In this issue

From the Head of Traralgon Secondary School,
Mr Stephen Klemke.

Thank you to our service men and women
You may recall from a past Grammarian that as one of their pastoral activities, our Year 9 students wrote to soldiers serving in Iraq.  We received replies from several soldiers and read some out at assembly.

There is another chapter to tell.  Captain David Innes is a parent of our school.  Imagine his surprise when he received an email from Tabitha Cooper and Ryan Turi, two St Paul’s students.  So moved and appreciative of the communication he asked if he could visit to thank the students in person.  So it was that we were able to spend some time with him.  He presented each student with combat patches and our school with an ANZAC low visibility patch that can only be worn on ANZAC Day.  He was very generous with his time as he answered our questions.

I did not know that the ribbons on military uniforms correspond to medals.  When we asked about them, we learnt of his lifetime of service in Rwanda, East Timor, the Black Saturday Bushfires and, of course, Iraq. David is an intensive care paramedic and as we listened to him, we began to feel humble in his presence and appreciative of not only his service, but the service of all military personnel.

David only wanted to visit to say thank you, however his visit left us feeling that we are the ones who should be saying “thank you”.  To all Service men and women, on behalf of myself, Ryan, Tabitha, Andrew McGrath and our school community, thank you.

Captain David Innes with Tabitha, Ryan and Andrew McGrath.

The low visibility ANZAC patch presented to our school.

‘The Addams Family – A New Musical’
I have mentioned our school musical in the previous Grammarians, however, it would be remiss of me not to highlight what a triumph it was.  It started strongly and just got better from there.  The final show was a worthy and fitting crescendo.  Of our one hundred and sixty-seven students we had nearly fifty participate in some capacity.  I was also pleased to note that Brett Vanhoorn, who managed our sound so expertly and is a veteran of many school and local productions, let me know how wonderful he thought our students were.  I could only agree!

Footy Colours Day
Thank you to all students who participated with such enthusiasm.  It was great to see, for the first time, both the Junior and Secondary Schools awash with the colours of football.

Football passion!

Sunhats!
Spring is here!  With Term 4 approaching I thought it timely to remind students and families about the summer uniform, especially sunhats.  Do you know where yours is?

Sunhats are not the highest priority for some students.  But did you know…
•  Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma diagnoses in the world.  Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of seventy.
•  In Victoria, more than 90,000 skin cancers are treated each year.  In 2015, five hundred and twelve Victorians died from skin cancer, which is more than twice as many as the state road toll.  It is estimated Victorian public hospitals spend up to $55 million treating skin cancer each year.

But the good news is, almost all skin cancers are preventable.

From http://www.sunsmart.com.au/

One of the key strategies to prevent melanoma is to protect your skin.  So, if you do not have your sunhat you will be restricted to the shade of the main building during lunch and recess.
So, find your sunhat and put your name on it!

As this will be the last Grammarian prior to the term break, may I extend my holiday wishes to all our families.

Stephen Klemke
Head of Traralgon Secondary School

WHAT’S ON IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL

SEPTEMBER
20 September  End of Term 3, 2:20 pm FINISH

OCTOBER
7 October  Term 4 Commences
15 October  Year 7 Immunisations
16 October  Encore Concert, Traralgon Campus Gymnasium, 7:00 pm
18 October  Year 12 Afternoon Tea at Traralgon Campus

TRARALGON SECONDARY SCHOOL HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

Friday 4 October 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

THE NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME (NDIS) SEMINAR

St Paul’s is hosting a short information session about the NDIS on Friday 11 October from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at our Traralgon Campus (tea and coffee will be provided).

This is going to be presented by Geoff Deacon who is the Senior Community Engagement Officer, Victoria and Tasmania, Community and Mainstream Engagement Branch with the National Disability Insurance Agency.

This seminar is right for you if:
• You are staff or parents who have or are working with a child accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), or are considering applying to access the NDIS

This session will cover the basic principles and overview of the NDIS, including:
• NDIS terms, acronyms and roles
• An overview of how to access the NDIS
• What happens if you do not meet access
• How plans are created and the description of a planning meeting
• The importance of goals
• The concepts of reasonable and necessary and choice and control
• Implementing a plan and bringing a plan to life.

