In this issue

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

Year 10 Conference
I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon and evening at the recent Year 10 Conference.  During this time I had the opportunity to attend the conference dinner and watch student presentations.  Thank you to Kirsten Enders, Deb Gatti and Jason Addison for your participation in the camp.  Your energy was endless and your commitment to our students was plain to see.  Also, a thank you to all the Warragul staff who attended, especially to Adrienne Percy, Head of Year 10, Warragul, who organised much of the conference.

I left feeling that our students had a great opportunity to think about their careers and VCE, and to begin their transition to the Warragul Campus.

Isabella Watts and Caydence Bezzina attempt the crate challenge at the Year 10 Conference.

Thank you Latrobe Health Assembly
The primary role of the Latrobe Health Assembly is to facilitate a new way of working to enable the community, local and statewide agencies and government to work together to improve health and wellbeing in the Latrobe Valley.  The Latrobe Health Assembly offers the community a chance to drive health and wellbeing priorities and consider new ways of working with local services and government, with a focus on innovative ideas and approaches.  The majority of members are from the community, with a diverse representation from various locations, professions, demographics and connections to communities and groups.

The Latrobe Health Assembly organised and provided guest speaker Glen Gerreyn.  Glen has spoken all over the world and spoke to our Year 10s about what they can do to look after their own wellbeing and connectedness.  He was very well received by both staff and students.  If you have a child in Year 10 ask them about the talk.

Our guest speaker, Glen Gerreyn, with our Traralgon Secondary School Captains Alessio Fenech and Isabella Watts, along with Kate Mallia from the Latrobe Health Assembly.

Parent Teacher Student Interviews (PSTI)
In case you missed the recent email, a copy is included below.

The Semester 2 Parent Student Teacher Interviews (PSTI) will be held on Tuesday 27 August and Thursday 5 September from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm.  The interviews will be conducted in the Secondary School Building. Bookings are essential.

St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School has an online booking system for the PSTI.  To access the booking system, go to: http://www.schoolinterviews.com.au  You will be required to enter a school code which is vpf7q.  Please print your bookings at the end of the process before you log out.   Students are required to wear full school uniform when attending interviews.

Interview times are five minutes per teacher, if you require longer book 2 x five minute time slots.  It is requested that parents of students, whose child has the same teacher for more than one subject, book only a ten minute interview with this teacher in which to discuss both subjects.  If there is any issue you would like to discuss that will take longer than the scheduled interview times, please contact the relevant teacher to organise another time to meet.  Appointments that exceed the allocated time significantly inconvenience all parties involved, hence your cooperation in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

To access details relating to your child’s classes and teachers please log onto the MyStPauls online portal and click on their timetable.  This will display the information required for booking the interviews.  Alternatively you can also access the information on the MyStPauls app.  If you need assistance with your login details please contact IT services at itsupport@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

PSTI Booking Times:
Bookings will be available from 9:00 am on Monday 12 August for both PSTI Sessions.

Session 1:  Tuesday 27 August, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm (bookings close at 4:00 pm on Monday 26 August)

Session 2:  Thursday 5 September, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm (bookings close at 4:00 pm on Wednesday 4 September)

Stephen Klemke
Head of Traralgon Secondary School

WHAT’S ON IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL

AUGUST
12 August  Year 9 to Year 10 Course 2020 Counselling, 1:00 pm
Year 9 2020 Information Evening, 7:00 pm
13 and 14 August  Interschool Gymnastics Competition
13 August  Project Rock IT: Digital Ambassadors Event, 9:15 am
14 to 19 August  Hinode Visit
14 August  Years 8, 9 and 10 Subject Selections Due
15 August  SEISA Winter Sport, Intermediate/Senior, Round 3
21 to 25 August  Snow Sports Camp
22 August  SEISA Winter Sport, Intermediate/Senior, Round 4, Bye
23 August  St James Community Lunch Excursion
26 August  Courage to Care, Drouin
Complete Works Incursion, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, Year 9, 1:50 pm
27 August  Parent Student Teacher Interviews, 4:00 pm
29 August  SEISA Winter Sport, Intermediate/Senior, Round 5

YEAR 10 CONFERENCE

The Year 10 Conference took place on Wednesday to Friday of Week 2, this term.  All the Year 10 students from Traralgon and Warragul Campuses combined for a three-day conference at Phillip Island that focused on developing personal skills, characteristics and traits, how to work in teams and much more.

