Traralgon Junior School

From the Head of Traralgon Junior School,
Ms Tracey King.

Term 1 is moving along quickly in the Junior School with lots of activities, events and learning experiences taking place.  I am enjoying getting to know our students and families and working with teachers.  There is a calm and focused atmosphere in the Junior School and I have been very impressed with the genuine care for each other and willingness to help others that is being shown by our community, even when we are busy.

The last two weeks again have provided a range of learning experience for students.

ELC Welcome Picnic
Our Early Learning Centre enjoyed their family welcome picnic last week and were lucky enough to have some warmish weather for the children to enjoy.  Parents brought a picnic dinner and shared lots of conversations about the start of the year and watched their children playing and laughing together.  Teachers were able to meet with everyone and welcome them to the St Paul’s ELC.

The Summit
Year 6 students had a fabulous muddy day at ‘The Summit’, enjoying a range of activities designed to develop their resilience, confidence and leadership skills.  Teachers reported that all students engaged and participated with determination and persistence, even with the more challenging and difficult tasks which required them to step outside of their comfort zones and conquer their fears.  It was a really terrific excursion and thoroughly worthwhile for all involved.

Shrove Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday was acknowledged at St Paul’s last week when classes cooked up pancakes and then participated in novelty pancake races on the oval.  There was plenty of laughter and frivolity as students and teachers dropped pancakes, tossed pancakes and lost pancakes!  Year 6 students headed to St James Anglican Church where they joined in cooking and serving pancakes to the community and enjoyed chatting and sharing stories of school.  Our students also added to the atmosphere of the day with musical performances.

Peer Support
Our Peer Support program started with a flurry of activity last week.  Students working in mixed age groups of Prep to Year 6 spent time getting to know each other and talking about friendship.  There were games and activities led by very well prepared Year 6 Leaders.

Teacher Professional Development
An excited and eager group of Junior School teachers headed to Inverloch last Saturday for the ‘Sharing Best Practice’ Conference and spent the day investigating the research and science about how we learn.  They were treated to presentations by some outstanding leaders in education and have returned to school armed with new knowledge and are highly motivated.

This week has also involved teachers participating in Literacy training with Ron Yoshimoto, Master Trainer in the Orton Gilingham approach.  Ron delivers training which focuses on a data driven, clinical, multi-sensory, phonetic, teacher guided approach to teaching reading, writing and spelling in whole classroom, small group and one-to-one settings.  Our teachers are very lucky indeed to have been able to spend time with Ron, enhancing their knowledge of linguistics and best practice.

Congratulations and Good Luck Swimmers
All seventeen swimmers who attended the District competition were successful in their races and came home with ribbons and big smiles for their achievements.  Every swimmer has been selected to continue on the Regional competitions.  We wish our star swimmers a great day of racing next Thursday as they represent St Paul’s Junior School in the Regional Swimming competition. Unfortunately, the competition falls on our Athletics Carnival day.  These students will have an opportunity to try out for athletics events in the coming weeks so they do not miss out.

Community Easter Egg Hunt
All families are invited to join us on Friday 20 March for the St Paul’s Community Easter Egg Hunt.  Students are invited to go on a hunt around the school to find specific items and explore classrooms and the playgrounds finishing in the gymnasium for a few Easter treats.  Open to all children 12 years and under (Children must be accompanied by an adult)  Registrations are essential by Wednesday 18 March: https://stpaulsags.vic.edu.au/easter-egg-hunt-registration/

Tracey King
Head of Traralgon Junior School

 

WHAT’S ON IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

MARCH
9 March  Labour Day Public Holiday
12 March  Years 3 to 6 Athletics Carnival
17 March  ELC School Photos
18 March  Junior School Parent, Student and Teacher Interviews (PSTIs), 3:45 pm to 8:00 pm
ELC School Photos
19 March  Junior School Parent, Student and Teacher Interviews (PSTIs), 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm
20 March  Traralgon Community Easter Egg Hunt, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
27 March  Traralgon Campus Easter Service, 9:30 am
FOSP Easter Egg Hunt
End of Term 1, 2:30 pm finish

APRIL
13 April  Easter Monday Public Holiday
14 April  Term 2 commences

 

 

ARTISTS OF THE WEEK

Year 1 students have been learning how to draw cartoon Australian animals by following step by step instructions.  Congratulations to our Artists of the Week!  They are Abigail Dean, Harrison Hogan, Kyle Bugeja and Leo James. Thank you for your koalas and kangaroos!

Mim Cavanagh
Art Specialist

HELPING THE VILLAGE OF PONILALA

Ponilala is a small village in the district of Ermera, south west of Dili, the capital of East Timor.  It is located high up in the hills of this coffee growing area, with spectacular views down to the surrounding river valleys and up to the highest mountain in the country, Mt Ramelau.

St Paul’s has been connected to Ponilala since 2005, when Year 9 students became involved in a Friends of Ermera (FOE) project to build a new Pre-Secondary School (Years 7 to 9) in the village. FOE is a community based group operating in the City of Casey and beyond.  Their primary focus is the provision of education and training support throughout the Ermera District.

A new school for the village
In 2004 the local Ponilala community wanted a Pre-Secondary School to be established, as students who wanted to go to secondary school had to walk a three hour round trip to get to the closest school.  A school commenced in the small church hall but there was an urgent need for a new school building.  In 2005 Friends of Ermera were asked to help build the school and St Paul’s became involved in the project and raised almost $8,000 to help finance the building.  It was opened in 2007.

Students from the Ponilala Pre-Secondary School just after it was opened in 2007.