If you are interested in attending, please let Carlie in the Junior School Office know (5175 0133) and she will register your interest.

STATE CHESS TOURNAMENT

Three Warragul Secondary students recently attended the September 2019 Victorian State Chess tournament held at Maribyrnong College, Victoria.  They were eligible due to some wins in the regional competition.  The tournament was a fun but high octane event that stretched all players.  Our school placed twenty-fourth in the state.  If they follow on the heels of our last chess players (the Comber twins), the Ibbotson twins will continue to represent St Paul’s and play chess next Year in Year 12.  Connor Ibbotson, the Chess Club Captain, has regularly run the Chess Club in the Library for two years now, quite a dedicated person, with Luke (and Kieran Lewis) assisting.

State Champion Chess Tournament participants:
Luke Ibbotson, Brandon Collis and Connor Ibbotson.

COFFEE!

Would you like a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee?  $3 from every bag sold through the school going towards our fundraising to build new classrooms for Ponilala Village School.  Growing and exporting coffee beans is also a sustainable and vital part of the Ermera district economy, where Ponilala is situated.  Your purchase will not only taste great but contribute to a worthy cause.

Bags of plunger, filter or beans can be purchased for $12.  Contact Andrea Heard aaheard@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or Kirsten Enders kenders@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au to place an order.

From the Head of Warragul Junior School,
Mr Rowan van Raay.

It has been an incredibly busy end to the term with the Tournament of Minds state finals, our Junior School Musical, Lions Club Zone Public Speaking, Divisional Athletics, ICAS Competitions, Years 1 and 4 Learning Expos, Years 1 and 2 incursions and we concluded with Footy Colours and Pie Day today.

Tournament of Minds
A huge congratulations to our Language Literature team and STEM teams who received first place in their division at the state finals of Tournament of Minds recently.  This is an outstanding effort considering we are competing against much bigger schools who enter a large number of teams.  Zoe Caris, Meg Cooper, Cassie Mathews, Stephanie Walker, Zoe Lecher, Anoushka Kerhalkar, Thomas Arnold, William Blackwood, Braeden van de Beek, Liam Coulthard, Anna Sterling, Isabella Sowerby, Stephanie McCracken and Kaelan Lowe will now represent Victoria and compete in the TOM International Finals to be held in Hobart in October.  Our thanks to Ms Calafiore, Ms Ellis, Mr Barkla and Mrs Smethurst who supported the students in the lead up and on the day of the Victorian finals.  They are all very excited to be heading to Hobart!  Our teams are now seeking sponsors to support them in the international finals and if you or any business you know, would like to assist please contact the Junior School office on 5622 6131 for more information.

Lions Club Public Speaking Competition
We also congratulate Eli Raymond of Year 4 who recently won the Lions Club Zone Public Speaking competition in the Years 3 and 4 section.  Eli moves through the regional finals which will be held next term.  Well done, Eli!

Junior School Musical
Congratulations to everyone involved in last week’s Junior School Musical, ‘Pinocchio’.  It was wonderful to back on the big stage at The West Gippsland Arts Centre.  It is always a delight to see our students happily performing on stage, supporting each other and being actively involved in the musical.  Special thanks to Mrs Davies, Mrs Browne and Mrs Bramstedt for all of their hard work and for ensuring every student in the Junior School had a part to play, be it singing, dancing, acting or assisting back stage. My thanks to all staff for their support and assistance. We also had many parents assist with preparing costumes and we really appreciate this support, thank you. To Mr Chris Staben, thank you for recording both shows. Families will be able to download a copy via a link early next term once the editing process is completed. A huge thanks to Mrs Bristowe for taking photos and for the ‘Pinocchio’ banner that is now displayed in the Junior School foyer.

Junior School MyStPauls Parent Survey
Following the results of the MyStPauls Parent Survey, a parent forum has been planned for Monday 14 October commencing at 7:00 pm in the Prideaux Centre.  Deputy Principal, Ms Donna Sweeney and the Junior School Curriculum team will join me and this will be an opportunity to:
• Share more about the design and use of MyStPauls.
• Discuss effective online feedback and gain your thoughts to ensure we are meeting your needs.
• Offer support to families who require assistance accessing online feedback and other information via MyStPauls.
I hope that you are able to join us on this occasion as we always value your feedback and input.