Day one consisted of two rounds of workshop rotations.  These workshops focused on future career pathways (whether that be going straight into the workforce, an apprenticeship, going to university or TAFE) and about what to expect in VCE.  All students were grateful for the information that was conveyed in each session, as everything can seem a bit daunting at Year 10 when you are told you have to start picking VCE subjects half way through the year.

These sessions were broken up by some activities including an indoor rock climbing wall, the crate climb challenge and a walk down to the beach.  These activities allowed us to draw on all of the personal qualities and characteristics we had identified in ourselves.

On Wednesday night we all enjoyed an 80s theme disco, which was very entertaining.  Everyone had great fun dressing up and showing off their moves on the dance floor.  A big congratulations to Alessio and the staff from Traralgon for putting on the night.

Day two of the conference we received a guest presentation from the company Tripod.  This presentation focused on helping us to identify our strengths as individuals, especially within the top 8 ‘Enterprising Skills’.  Equally important were the teamwork skills that we developed throughout the day.  Working in random teams, we had to develop a marketing and advertising strategy to “sell the unsellable!”   While this was challenging, it was an excellent chance to work with people that we might not otherwise work with and it provided a good opportunity to get to know some of the Warragul students better as well.

On Thursday evening we sat down and enjoyed a special formal dinner, which incorporated a talk from St Paul’s Alumnus, Mannon Johnson.  Mannon spoke to us about the importance of grabbing any opportunity that comes our way and to cherish all of the experiences that we are able to share with our school friends.

On Friday, we finished off our workshop rotations, which included a mental health and wellbeing session which was quite informative and thought provoking.  A special mention must go to Ms Enders who put together such a valuable session.

We would like to thank all of the staff who accompanied us on conference, especially Ms Bellis, Ms Byrne and Mr Testa for all of their wise words of wisdom; and Mrs Percy for all of the organisation that goes into making such an event happen.

Year 10 students

80s disco night.

VCE information session.

Guest speaker – St Paul’s Alumnus, Mannon Johnson.

DAYS FOR GIRLS

Every Girl. Everywhere. Period.
As a part of this year’s trip to East Timor, students had the initiative to create sustainable period packs for the women and girls of Ponilala Pre-Secondary School.
Whilst menstruation may not be a barrier for women in western countries, the same cannot be said for women in developing countries.  These women are restricted by the social stigma and boundaries that their period creates, thus many women continue to be undereducated in feminine hygiene practices, menstrual hygiene management and female reproductive health.  Throughout their lifetime, women menstruate for up to 3,000 days and during such times, East Timorese women are often isolated and ostracised.  When school aged girls have their period, they are often forced to remain at home sitting on cardboard for the duration of their period, as single use sanitary items are often costly.  This contributes to gender inequity, as the continual interruption to their education further impacts on a girl’s long-term job prospects, and the cycle of poverty and violence against women continues.  Additionally, this negative process further puts developing countries as a whole at a disadvantage, for how can a country continue to grow and develop if “half of its population is stifled by the virtue of their very gender”?

After researching possible solutions to this vast problem, it was suggested that Days for Girls would be the perfect foundation to partner with to achieve our goal.  Days for Girls is a not-for-profit organisation initiative of Celeste Mergens that distributes sustainable period packs and empowers women around the world.  Furthermore, they provide education on essential areas and issues, puberty, anatomy, intercourse, the menstrual cycle, hygiene, self-defense and human trafficking.  Days for Girls has reached more than one million girls in over one hundred and twenty-five countries creating a world with dignity, health and opportunity for all.

In the months leading up to the East Timor trip, students Annabelle Rajasingham, Caitlin Davis and Zoe Binns attended packing and sewing days at the home of Lorraine Forsyth, Drouin branch coordinator of Days for Girls.  At these packing and sewing days, the students learnt more about the incredible work these volunteers do to create beautiful, washable and long-lasting pads, with the process often taking over their entire homes!  Annabelle, Caitlin and Zoe also contributed to the process by sewing liners and packing kits.  The Days for Girls packs contain eight liners, two shields, one bar of soap, two plastic bags for washing, one face washer, two pairs of underwear, one care card, one card for tracking their period and a draw string bag for holding it all together.  A kit if cared and washed correctly, can last up to two years.