Student visits
Since 2011 St Paul’s has organised student visits to East Timor every second year and one of the highlights is a visit to Ponilala where they are greeted as warm guests by the students and teachers at the school.  The locals see St Paul’s as being one of their very special supporters from Australia and they always make our students and teachers feel very welcome.

In 2012 we made the commitment to help a group of young people from the village to continue with their education and over the next few years money was raised so they could go to university in Dili.  In November 2018 the first of the students, Egidio Madeira, graduated as an English teacher.  He is now living back in Ponilala and teaching at a school in a nearby town.  The others have now also finished their courses and are seeking jobs in tourism, business and teaching.  Their families and community are very proud of their achievements and the future leadership they will provide for the next generation.

In 2011 visiting students from St Paul’s got to know the Ponilala students who we sponsored to complete their university education.

Egidio Madeira’s family were so proud on the day of his graduation. Marilyn Davidson, a former teacher at St Paul’s was very excited to be part of the celebrations.

Two new rooms for the school
In June last year work commenced on two new rooms at the school.  St Paul’s has raised the funds for this project over the last eighteen months and hopefully the building will be finished when a group of teachers led by Andrea Heard and Kirsten Enders visit in June this year.  It is an exciting double storey project which will provide rooms for a library and computer lessons.

The new building is almost complete.

An exciting event to help raise money for the new building!
STRIKE A NOTE FOR EAST TIMOR
Sunday 26 April
1:00 pm for a 1:30 pm start
St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School
Year 9 Centre, 150 Bowen Street, Warragul

Performances by current students and Alumni

 

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A ST PAUL’S COMPANY MEMBER OR BOARD DIRECTOR?

MEMBERSHIP OF COMPANY
Are you aware parents are able to become members of the St Paul’s School Company?
At present there are over sixty members of the School’s Company.  Applying for membership involves completing an application form and submitting a fee of $20.00.  Continued membership involves renewing your membership once a year and paying an ongoing annual fee of $20.00.
Company membership entitles the member to attend the School’s Annual General Meeting in May each year and also to cast a vote in the event of an election of Directors to the School Board.
Persons interested in applying for new membership of the Company can obtain an Application for Company Membership form from the School’s website or by contacting Carol Reid via email  creid@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au
Applications should be received by 22 April 2020 for consideration at the April Board Meeting in preparation of this year’s Annual General Meeting.  Later applications can also be considered but must be received by 19 May 2020 to be able to attend the Annual General Meeting.

BECOMING A BOARD DIRECTOR
In keeping with the Board’s commitment to an inclusive governance approach within the school community, persons interested in potentially filling a Board vacancy are encouraged to become a member of the Company and respond to the nomination/election process prior to the Annual General Meeting on 27 May 2020.
Nomination forms for Board Directorship are required to be forwarded to the Company Secretary no later than Monday 27 April 2020 at 5:00 pm.
If you have any questions in relation to the Board vacancies or are seeking a nomination form, please contact Mrs Leah Young, Company Secretary via email companysecretary@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or phone 5623 5833.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – 27 MAY 2020
The Annual General Meeting of St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School is to be held on Wednesday 27 May 2020 at the Warragul Campus commencing at 5:30 pm for members of the Company.

 

FOSP (Friends of St Paul’s) NEWS

Thanks to those who attended the first FOSP meeting.  It was great to see new parents and the new Heads of School join us.  FOSP events were discussed with some dates and activities already confirmed.  Additional items will be added to the calendar in coming weeks.

Family Colour Run: Postponed
FOSP members along with the Traralgon Heads of School have decided to postpone the FOSP Family Colour Fun Run, previously advertised for Saturday 14 March.  This decision was made after a Traralgon community bushfire fundraising event was announced for the same day.  There are still plans to run this fantastic event in the future so watch this space.

Upcoming Events
FOSP Easter Egg Hunt, Junior and Secondary School, Friday 27 March
Mother’s Day Stall, Junior School and ELC, Friday 8 May
Secondary School Egg and Bacon Breakfast, Friday 19 June
Father’s Day Stall, Junior School and ELC, Friday 4 September
Grandparents Morning Tea, Junior School, date to be confirmed

 

COFFEE

Would you like a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee?  $3 from every bag sold through the school goes 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.

Traralgon Secondary School

From the Head of Traralgon Secondary School, Mr Brad McCabe. St James Community Lunch For the past seven years, the students at St Paul’s Anglican …

view ARTICLE

Traralgon Secondary School

From the Head of Traralgon Secondary School,
Mr Brad McCabe.

St James Community Lunch
For the past seven years, the students at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School’s Traralgon Secondary School have been involved in a special community event – the St James Community Lunch held at the hall attached to the St James Church in Grey Street.

On the fourth Friday of each month, a different group of our Year 8 students accompanies Mrs Andie Browne to assist Canon Jeff Richardson (and his dedicated band of church volunteers) in setting tables, serving lunch to eighty to one hundred guests and then clearing away after each course.

Canon Jeff coordinates and decides the menu; in summer there are two courses (main and dessert) and, in the cooler months, soup is also added to the fare.  The selected dishes are often determined by seasonal factors, donations and cost… yet are always consistent and reliable and of the highest quality of preparation and presentation.

The Year 8 students who participate in this most valuable, enjoyable (and delicious!) activity consistently impress both the church volunteers and the lunch guests.  Our student volunteers’ enthusiasm, efficiency and (in particular) their open, courteous and friendly approach to all whom they encounter, work with and serve, are commendable.  The students also experience the satisfaction of working as a team and putting the needs of others ahead of their own.  Without exception each student (involved in this wonderful community service opportunity over the years) has declared it to be a most positive, worthwhile and fulfilling experience.
SEISA Carnival
Last Thursday, we held our annual SEISA Swimming, Badminton and Table Tennis Carnival at Melbourne Sports Aquatics Centre, at Albert Park.  We had a very successful swim meet and all students swam extremely well with some achieving records.  St Paul’s Traralgon Campus received four of twelve of the Age Championships – Brody Cargill (Junior School) U12, Ashley Nicholes U14, Molly Cargill U15 and Jordyn Cargill U17.  Another highlight was our Junior Badminton girls, Jade Derham and Asha Nightingale who won the Junior girls division.