Uniform reminder
From day one next term, students may wear their summer uniform (blazers are optional unless otherwise instructed due to a special occasion) and should be locating their hats ready for Term 4.  Of course, should the weather be cooler, students may still wear their formal (winter) uniform at any time.  Please ensure sport socks are plain white (without logos) and leather school shoes are to be worn with the summer or formal uniform, not black runners (full uniform requirements can be found on pages 11 and 12 of the student diary).  I also encourage students to check lost property for misplaced items.  Please note that all named items are returned to students when they arrive at the office.

Prep to Year 2 Swimming Program
Parents should have received information regarding our Prep to Year 2 swimming program which will take place early next term.  Please see you child’s teacher if this information did not make it home.

Happy Holidays
I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and look forward to seeing you on Monday 7 October ready for a huge Term 4.

Rowan van Raay
Head of Warragul Junior School

WHAT’S ON IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

SEPTEMBER
20 September  End of Term 3, 2:20pm FINISH

OCTOBER
7 October  Students Commence Term 4
Parent Prayer Group, Prideaux Centre, 9:00 am
9 to 15 October  Prep to Year 2 Swimming Program
11 October   Year 2 Sleepover
14 October  Parent Forum – MyStPauls
15 October  Regional Athletics (selected students only)
16 October  Prep to Year 2 Swimming Carnival
17 October  Prep 2020 Information Evening
18 October  Year 12 ‘Back to Junior School’ Morning Tea
Warragul Junior School Parent Social Night
21 to 23 October  Year 3 Camp, Waratah Bay
23 October  Prep 2020 Play Afternoon
24 October  State Athletics (selected students only)
24 to 27 October  Tournament of Minds International Finals (Hobart)
30 October  Warragul Junior School Whole School Photo
Prep 2020 Play Afternoon

WARRAGUL JUNIOR SCHOOL HOLIDAY RECEPTION HOURS

Monday 23 September  9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Tuesday 24 September  9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Wednesday 25 September – Closed
Thursday 26 September – Closed
Friday 27 September – Closed

Monday 30 September – Closed
Tuesday 1 October – Closed
Wednesday 2 October – Closed
Thursday 3 October  9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Friday 4 October  9:00 am to 2:00 pm

THE NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME (NDIS) SEMINAR

St Paul’s is hosting a short information session about the NDIS on Friday 11 October from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at our Traralgon Campus (tea and coffee will be provided).

This is going to be presented by Geoff Deacon who is the Senior Community Engagement Officer, Victoria and Tasmania, Community and Mainstream Engagement Branch with the National Disability Insurance Agency.

This seminar is right for you if:
• You are staff or parents who have or are working with a child accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), or are considering applying to access the NDIS

This session will cover the basic principles and overview of the NDIS, including:
• NDIS terms, acronyms and roles
• An overview of how to access the NDIS
• What happens if you do not meet access
• How plans are created and the description of a planning meeting
• The importance of goals
• The concepts of reasonable and necessary and choice and control
• Implementing a plan and bringing a plan to life.

If you are interested in attending, please let Bec in the Junior School Office know (5622 6131) and she will register your interest.

COFFEE!

Would you like a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee?  $3 from every bag sold through the school going towards our fundraising to build new classrooms for Ponilala Village School.  Growing and exporting coffee beans is also a sustainable and vital part of the Ermera district economy, where Ponilala is situated.  Your purchase will not only taste great but contribute to a worthy cause.

Bags of plunger, filter or beans can be purchased for $12.  Contact Andrea Heard aaheard@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or Kirsten Enders kenders@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au to place an order.

ST PAUL’S PARENT PRAYER GROUP

If you are interested in getting together with other parents of the School to pray, you are most welcome to join the following two prayer groups:
First Monday of the month, 9:00 am Prideaux Centre, Warragul Junior School.  (Next gathering 7 October – Day 1, Term 4)
Contact: Sheryn Cutler 0417 158 937
Fridays Fortnightly, 9:15 am, Jenny Charles’ home
Contact: Jenny Charles 0402 249 036

“Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need and thank Him for all that He has done.” Philippians 4:6

From the Head of Warragul Secondary School,
Ms Laura Butterworth.