In addition to helping make the packs, Timor participants Caitlin Davis, Zoe Binns and their teacher Mrs Heard also completed the Ambassador of Women’s health online training, which enabled them to present the education-based material and distribute the sustainable period kits to the women and girls of Ponilala.  At the presentation, Team Timor also enlisted the help of Elisabeth, a local Timorese translator who helped make the East Timorese girls laugh, feel comfortable and at ease with the presentation material.  Prior to presenting the information, Elisabeth also reviewed the content to ensure it was acceptable and culturally appropriate.

Overall, all seventy girls attending the Ponilala Pre-Secondary School, their female teachers, Elisabeth our translator and the wife and daughters of the school principal all received sustainable period kits.  The experience provided a chance to break down barriers and stigma in relation to the girl’s menstrual cycle, enabling the girls to reach their full potential.  In the end all we were doing was having a chat, girl to girl.

For anyone interested in learning more about Days for Girls, please visit the following website: https://www.daysforgirls.org/

“A sense of empowerment lingered in the classroom, with each and every girl knowing that with their packs they could ultimately grasp their own sense of freedom.  No longer would their period hold them back to achieving their dreams and aspirations.  It was definitely an experience I will never forget.”  Zoe Binns, Year 10 student

“It was a heartwarming and eye-opening experience to witness the change for good that something as simple as reusable sanitary items, provided the young girls.  It puts into perspective how something so straightforward can change the lives of others and their ability to be educated.”  Caitlin Davis, Year 10 student

Caitlin Davis and Zoe Binns
Year 10 students

Students of Ponilala Pre-Secondary School receiving their Days for Girls period kits.

COFFEE FOR FATHER’S DAY!

With Father’s Day fast approaching, give a special man in your life a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee with $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 present 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.

YEAR 7 2020 FRIENDSHIP MORNING

Last Friday the Traralgon Secondary School welcomed the 2020 Year 7 cohort with the annual Friendship Morning.  The day began with introductory activities designed for students to tell others a little about themselves.  They then took part in a minor game called ‘Swampball’.  This action packed game had students laughing, ducking and diving for cover and calling out each other’s names with the aim of keeping their team alive the longest.

From here the cohort was divided into two groups who then took part in either a Food Technology or an Art class.  In Food Technology they made rumballs and in Art they got their hands (and some clothes) dirty with a clay modelling challenge.  Following this was a lovely morning tea, beautifully put together by Kathy from our own canteen.  Thank you Kathy for the lovely spread.

After morning tea students attended the opposite session and a feedback session to finish the morning.

Whilst the students were meeting new students, many parents stayed for coffee, cake and a chat with our Head of School, Mr Stephen Klemke and FOSP President, Mrs Myra Krafft.  I would like to thank Myra for her assistance on the day and her ability to answer those burning questions.

Friendship Morning fun.

Instructions for ‘Swampball’.

Getting to know bingo.

CAPTURING OUR CANTEEN

Last term we submitted an entry to The Healthy Eating Advisory Service, Capture Your Canteen Competition http://heas.health.vic.gov.au/captureyourcanteen

This organisation supports schools in their endeavours to offer healthy food for our schools.  Our entry showed what our canteen staff can do and how they promote healthy eating in a series of photographs.  We also had to submit a few words about what Kathy Duncan, who runs our canteen, would do with the prize if we won.  We mentioned developing ties with the school veggie garden and extending the range of healthy food.  We did not win, but we did get a runner up prize which was a copy of Stephanie Alexander’s ‘School Garden cook book’.  Well done to Kathy and her team who run the Traralgon canteen so pleasantly.

Healthy and attractive food.

Kathy and our prize.

LIBRARY NEWS

St Paul’s Library and English Faculty are offering an exciting opportunity for our students to attend this year’s Melbourne Writers Festival Schools’ Program.

