletes Foot: We have a partnership with these shops where if you mention the school when you purchase goods we receive a percentage of sales as credit. Please name drop when making your next purchase!

Kyra Mitchell (PE teacher/Sports Coordinator)

Senior Classes

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Sunraysia Catholic Communities Bulletin

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

ART THERAPY for anxiety and other challenges your child may experience

Coping and Problem Solving, Identifying and Utilising Personal Strengths, Self-Esteem, Anxiety and Self-belief

Changing Behavioural Patterns, Expression of Feelings, Social Skills and Identifying Emotions along with other challenges.

Art Therapy is an NDIS approved service. Please check with your coordinator. Call Kerri Birch 0447445495 or email artisanarttherapy@gmail.com