Combined Campus Performing Arts Scholarship Holders’ Concert
On Monday 24 February, the combined campus Performing Arts Scholarship Holders’ Concert was held at the Parker Centre at the Warragul Secondary School for all performing arts scholarship holders from Year 10 and above, as well as by invitation for those in younger years.  Representing the Traralgon Secondary School was Lachlan Wilson (Cornet) and Heath Wilson (Percussion).  Lachlan performed an energetic rendition of ‘Jumbuck Jive’ composed by Kerin Bailey, accompanied by his father, Alex, at the piano.  Heath performed a lively rendition of ‘Wilcoxin’s 133rd’ from ‘The All-American Drummer 150 Rudimental Solos’ by Charley Wilcoxon as a snare drum solo.  The event is a showcase of the broad talents across a variety of disciplines within the Performing Arts of St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School.

Traralgon Athletics Carnival
On Tuesday 3 March Traralgon Secondary students enjoyed the day participating in a wide range of track and field events.  A special highlight of the day was the Year 10 Boys High Jump, which was highly contested and attracted a large crowd of students.  It was wonderful to see students from all year levels encouraging and supporting each other.  Another highlight was the level of house spirit and competitiveness amongst the different teams.
Maths Club
Maths Club is a great opportunity for students to use this time to receive Maths support and extension, 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.  All students are welcome to attend.
When and where:
Tuesday Lunchtime – Years 7 to 10 in Room 11
Thursday Lunchtime – Years 7 to 10 in Room 11

Year 7 2021 Information Evening
On Tuesday 10 March we have the Year 7 2021 Information Evening.  All families are invited to attend this event.  School tours will be conducted at 6:00 pm, 6:15 pm and the last tour at 6:30 pm, followed by an information session at 7:00 pm.  Please contact our Enrolments Officer for further information enrolments@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

Scholarships 2021
Scholarships are open to junior and secondary students entering St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School in 2021.  Applications close Monday 6 April 2020.  Please contact our Scholarships Officer on (03) 5623 5833 or scholarships@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au  Please visit our website for eligibility stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

Friends of St Paul’s (FOSP) News
Family Colour Run: Postponed
FOSP members along with the Traralgon Heads of School have decided to postpone the FOSP Family Colour Fun Run, previously advertised for Saturday 14 March.  This decision was made after a Traralgon community bushfire fundraising event was announced for the same day.  There are still plans to run this fantastic event in the future so watch this space.
Upcoming Events
Easter Egg Hunt, Junior and Secondary School, Friday 27 March
Mother’s Day Stall, Junior School and ELC, Friday 8 May
Secondary School Egg and Bacon Breakfast, Friday 19 June
Father’s Day Stall, Junior School and ELC, Friday 4 September

Brad McCabe
Head of Traralgon Secondary School

 

WHAT’S ON IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL

MARCH
9 March  Labour Day Public Holiday
10 to 13 March  Year 8 Camp
10 March  SEISA Visual Arts Festival
Year 7 2021 Information Evening, 6:00 pm
12 March  SEISA Summer Sport, Intermediate/Senior, Round 4
13 March  Year 7 and Year 10 Immunisations, 9:00 am
16 March  Schools in Kitchen – Food Studies Excursion
18 March  Parent Student and Teacher Interviews, 4:00 pm
19 March   SEISA Summer Sport, Intermediate/Senior, Round 5
20 March  Whole School Athletics Carnival

 

 

HELPING THE VILLAGE OF PONILALA

Ponilala is a small village in the district of Ermera, south west of Dili, the capital of East Timor.  It is located high up in the hills of this coffee growing area, with spectacular views down to the surrounding river valleys and up to the highest mountain in the country, Mt Ramelau.

St Paul’s has been connected to Ponilala since 2005, when Year 9 students became involved in a Friends of Ermera (FOE) project to build a new Pre-Secondary School (Years 7 to 9) in the village. FOE is a community based group operating in the City of Casey and beyond.  Their primary focus is the provision of education and training support throughout the Ermera District.

A new school for the village
In 2004 the local Ponilala community wanted a Pre-Secondary School to be established, as students who wanted to go to secondary school had to walk a three hour round trip to get to the closest school.  A school commenced in the small church hall but there was an urgent need for a new school building.  In 2005 Friends of Ermera were asked to help build the school and St Paul’s became involved in the project and raised almost $8,000 to help finance the building.  It was opened in 2007.

Students from the Ponilala Pre-Secondary School just after it was opened in 2007.

Student visits
Since 2011 St Paul’s has organised student visits to East Timor every second year and one of the highlights is a visit to Ponilala where they are greeted as warm guests by the students and teachers at the school.  The locals see St Paul’s as being one of their very special supporters from Australia and they always make our students and teachers feel very welcome.

In 2012 we made the commitment to help a group of young people from the village to continue with their education and over the next few years money was raised so they could go to university in Dili.  In November 2018 the first of the students, Egidio Madeira, graduated as an English teacher.  He is now living back in Ponilala and teaching at a school in a nearby town.  The others have now also finished their courses and are seeking jobs in tourism, business and teaching.  Their families and community are very proud of their achievements and the future leadership they will provide for the next generation.

In 2011 visiting students from St Paul’s got to know the Ponilala students who we sponsored to complete their university education.