Term 3 has come to a sunny end and I think all of our students and staff have earnt a rest over the next two weeks.  We have held many events this term including our subject information evenings, House Cultural Day and the Secondary School Production of ‘Charlotte’s Web’ and we have been on excursions ranging from the Year 9 Foodwise excursion to our local Woolworths Supermarket, many students played in the Victorian Netball Championships, Year 10s visited the FareShare Social Enterprise, Our Year 9s attended Lentil As Anything and the Year 12 Theatre Studies class were lucky to view the latest hit theatre show in Melbourne ‘Come From Away’. We have also competed in Chess tournaments, Robotics competitions and Philosothons, which may be new vocabulary for many, and that is just a snapshot of what has been on offer at St Paul’s this term.  We have also been engaged in rich learning in the classroom and we have seen evidence of that with the art work displayed around the school from the Visual Arts Faculty, the Social Action Research projects that our Year 11 Ethics students educated us about and the Year 9 Community Awareness projects that were brought to fruition and celebrated last Friday.  Again, these are just a few examples of some of the visible learning on display throughout this term.

I would like to write a special thank you to the Friends of St Paul’s (FOSP) who kindly made a large number of colourful and creative spider and pig biscuits for our production of ‘Charlotte’s Web’.  These were enjoyed at interval by the patrons who attended and accompanied their coffee which was organised by Mrs Andrea Heard.  The funds raised for the coffee were donated to the Team Timor fundraising efforts.  Our FOSP members are wonderful supporters of our school and we are very grateful for their ongoing enthusiasm and support.

Term 4 – Summer Uniform
Please be reminded that students should be in summer uniform from day 1 of Term 4.  Now is the time to check that your summer uniform still fits.  Students will not be required to wear a blazer to and from school but they cannot wear the jumper as their outer garment.  They will need their blazer for assemblies which take place on Thursdays.  Please check the length of girls’ dresses that must extend to the “boney part of the knee” and not be any shorter.   Boys do not need to wear a tie with their summer shirt which is worn untucked.  If they do choose to wear a tie and many do, then they must tuck their shirt in.  All students are required to wear a hat if they are outside and not shaded by a tree or a building.  As always please ensure that all uniform is very clearly labelled so that we can return it if it becomes lost.

Year 12 Key Reminders for Term 4 (From Mr Zanella Head of Year 12)
As part of our Term 4 celebrations at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar school, our Year 12 students will attend either a morning or afternoon tea.  Those students who attended our Warragul Junior School will attend a morning tea on Friday 18 October beginning at 10:45 am.  Students who attended our Traralgon Campus will attend an afternoon tea at Traralgon, beginning at 3:15 pm.  While all Year 12 students will attend the Principal’s Morning Tea held in our main staffroom on Monday 21 October beginning at recess.  More details of this event will be discussed during our Pastoral Blocks in Term 4.

On our Celebration Day, Wednesday 23 October, the day will begin at 8:00 am where there will be a breakfast before our final Chapel.  This will be followed by the Year 12 Final Assembly and activities in the afternoon on the oval.  The day will conclude at 3:30 pm.

The Final Assembly will be at 12:00 noon and all parents are welcome (all Year 12 students must wear full school uniform to both Chapel and their final assembly).  Students will only be allowed on stage for the final official roll call if they are in full school uniform with blazer.

SWOTVAC will occur immediately after celebration day, starting on Thursday 24 October.  During this time students can access the school facilities, work quietly in the Year 12 Common Room, John McIntyre Centre or Library.  All classes will continue running up until the individual subject examination is complete.

When students attend both SWOTVAC and the VCAA exams they are required to wear full school uniform at all times.

Students have been given a full examination timetable which includes starting times and venues.  Parents should ask for this timetable to ensure their child arrives promptly to their exam.  Students should also ensure that both their drink bottle and pencil case are clear from labels as instructed by Mr Testa.  Lastly, students cannot take their mobile phone into any VCAA examination.