Egidio Madeira’s family were so proud on the day of his graduation. Marilyn Davidson, a former teacher at St Paul’s was very excited to be part of the celebrations.

Two new rooms for the school
In June last year work commenced on two new rooms at the school.  St Paul’s has raised the funds for this project over the last eighteen months and hopefully the building will be finished when a group of teachers led by Andrea Heard and Kirsten Enders visit in June this year.  It is an exciting double storey project which will provide rooms for a library and computer lessons.

The new building is almost complete.

An exciting event to help raise money for the new building!
STRIKE A NOTE FOR EAST TIMOR
Sunday 26 April
1:00 pm for a 1:30 pm start
St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School
Year 9 Centre, 150 Bowen Street, Warragul

Performances by current students and Alumni

 

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A ST PAUL’S COMPANY MEMBER OR BOARD DIRECTOR?

MEMBERSHIP OF COMPANY
Are you aware parents are able to become members of the St Paul’s School Company?
At present there are over sixty members of the School’s Company.  Applying for membership involves completing an application form and submitting a fee of $20.00.  Continued membership involves renewing your membership once a year and paying an ongoing annual fee of $20.00.
Company membership entitles the member to attend the School’s Annual General Meeting in May each year and also to cast a vote in the event of an election of Directors to the School Board.
Persons interested in applying for new membership of the Company can obtain an Application for Company Membership form from the School’s website or by contacting Carol Reid via email  creid@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au
Applications should be received by 22 April 2020 for consideration at the April Board Meeting in preparation of this year’s Annual General Meeting.  Later applications can also be considered but must be received by 19 May 2020 to be able to attend the Annual General Meeting.

BECOMING A BOARD DIRECTOR
In keeping with the Board’s commitment to an inclusive governance approach within the school community, persons interested in potentially filling a Board vacancy are encouraged to become a member of the Company and respond to the nomination/election process prior to the Annual General Meeting on 27 May 2020.
Nomination forms for Board Directorship are required to be forwarded to the Company Secretary no later than Monday 27 April 2020 at 5:00 pm.
If you have any questions in relation to the Board vacancies or are seeking a nomination form, please contact Mrs Leah Young, Company Secretary via email companysecretary@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or phone 5623 5833.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – 27 MAY 2020
The Annual General Meeting of St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School is to be held on Wednesday 27 May 2020 at the Warragul Campus commencing at 5:30 pm for members of the Company.

 

COFFEE

Would you like a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee?  $3 from every bag sold through the school goes 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 Principal

With the first six weeks of first term now complete, I thank everyone who has contributed positively in the early stages of the 2020 school …

view ARTICLE

From the Principal

With the first six weeks of first term now complete, I thank everyone who has contributed positively in the early stages of the 2020 school year.  A substantial amount of learning has occurred already, together with a wide range of exciting activities, as can be appreciated by reading the articles so far this year from our four Heads of School – Ms Laura Butterworth (Warragul Secondary School), Mr Brad McCabe (Traralgon Secondary School), Mr Rowan van Raay (Warragul Junior School) and Ms Tracey King (Traralgon Junior School).

SEISA Interschool Swimming
St Paul’s was again dominant at last week’s South Eastern Independent Schools Association Interschool Swimming Championships held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.  I was greatly impressed by the high standard of our swimmers, but also by the gracious manner in which we competed.  I was also very proud of our 2020 Swimming Captains – Neisha Ablett and Jackson Clerks – who marshalled the troops superbly and spoke very impressively at the conclusion of the event when presented with the Championship Shield.

At the same venue on the same day, St Paul’s also had success in the Badminton and Table Tennis competitions, winning three of the age group division titles.  I thank Tanvi Atla (Table Tennis) and Connor Ibbotson (Badminton) for their leadership of these teams as well.

Federal Funding of Independent Schools
School funding by Governments attracts media attention from time to time, and this week has been one of those occasions.  The current legislation under consideration by the Federal Parliament, if adopted, will change the way in which Independent School funding is calculated.  This new method is likely to be unfair to many regional schools.  Our local Members of Federal Parliament have been made aware of this, as has the Education Minister, and we are expecting the method to be reviewed so that no school is treated unfairly by the new proposal.

Cameron Herbert
Principal

Warragul Junior School

From the Head of Warragul Junior School, Mr Rowan van Raay. Welcome Evening My thanks to the ELC and Junior School families who were able …

view ARTICLE

Warragul Junior School

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

Welcome Evening
My thanks to the ELC and Junior School families who were able to join us for our Welcome Evening recently.  I am happy to report that the Prep Grand Prix was lots of fun and the parent races, whilst extremely competitive, went without incident.  The 100m gift was hotly contested with Annabella Denton winning the girls’ race and James Denton victorious in the boys.  The Year 9 Community Ambassadors and Year 12 Prefects did a wonderful job and I also thank all of the staff that attended and assisted on the night.

Swimming Results
Our congratulations to Kade Cannon, Riley Butters and Shae Nippers who were selected to compete in the Secondary School Swim team in the U/12 division for the SEISA Championships last Thursday.  St Paul’s won the championships for the twenty-fourth consecutive year and all students swam extremely well.  Both the boys and girls U/12 freestyle relay teams broke event records which Kade, Riley and Shae were part of.  We also congratulate the Junior School students who competed at the Divisional Championships on Wednesday and well done to the students who have progressed to the Regional Championships, which will be held next Thursday.

Myrtle Crescent
Could I once again remind all parents parking on Myrtle Crescent to be mindful that they are not parking on the corner and obstructing the view of oncoming traffic.  We have had correspondence from some of our neighbours who are concerned and report… “Each day I find myself taking this corner with trepidation, as clearly I can’t see around the corner and neither can any car coming towards me – if one came around the corner I’d be in a lot of trouble, as would they.”   “As a resident of this street and viewing the increase of cars parked in Myrtle at pick up time, it is a concern as some are parking dangerously and illegally.” 
I ask for your cooperation in this matter.

Consent2Go
A reminder that parents who received an email from Consent2Go on Wednesday, with a verification code to a secure link, to check and update your child’s permissions, medical and emergency contacts information.   Your assistance in checking and/or updating all of the information requested as soon as possible would be greatly appreciated.

Canberra Educational Tour 2021
A reminder to all current Years 4 and 5 families that information regarding next year’s Canberra Educational Tour was sent home this week and reply slips are due back by next Wednesday 11 March.  This optional tour occurs every second year and is open to all 2021 Years 5 and 6 students.  Our Years 5 and 6 cohorts will still attend camp as part of our regular camping program.

Parent Teacher Interviews (PTIs)
Information regarding PTIs was emailed to families on Wednesday.  To access the booking system go to, http://www.schoolinterviews.com.au  You will be required to enter a School Code, which is qvmbr.  A reminder that these will take place in Week 9 on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 March.

Easter Service
We will be holding our Easter Service for all Prep to Year 6 students on the last day of Term (Friday 27 March) at 1:30 pm in the Junior School Gymnasium.  Parents are welcome to join us and I thank Mrs Board and Mr Allan for organising the service for us.  A reminder about our Easter raffle that is being run by FOSP.  Donations for the hampers can be dropped off at the Warragul Junior School Office up until Friday 13 March.  Raffle books and money should be returned by Thursday 26 March with the raffle being drawn the following day at the Easter Service.

A reminder that we finish at 2:20 pm on the last day of Term, Friday 27 March.

Enjoy the long weekend everyone.

Rowan van Raay
Head of Warragul Junior School

 

WHAT’S ON IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

MARCH
9 March  Labour Day Public Holiday
12 March  Regional Swimming (selected students)
13 March  Warragul Kids’ Farmers Market, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
19 March  Community Easter Egg Hunt, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
25 March  Parent Teacher Interviews, 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm
26 March  Parent Teacher Interviews, 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm
FOSP last week of term special lunch and SRC dress-up day (theme to be confirmed)
27 March  Prep Excursion to Farm World
End of Term 1, 2:20 pm finish

APRIL
13 April  Easter Monday Public Holiday
14 April  Term 2 commences

 

 

HELPING THE VILLAGE OF PONILALA

Ponilala is a small village in the district of Ermera, south west of Dili, the capital of East Timor.  It is located high up in the hills of this coffee growing area, with spectacular views down to the surrounding river valleys and up to the highest mountain in the country, Mt Ramelau.

St Paul’s has been connected to Ponilala since 2005, when Year 9 students became involved in a Friends of Ermera (FOE) project to build a new Pre-Secondary School (Years 7 to 9) in the village. FOE is a community based group operating in the City of Casey and beyond.  Their primary focus is the provision of education and training support throughout the Ermera District.

A new school for the village
In 2004 the local Ponilala community wanted a Pre-Secondary School to be established, as students who wanted to go to secondary school had to walk a three hour round trip to get to the closest school.  A school commenced in the small church hall but there was an urgent need for a new school building.  In 2005 Friends of Ermera were asked to help build the school and St Paul’s became involved in the project and raised almost $8,000 to help finance the building.  It was opened in 2007.

Students from the Ponilala Pre-Secondary School just after it was opened in 2007.

Student visits
Since 2011 St Paul’s has organised student visits to East Timor every second year and one of the highlights is a visit to Ponilala where they are greeted as warm guests by the students and teachers at the school.  The locals see St Paul’s as being one of their very special supporters from Australia and they always make our students and teachers feel very welcome.

In 2012 we made the commitment to help a group of young people from the village to continue with their education and over the next few years money was raised so they could go to university in Dili.  In November 2018 the first of the students, Egidio Madeira, graduated as an English teacher.  He is now living back in Ponilala and teaching at a school in a nearby town.  The others have now also finished their courses and are seeking jobs in tourism, business and teaching.  Their families and community are very proud of their achievements and the future leadership they will provide for the next generation.

In 2011 visiting students from St Paul’s got to know the Ponilala students who we sponsored to complete their university education.

Egidio Madeira’s family were so proud on the day of his graduation. Marilyn Davidson, a former teacher at St Paul’s was very excited to be part of the celebrations.

Two new rooms for the school
In June last year work commenced on two new rooms at the school.  St Paul’s has raised the funds for this project over the last eighteen months and hopefully the building will be finished when a group of teachers led by Andrea Heard and Kirsten Enders visit in June this year.  It is an exciting double storey project which will provide rooms for a library and computer lessons.

The new building is almost complete.

An exciting event to help raise money for the new building!
STRIKE A NOTE FOR EAST TIMOR
Sunday 26 April
1:00 pm for a 1:30 pm start
St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School
Year 9 Centre, 150 Bowen Street, Warragul

Performances by current students and Alumni

 

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A ST PAUL’S COMPANY MEMBER OR BOARD DIRECTOR?

MEMBERSHIP OF COMPANY
Are you aware parents are able to become members of the St Paul’s School Company?
At present there are over sixty members of the School’s Company.  Applying for membership involves completing an application form and submitting a fee of $20.00.  Continued membership involves renewing your membership once a year and paying an ongoing annual fee of $20.00.
Company membership entitles the member to attend the School’s Annual General Meeting in May each year and also to cast a vote in the event of an election of Directors to the School Board.
Persons interested in applying for new membership of the Company can obtain an Application for Company Membership form from the School’s website or by contacting Carol Reid via email  creid@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au
Applications should be received by 22 April 2020 for consideration at the April Board Meeting in preparation of this year’s Annual General Meeting.  Later applications can also be considered but must be received by 19 May 2020 to be able to attend the Annual General Meeting.