Ms Laura Butterworth
Head of Warragul Secondary School

WHAT’S ON IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL

SEPTEMBER
20 September  End of Term 3, 2:30 pm FINISH
22 to 28 September  Summit to Sea Camp
24 September  Year 12 Studio Arts Revision Day, Mac Lab, Ken Wilson Building, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Year 12 Literature Workshop, John McIntyre Centre, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
25 September  Year 12 Philosophy Workshop, John McIntyre Centre, 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
30 September  Year 12 Legal Studies Workshop, JM8, 10:00 am to 1:30 pm

OCTOBER
1 October  Year 12 Japanese Practice Oral, YS3 (allocated time for each student)
Year 12 Health and Human Development Holiday Class, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
2 October  Year 12 Revolutions Revision Workshop, Ken Wilson Building, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
3 and 4 October  Units 3 and 4 Practice Exams
5 to 6 October  World Challenge Training Camp, Gembrook
7 October  Term 4 Commences
9 October  Year 12 PE Revision Lecture, Science Centre Lecture Theatre, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
11 October  Chamber Ensembles Concert and Year 12 Farewell, DT Parker Centre, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
14 October  Equestrian Team Seminar and Dinner, 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm
16 October  Parent Briefing – Year 9 Outdoor Education Camp, Year 9 Centre, 7:00 pm
17 October  SEISA Summer Sport, Junior, Round 1
18 October  Year 9 Eye in the Sky Emerging Technologies Excursion, RMIT City Campus, 8:18 am to 4:00 pm
Year 12 Morning Tea, Warragul Junior School (Students who attended the Warragul Junior School)
Year 12 Afternoon Tea, Traralgon Campus (Students who attended the Traralgon Campus)

WARRAGUL SECONDARY SCHOOL HOLIDAY RECEPTION HOURS

Monday 23 September  10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Tuesday 24 September  10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Wednesday 25 September  10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Thursday 26 September  10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Friday 27 September – Closed

Monday 30 September  10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Tuesday 1 October  10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Wednesday 2 October  10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Thursday 3 October  10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Friday 4 October  10:00 am to 3:00 pm

THE NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME (NDIS) SEMINAR

St Paul’s is hosting a short information session about the NDIS on Friday 11 October from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at our Traralgon Campus (tea and coffee will be provided).

This is going to be presented by Geoff Deacon who is the Senior Community Engagement Officer, Victoria and Tasmania, Community and Mainstream Engagement Branch with the National Disability Insurance Agency.

This seminar is right for you if:
• You are staff or parents who have or are working with a child accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), or are considering applying to access the NDIS

This session will cover the basic principles and overview of the NDIS, including:
• NDIS terms, acronyms and roles
• An overview of how to access the NDIS
• What happens if you do not meet access
• How plans are created and the description of a planning meeting
• The importance of goals
• The concepts of reasonable and necessary and choice and control
• Implementing a plan and bringing a plan to life.

If you are interested in attending, please let Bec in the Junior School Office know (5622 6131) and she will register your interest.

NINETEEN CLASS DAYS LEFT FOR THE CLASS OF 2019!

On Friday 13 September our current Year 12 cohort organised, cooked and enjoyed a barbeque dressed in the theme of pyjama day.  We were celebrating the fact that there were nineteen class days left for the Class of 2019.  The day was very successful, we had music, great weather, great appetites and even a game of musical chairs!

A huge thanks to Hannah Hobbs, Ella Attard, Grace Radford and Megan Preston for all the organisation and assistance.

Ben Zanella
Head of Year 12
Head of Health, Physical Education and Food Technology

YEAR 9 THINKING AND LEARNING

Year 9 students have recently completed a community awareness task for Thinking and Learning.  It was a huge success.  Twelve groups were formed to focus on an area of interest relating to the welfare of the community.  Students were required to pick a topic from the Baw Baw Shire’s five main focus points to assist our community.  These topics included: Improving Mental Health, Preventing Violence and Injury, Healthy Eating and Active Living, Reducing Harm from Gambling, Tobacco, Alcohol and other drugs, and Leadership for a Healthy Baw Baw.

In the lead up to this project, the Year 9 cohort travelled to Melbourne to learn about social enterprises such as Abbotsford Convent and Lentil As Anything. Lentil As Anything is a vegan café where you pay as you can afford.  If you cannot afford food, you can volunteer your time in exchange for the meal. Lentil As Anything help create a rare space for the community to come together as one to share a meal, create and collaborate in order to help remove social stigma within a community disregarding any existing economic and social barriers.

Numerous groups set up stalls and sold a variety of things such as baked goods and homemade scrunchies.  Other groups set up games, presentations, a movie night, websites and interactive activities.  Some groups also targeted specific members within our community – for example, one group ran a presentation to the Junior School about Mental Wellbeing and another group shared morning tea and gave out potted succulents to the residents of Abbey Gardens.

The Year 9 students showed a lot of effort and enthusiasm in this task and their hard work definitely shone through with their final products.  Teachers were very proud of the student’s efforts and execution of tasks.  Students were also very impressed with the efforts of their peers.  Students raised funds for charities such as Olivia’s Place, MND Foundation, Beyond Blue, and The Leukaemia Foundation.

Through these projects the Year 9 students hope to create awareness and empathy towards the needs of our community.

Kuzi Ruzive-Makura
Year 9 student

One of the Community Awareness Projects.

Positivi-tea for Abbey Gardens.

STATE CHESS TOURNAMENT

Three Warragul Secondary students recently attended the September 2019 Victorian State Chess tournament held at Maribyrnong College, Victoria.  They were eligible due to some wins in the regional competition.  The tournament was a fun but high octane event that stretched all players.  Our school placed twenty-fourth in the state.  If they follow on the heels of our last chess players (the Comber twins), the Ibbotson twins will continue to represent St Paul’s and play chess next Year in Year 12.  Connor Ibbotson, the Chess Club Captain, has regularly run the Chess Club in the Library for two years now, quite a dedicated person, with Luke (and Kieran Lewis) assisting.

State Champion Chess Tournament participants:
Luke Ibbotson, Brandon Collis and Connor Ibbotson.

SPORT NEWS

Term 3 has been a busy one for sport at St Paul’s.  Sport Aerobics Nationals, Victorian Netball Championships, SEISA Intermediate and Senior Competitions and the annual SEISA Spring Carnival have all provided a range of sporting experiences for our students.

SEISA Intermediate/Senior Winter Round Robin
All of our St Paul’s SEISA teams played a competitive term, demonstrating sportsmanship and positive team work.  All teams played exceptionally well and should be proud of their efforts.
Six of our ten St Paul’s teams reached the grand finals, with senior girls basketball, senior boys soccer and intermediate boys AFL walking away with the trophy.  The senior boys AFL are playing their grand final in the final week of term.  A big thank you to the staff who coached our teams and we are looking forward to our Junior Summer competition in Term 4.

Sport Aerobics
Congratulations to the St Paul’s Sport Aerobics teams (Saintly Ladies and Saintly Angels) who recently qualified and competed in the Sport Aerobics National Championships on the Gold Coast.

A significant amount of training and choreographing of routines was completed in preparation for this event.  Whilst finishing outside the places, both teams should be proud of their efforts and the performances they produced. They are already looking forward to competing next year!  A big thank you to Joanne Fraser for all of her support and assistance with the teams.

Victorian Netball Championships
On 2 September, six St Paul’s netball teams travelled to the State Hockey Netball Centre in Melbourne to compete in the Victorian Netball Championships.  It was a great experience for our teams, with some close and high level games played.
Junior Boys – third place
Intermediate Boys – third place
Senior Boys – fourth place
Junior Girls – sixth place
Intermediate Girls – seventh place
Senior Girls – fourth place

Whilst unfortunately no teams have qualified for the finals, all students should be proud of their efforts from the day.

SEISA Senior Girls Basketball team.

SEISA Senior Boys Soccer team.

SEISA Intermediate Boys AFL team.

Sport Aerobics team.

Junior Boys Netball – Victorian Championships.

House Tug of War
Term 3 involved the much anticipated annual House Tug of War event.  The Tug of War competition commenced in style, with the Year 7 and Year 8 competitions having some tough battles.  Not only was there rivalry between our houses, but also between our Head of Houses, Mrs Sandner and Mrs Finlayson.  Much to Mrs Finlayson’s happiness, Franklin started the competition strong, winning the Year 7 Tug of War competition.  However, as Years 9, 10 and 11 had their turn, Paterson, Lalor and Chisholm appeared to have more of the power.  A fitting end to our Tug of War competition was the Year 12 event, with the overall result literally coming down to the rope.  Paterson won the Year 12 event and as a result, pulled them over the line to make Paterson the 2019 House Tug of War Champions.