BECOMING A BOARD DIRECTOR
In keeping with the Board’s commitment to an inclusive governance approach within the school community, persons interested in potentially filling a Board vacancy are encouraged to become a member of the Company and respond to the nomination/election process prior to the Annual General Meeting on 27 May 2020.
Nomination forms for Board Directorship are required to be forwarded to the Company Secretary no later than Monday 27 April 2020 at 5:00 pm.
If you have any questions in relation to the Board vacancies or are seeking a nomination form, please contact Mrs Leah Young, Company Secretary via email companysecretary@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or phone 5623 5833.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – 27 MAY 2020
The Annual General Meeting of St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School is to be held on Wednesday 27 May 2020 at the Warragul Campus commencing at 5:30 pm for members of the Company.

 

COFFEE

Would you like a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee?  $3 from every bag sold through the school goes 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 Chaplain

AMAZING WORKS OF ART I have never considered myself just as an artist producing material works of art to impress others.  For me the greatest …

view ARTICLE

From the Chaplain

AMAZING WORKS OF ART

I have never considered myself just as an artist producing material works of art to impress others.  For me the greatest works of art are people and that it is a privilege to be part of their life journeys.  Art and storytelling is my small way of connecting with others to inspire, encourage and hopefully help one to become all that God created them to be.

People as unfolding works of art are complex and challenging so it takes a collaborative effort.  We are all creatively involved in shaping lives through parenting, teaching, coaching and mentoring to help young people reach their full potential.  In and through this effort we also sense the guiding and caring presence of God who is the supreme Artist.

Lynton Allan
Chaplain

 

 

Warragul Secondary School

From the Head of Warragul Secondary School, Ms Laura Butterworth. Parent Communication As Week 6 comes to an end, assessments begin in earnest and our …

view ARTICLE

Warragul Secondary School

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

Parent Communication
As Week 6 comes to an end, assessments begin in earnest and our students’ co-curricular activities are starting to fill their time, it is easy to lose track of important information regarding your child.  There are a number of ways in which we communicate information.  The fortnightly Grammarian combined with the ‘What’s On’ dates are a regular resource, as are the Year Level Page, on MyStPauls which are regularly updated by each Head of Year.  Many areas of the school such as Performing Arts and Sport also have their own pages on MyStPauls where you can access details, dates and times of their various activities.  We also send emails regarding major events and reminders as required.  If you are still unsure where to find the information you require or you need something clarified it is really important that you contact us directly so we can provide the correct and relevant information.  In the first instance you should email or call your child’s Mentor teacher.  They should be able to answer or find an answer to almost anything and will look after any immediate pastoral concerns.  If it is a subject related question or concern then communicating directly with the subject teacher is most appropriate.  For more serious concerns you can contact your child’s Head of Year but we do ask parents to contact the Mentor in the first instance.  If you have an enquiry about a specific subject or faculty then you can contact the appropriate Head of Faculty and this may become particularly relevant in Term 3 as we approach subject selection for 2021.  Please do not hesitate to contact any of our staff and we certainly encourage our parents and guardians to book into our Parent Student Teacher Interviews (PSTIs) for a face to face conversation on Monday 16 March or Wednesday 25 March.

Winter Uniform
Just a reminder to parents that students will be expected to wear their full winter uniform from the first day of Term 2.  We do not have a transition period between the summer and winter uniforms in the Secondary School.  Now is a good time to check that all uniform still fits and is in good order ready for Term 2.  Boys will be required to wear the long sleeve white shirt, tucked in and their tie.  Girls will need to ensure that their winter skirts are long enough to reach the ‘boney’ part of the knee as per our uniform policy.  They will also require a long sleeve white shirt and tie and can wear the regulation school pant.  Our full uniform policy can be found on our website at the following link, https://stpaulsags.vic.edu.au/enrolment/uniform/

Parent, Student and Teacher Interviews (PSTIs)
All parents should have received an email regarding booking in for our PSTIs which will be held in the Secondary School Gymnasium on Monday 16 March and Wednesday 25 March.  If you did not receive this communication then please let us know as soon as possible so we can get your interviews booked in for you.

Warragul Junior School Welcome Evening
On Friday 21 February our Prefects and Year 9 Community Ambassadors headed over to the Junior School to spread cheer and play games with the Junior School students and their families.  The Prefects dressed up as pirates or mermaids and created some entertaining activities for the juniors.  The Year 9 Community Ambassador position is a new leadership position for 2020.  There were ten students selected for this role and they will serve as a connection between the Junior and Secondary Schools at the Warragul Campus.  As the year progresses, they will assist the Junior School to run events and will organise lunchtime activities for the Junior School students.  Their first event was the Welcome Evening and they did a fantastic job!

Ms Laura Butterworth
Head of Warragul Secondary School

Bellamy O’Callaghan, Jesse Buhagiar, Angus Guo and Tomas Dowler.

Remy Ferguson and Elizabeth Opray.

Year 12 Prefects and Year 9 Community Ambassadors ready to entertain.