Tug of War, Year 9.

Tug of War, Year 11.

The SEISA Volleyball and Boys Netball teams recently competed in the annual SEISA Spring Carnival competition.

Volleyball
On 12 September, a mixture of the Warragul and Traralgon St Paul’s students headed to Beaconshills, Pakenham for an eager day of volleyball.  After weeks of intense training and practice, thanks to Ms Mullins and Mr Lowe, everyone was eager to participate and compete against the other schools.
In the girsl division, the school entered two senior teams and one junior team.  Although neither teams won, we all played extremely well and were proud of everyone’s effort.  With  fifteen minute games and first to twenty-five, the fight was on.  The senior A team, which consisted of Years 11 and 12 students, as well as two Traralgon students, played extremely well, but unfortunately did not get a win.  With four losses and two draws, the girls were a bit defeated due to some close scores but it still was an amazing day.  The senior B team did an amazing job with three wins, one draw and two losses which is an outstanding achievement.  And finally, the junior team won three games and lost two.  The junior boys team also had some close and competitive games.

Despite the results, everyone had an amazing day and enjoyed themselves.  It was amazing to see all the year levels come together and work to develop their skills.  I was so proud of everyone and how they performed on the day.  A huge thank you to all the students, because without them it would not be possible.  Of course, I have to give a special mention to Ms Mullins and Mr Lowe for being our amazing coaches and taking time out of their busy schedules to train us.  Overall it was an amazing and fun day and I recommend anyone to give it a go!

Senior Girls Volleyball team.

Boys Netball
The St Paul’s boys netball teams were excited to play in the SEISA Spring Carnival on Thursday 12 September.  When we arrived at Pakenham, the junior boys team was quick to start in their first game against Traralgon St Paul’s.  After the first few games we were very happy with ourselves because we were undefeated and therefore finished on top of the ladder.  In the grand final we faced Beaconhills, Pakenham and we won in a close game by three goals!  At the end of the day we were extremely happy with our performance and were excited to tell everyone back at school.  It was great to contribute to St Paul’s to be the overall netball winners for 2019.

The intermediate netball boys also loved the opportunity to play on the intermediate SEISA netball team.  With a diverse range of players with different skill levels and experience, it was truly a team effort to translate what we had practised during training sessions on to the court in game performances.  The team had a great day and were able to come out victorious as we won the Grand Final against rival school Beaconhills, Pakenham.  It was a huge team effort after dominating the competition all day, it felt as though we were building towards a strong finish.  The first half in the grand final didn’t go to plan however the boys were able to bounce back in the second and win in a nail biting finish, showing great resilience and team work.

The senior boys netball also had a very competitive day and all the team put in their best.  Whilst we weren’t as successful as the other two sides, by the end of the day we only ended up losing one game out of the total five we played.  It only came down to percentage which determined who got into the grand final, unfortunately being us who missed out.  However, the third place finish was certainly a commendable effort.

By Danielle Strini, Lachlan Giliam, Ollie Dillon and Tully Loomes.

SEISA Junior Boys Netball team.

St Paul’s Warragul, overall championship winners.

SEISA Intermediate Boys Netball team.

COFFEE!

Would you like a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee?  $3 from every bag sold through the school going towards our fundraising to build new classrooms for Ponilala Village School.  Growing and exporting coffee beans is also a sustainable and vital part of the Ermera district economy, where Ponilala is situated.  Your purchase will not only taste great but contribute to a worthy cause.

Bags of plunger, filter or beans can be purchased for $12.  Contact Andrea Heard aaheard@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or Kirsten Enders kenders@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au to place an order.

ST PAUL’S PARENT PRAYER GROUP

If you are interested in getting together with other parents of the School to pray, you are most welcome to join the following two prayer groups:
First Monday of the month, 9:00 am Prideaux Centre, Warragul Junior School.  (Next gathering 7 October – Day 1, Term 4)
Contact: Sheryn Cutler 0417 158 937
Fridays Fortnightly, 9:15 am, Jenny Charles’ home
Contact: Jenny Charles 0402 249 036

“Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need and thank Him for all that He has done.” Philippians 4:6

MATHS SUPPORT SESSIONS

A Maths support session will be offered in Room 3 (Year 9 Centre) each Tuesday at the end of the school day.  This session will operate from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm and students are able to attend for all or part of each session as required.