 

WHAT’S ON IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL

MARCH
9 March  Labour Day Public Holiday
10 March
  SEISA Visual Arts Festival, Newhaven College, Rhyll
‘The Wizard of Oz’, first group audition (on stage dancers, singers and actors only), Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium Dance Studio (old Curves space), 3:40 pm til 5:00 pm
Presentation Ball Training, BOYS ONLY, 3:30 pm to 5:20 pm
10 to 13 March  Year 8 Camp
11 March  Federation University Experience Day – Outdoor Education, Exercise and Sport Science, Federation University, Gippsland Campus, Churchill
Year 7 2021 Information Evening, 5:45 pm for school tours at 6:00 pm, 6:15 pm and last tour at 6:30 pm, information session at 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
12 March  SEISA Summer Sport, Intermediate/Senior, Round 4
13 March  Year 9 Swimming Assessment, Warragul Leisure Centre, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Presentation Ball Training, GIRLS ONLY, 3:30 pm to 5:20 pm
16 March  Parent, Student and Teacher Interviews (PSTIs) Evening 1, 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
17 March  VCE Theatre Studies – SAC/Exam Excursion, ‘Summer of the Seventeenth Doll’, West Gippsland Arts Centre, 7:30 pm
19 March  SEISA Summer Sport, Intermediate/Senior, Round 5
20 March  Whole School House Athletics Carnival
23 March  Healesville Sanctuary Excursion, Years 10 and 11 Environmental Science, 8:50 am to 3:20 pm
24 March  SEISA Music Festival
Presentation Ball Training, 3:30 pm to 5:20 pm
25 March  Year 9 Faiths in our Community Excursion
Parent, Student and Teacher Interviews (PSTIs) Evening 2, 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
26 March  SEISA Summer Sport, Intermediate/Senior, Finals
27 March  ‘O’ Day
End of Term 1, 2:30 pm finish

 

 

EXCITING PERFORMING ARTS NEWS

‘The Wizard of Oz’ stage role audition sign-up 2020

The first audition for ‘The Wizard of Oz’ will be held as a full group workshop in the Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium Dance Studio (old Curves space) from 3:40 pm on Tuesday 10 March 2020.  Any students who wish to be on stage for this production MUST attend this workshop.  This includes, dancers, singers and actors.  This workshop will NOT require any student to perform individually.
Students DO NOT need to prepare anything for this audition.  However, please note that this version of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is based upon the MGM Film with Judy Garland and students are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with this movie.  Audition activities may or may not be derived from the film.
Following this workshop, selected students will be invited to attend individual auditions for leading roles.

Sign-ups CLOSE at midnight on Monday 9 March 2020  https://my.stpaulsags.vic.edu.au/survey/attempt/4446/5528

 

ST PAUL’S STUDENTS, LEARNING AND GIVING

At 6:30 am on Wednesday 26 February, students from Year 10 Food Discovery class travelled to FareShare in Abbotsford.

As part of the FareShare ‘Schools in the Kitchen’ program, students prepared, cooked and packaged approximately four thousand meals during their morning shift.  Engagement in this program allowed these students to consolidate knowledge about the reality of hunger, issues around food waste, food rescue and sustainable food production, while showing care and compassion for others in their local and wider community.

After spending the morning in the FareShare kitchen, students then visited the FareShare kitchen garden, Lulie St Abbotsford.  Food scraps from the FareShare kitchen come to this garden and are composted and used on donated vacant land to grow additional vegetables, herbs and fruit to supplement donated and rescued food in the production of meals, and the three FareShare kitchen gardens produce 77,000 kilograms of food each year to supplement their meals.

On their return to Warragul, students visited Baw Baw Combined Churches Food Relief in Pearse Street.  Within the Baw Baw Shire one hundred families a week seek food assistance at this facility, along with other valuable services.  Students were able to view meals similar to the ones they had made that morning at FareShare at this facility and thus their involvement in helping others.

While some of the meals made during the morning will go to Food Relief in Warragul, most of the meals made on this day were going to people who lost their homes due to the recent fires in East Gippsland or to the fire fighters, fence builders, animal carers and many more who continue to help in these devastated communities.

A wonderful effort by these students and staff; thank you Tanatswa, Benjamin, Tanika, Ava, Decklyn, Luca, Lajuventi, Maya, Mr Herbert and Mrs Cleversley.

To find out more about FareShare visit, http://www.fareshare.net.au

In the FareShare kitchen: Tanika, Ava, Decklyn, Tanatswa, Luca, Mr Herbert, Benjamin, Lajuventi, and Maya.

Preparing quiche bases: Luca and Decklyn.

Preparing quiches for baking: Mr Herbert, Tanatswa and Benjamin.

Preparing quiche bases: Volunteer supervisors with Mr Herbert, Lajuventi, Maya, Ava and Tanika.

FareShare Kitchen Garden, Abbotsford: Mr Herbert, Benjamin, Tanatswa, Decklyn, Luca, Ava, Lajuventi and Mrs Cleversley.

Luca, Decklyn, Ava, Tanika, Maya, Lajuventi, Tanatswa, Benjamin and Mr Herbert visit Baw Baw Combined Churches Food Relief.

 

SEISA SWIMMING, BADMINTON AND TABLE TENNIS

On 28 February, students from St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School travelled to the Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Centre to compete in the annual SEISA Swim Carnival, Table Tennis and Badminton Round Robins.  All teams had a very successful day and represented our school to a high level against Newhaven College, Gippsland Grammar, Beaconhills Berwick and Beaconhills Pakenham.

The St Paul’s Swim team comprising of students from both Warragul and Traralgon Campuses from Years 5 to 12 were fortunate enough to place first overall in the carnival for the eighth year in a row for the SEISA competition.  St Paul’s students were successful in breaking a few records across the day and achieving ten age champions.
Chloe Joiner – Under 12 years Female Champion
Brody Cargill – Under 12 years Male Champion
Sahara Hammond – Under 13 years Female Champion
Ashley Nicholes – Under 14 year Male Champion
Molly Cargill – Under 15 Female Champion
Callum Halloran-Lavelle – Under 16 years Male Champion
Jordyn Cargill – Under 17 years Male Champion
Jessica Emmett – Under 17 Female Champion
Neisha Ablett – Under 21 year Female Champion
Tomas Dowler – Under 21 year Male Champion

We would also like to congratulate the following swimmers for breaking records on the day:

Whilst the Swim team were competing in the pool, students were also playing Table Tennis and Badminton.  It was a hotly contested competition all day with each player performing to the best of their abilities with great enthusiasm and determination.  The overall results were very close with most divisions and the overall champions relying on the last game scores.