Participants may use this session to get assistance with and complete homework tasks, seek an additional lesson on a particular Maths topic or simply work with other students who share a similar love of Mathematics with extension activities provided as required.  This session is primarily aimed at students from Years 10 to 12 although all Secondary School students are welcome to attend.  These sessions are additional to those already provided by teachers from the Maths Faculty which occur regularly at nominated lunchtimes.

No formal registration is required.  Students simply attend whenever they feel the need for some additional support or extension.

For further inquiries please contact Mr Rowley via email jrowley@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

A PARENT’S LOVE

“But when the pain cuts you deep
When the night keeps you from sleeping
Just look and you will see
That I will be your remedy
When the world seems so cruel
And your heart makes you feel like a fool
I promise you will see
That I will be, I will be your remedy.”

These are the heartfelt lyrics of Adele’s song, ‘Remedy’; a song that declares her deep love for her three year old son, Angelo.  At yesterday’s Warragul Secondary School Assembly we were treated to a powerful performance of this song by Year 10 student, Lottie Brandon, and it prompted me to reflect on the unique love that parents experience for their children.  I will never forget the feeling of holding my newborn children in my arms and feeling the most incredible urge to protect and shelter them.  An urge that remains as the child grows but is tempered by the desire to see the child grow in independence and learn to stand on their own two feet.  You can hear in the chorus of Adele’s song that desire to protect her child from the hardships of life, but also perhaps an awareness in her tone that the child may not always accept that protection.  This is part of the challenge of parenting a child (and especially an adolescent) – trying to figure out which protective boundaries to enforce and which mistakes to allow your child to make and learn from themselves.  Parenting is a complex, heart-warming and sometimes heart-wrenching experience!  I remember just before the birth of my first child a friend said to me, “Having a child will totally change your understanding of God” and he was right.  Seeing God’s relationship with humanity through the lens of a parent gave me a much greater appreciation for the pain that God must feel when we reject him.  It also helped me to understand in some small way why God might allow us to go through hardships; not because He takes any joy in our suffering; not because He is unable to intervene; but because He wants us to grow in maturity.  I am not suggesting that this applies to all suffering but it helps make sense of some things.  Too often God is presented as uncaring and judgmental at one extreme or as loveable but ineffectual at the other.  The God we meet in the Bible is far more nuanced than our simplistic representations.  God is far more like the parent who walks that delicate line between discipline and freedom.  The love that Adele expresses in her song is just a shadow of the love that God has for each of us as His children.  Which is a good thing because I do not know about you but, when it comes to my relationship with God, I can be as petulant, rebellious and fickle as the most troublesome of teenagers.  None of us are perfect parents but we and our children have access to the perfect parent in God.  And in His love we may find some comfort, direction and understanding as we seek to be better parents to our children.  In the words of the Apostle John, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).

Reverend Daniel Lowe
Senior Chaplain

I thank everyone who has contributed to a successful third term.  The past few weeks have been especially busy on the learning and assessment front as well as on the sporting field.  Added to this have been a multitude of camps and excursions, together with four theatrical productions: ‘The Addams Family – A New Musical’ at Traralgon Secondary School, ‘Charlotte’s Web’ at Warragul Secondary School, ‘Seussical Kids’ at Traralgon Junior School and ‘Pinocchio’ at Warragul Junior School.  And what a wonderful array of entertainment, hard work and talent was on display!  I thank and congratulate all students, staff, parents and community members involved in this theatrical extravaganza.

On the sporting front, we finished the term with the SEISA Senior and Intermediate Winter Sport Finals.  Out of the ten sports played, St Paul’s again qualified for an impressive six SEISA finals.  As well as winning the Boys Netball, St Paul’s were Premiers in Senior Girls Basketball, Senior Boys Soccer and Intermediate Boys AFL.  Winning this number of Premierships in the winter season is a very satisfying result indeed and the benefits of our Traralgon and Warragul students interacting more and competing strongly as one team continue to be in evidence.

I wish all students and families a safe, restful and enjoyable two weeks of school holidays.  We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday 7 October.

Cameron Herbert
Principal