Table Tennis – Overall:  Gippsland Grammar
Junior:  Gippsland Grammar
Intermediate:  Gippsland Grammar/Newhaven College (tied on equal points)
Senior:  St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School

Badminton – Overall:  Gippsland Grammar​​​​​​​
Junior:  St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School
Intermediate:  Gippsland Grammar
Senior:  St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School

Swimming Age Champions.

St Paul’s SEISA Swimming, Badminton and Table Tennis Captains.

HELPING THE VILLAGE OF PONILALA

Ponilala is a small village in the district of Ermera, south west of Dili, the capital of East Timor.  It is located high up in the hills of this coffee growing area, with spectacular views down to the surrounding river valleys and up to the highest mountain in the country, Mt Ramelau.

St Paul’s has been connected to Ponilala since 2005, when Year 9 students became involved in a Friends of Ermera (FOE) project to build a new Pre-Secondary School (Years 7 to 9) in the village. FOE is a community based group operating in the City of Casey and beyond.  Their primary focus is the provision of education and training support throughout the Ermera District.

A new school for the village
In 2004 the local Ponilala community wanted a Pre-Secondary School to be established, as students who wanted to go to secondary school had to walk a three hour round trip to get to the closest school.  A school commenced in the small church hall but there was an urgent need for a new school building.  In 2005 Friends of Ermera were asked to help build the school and St Paul’s became involved in the project and raised almost $8,000 to help finance the building.  It was opened in 2007.

Students from the Ponilala Pre-Secondary School just after it was opened in 2007.

Student visits
Since 2011 St Paul’s has organised student visits to East Timor every second year and one of the highlights is a visit to Ponilala where they are greeted as warm guests by the students and teachers at the school.  The locals see St Paul’s as being one of their very special supporters from Australia and they always make our students and teachers feel very welcome.

In 2012 we made the commitment to help a group of young people from the village to continue with their education and over the next few years money was raised so they could go to university in Dili.  In November 2018 the first of the students, Egidio Madeira, graduated as an English teacher.  He is now living back in Ponilala and teaching at a school in a nearby town.  The others have now also finished their courses and are seeking jobs in tourism, business and teaching.  Their families and community are very proud of their achievements and the future leadership they will provide for the next generation.

In 2011 visiting students from St Paul’s got to know the Ponilala students who we sponsored to complete their university education.

Egidio Madeira’s family were so proud on the day of his graduation. Marilyn Davidson, a former teacher at St Paul’s was very excited to be part of the celebrations.

Two new rooms for the school
In June last year work commenced on two new rooms at the school.  St Paul’s has raised the funds for this project over the last eighteen months and hopefully the building will be finished when a group of teachers led by Andrea Heard and Kirsten Enders visit in June this year.  It is an exciting double storey project which will provide rooms for a library and computer lessons.

The new building is almost complete.

An exciting event to help raise money for the new building!
STRIKE A NOTE FOR EAST TIMOR
Sunday 26 April
1:00 pm for a 1:30 pm start
St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School
Year 9 Centre, 150 Bowen Street, Warragul

Performances by current students and Alumni

 

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A ST PAUL’S COMPANY MEMBER OR BOARD DIRECTOR?

MEMBERSHIP OF COMPANY
Are you aware parents are able to become members of the St Paul’s School Company?
At present there are over sixty members of the School’s Company.  Applying for membership involves completing an application form and submitting a fee of $20.00.  Continued membership involves renewing your membership once a year and paying an ongoing annual fee of $20.00.
Company membership entitles the member to attend the School’s Annual General Meeting in May each year and also to cast a vote in the event of an election of Directors to the School Board.
Persons interested in applying for new membership of the Company can obtain an Application for Company Membership form from the School’s website or by contacting Carol Reid via email  creid@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au
Applications should be received by 22 April 2020 for consideration at the April Board Meeting in preparation of this year’s Annual General Meeting.  Later applications can also be considered but must be received by 19 May 2020 to be able to attend the Annual General Meeting.

BECOMING A BOARD DIRECTOR
In keeping with the Board’s commitment to an inclusive governance approach within the school community, persons interested in potentially filling a Board vacancy are encouraged to become a member of the Company and respond to the nomination/election process prior to the Annual General Meeting on 27 May 2020.
Nomination forms for Board Directorship are required to be forwarded to the Company Secretary no later than Monday 27 April 2020 at 5:00 pm.
If you have any questions in relation to the Board vacancies or are seeking a nomination form, please contact Mrs Leah Young, Company Secretary via email companysecretary@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or phone 5623 5833.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – 27 MAY 2020
The Annual General Meeting of St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School is to be held on Wednesday 27 May 2020 at the Warragul Campus commencing at 5:30 pm for members of the Company.

 

MATHS SUPPORT

TUTORIAL CLASSES
Tuesday – Years 7 and 8, lunchtime, YS1
Wednesday – Years 9 and 10, lunchtime, RM6
Wednesday – VCE classes, lunchtime, RM6

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 operates 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 lunch times.

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

For further enquiries please contact your Mathematics teacher or Mr Dewhurst at St Paul’s.

Graham Dewhurst
Mathematics Teacher

 

COFFEE

Would you like a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee?  $3 from every bag sold through the school goes 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.