The Melbourne Writers Festival is an exciting, iconic, cultural event presenting the opportunity for students to listen to high profile writers speak about their craft and their recent work.  The schools’ program focuses on writers and topics for young adults.

Places are limited so the opportunity is now open for students in Years 8 to 10 from both the Traralgon and Warragul Secondary Schools to express an interest in attending.

To apply:  Write a persuasive letter, a poem or a short personal reflection or narrative that will convince your reader you should attend the MWF.
Post your submission to the box provided in your campus library by Wednesday 14 August.

Event date:  Monday 2 September
Venue:  State Library Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne.
Travelling:  From school direct to venue, 6:30 am start at Traralgon (Warragul pick up) and returning around 6:00 pm.

Four sessions are booked for the day:
Who, Me?  Alistair Baldwin and Mira Schlosberg find mutual comfort discussing the challenges of writing about their lives, and how they have come to understand themselves a bit better as a result.

Aurora Rising:  Stuck in a squad of galactic misfits and reeling from rescuing a girl from interdimensional space… As if starting cadet academy was not difficult enough.  Amie Kaufman’s first book in the Aurora Cycle series is a tale of breaking hearts and blowing things up.  In space.

Love Letters to ‘New Phone, Who Dis?’:  Remember when you would hand-write a letter to your beau, seal it with a kiss and send it on its way?  No?  Well, Alistair Baldwin and Jodi McAlister do (maybe?) and they are here to give you a history lesson on all things love communiqué.

The Great Debate:  Students from across Victoria put their minds to the test live on stage, battling it out in an intense debate on a tricky topic.  Armed only with words and wit, which team will reign supreme?

More information on the MWF Schools’ Program at https://mwf.com.au/schools/

Contact Jo Menzies at the Warragul Secondary School Library or Susan O’Malley and Eudora Walker at the Traralgon Campus Library.

FINANCE REPORT

Fee Payments
A reminder for families paying tuition fees in four instalments:
Instalment four is due on Friday 16 August 2019
Please refer to your original fee statement issued in January for payment details or call Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833 or email accountsreceivable@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

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

As always, there has been a lot going on around the Junior School over the past few weeks.  Our Year 5s visited the Warragul Historic Society Museum and the Cranbourne Botanical Gardens as part of their integrated unit of work, we held our Years 5 and 6 Spelling Bee and our family ski camp was held this week and I thank Mrs Leighton for organising and overseeing this camp.   The official opening and dedication for the new outdoor learning area of the Warragul ELC was also conducted recently.  Harriet Shing MP, The Right Reverend Dr Richard Treloar – Bishop of Gippsland, Mr Gary Blackwood – State Member for Gippsland, Councillor Joe Gauci – Baw Baw Shire Council and Louisa Warnock – Executive Officer VESS all attended along with members of the Executive, foundation families, past and present staff, our Junior School choir and musicians and Pre-Prep children.  Local Elder, Sandra Mullett conducted a traditional Smoking Ceremony while Year 4 student, Andreas Hood, read the Acknowledgement of Country.  I thank all staff and students who were involved in the opening.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to Bella Murphy and James Gyorfi and their families to St Paul’s.  Bella has commenced in Prep C, while James joins Year 5B.

Great news!  We have found a way to give all families access to videos of our Performing Arts shows!  (If you ordered and paid for a DVD of this year’s Performing Arts concert, you will receive a refund through your school account.)   Just follow the link and you will be able to download the show for yourself.  (Please note that the link will expire on 31 August 2019).  We will also do this with the upcoming musical shows which will be held on Thursday 12 September, 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm).  Follow this link to access the Performing Arts concert:  Performing Arts Concert

Years 2 to 6 families should have received information from Mrs Smethurst regarding the upcoming ICAS competitions.  Whilst the competitions are held at school, registration and payment are now completed online and parents need to ensure this is done by 14 August.  A reminder that these competitions are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment.

We apologise to anyone who has attempted to complete the MyStPauls Parent survey below earlier this week.  Your responses have been saved, but your experience may have been challenging.  A new link is below.  If you have not yet had time to complete the survey we would be most grateful if you could.  Your assistance in reviewing our trial of continuous online assessment on MyStPauls is invaluable.

The survey only takes five minutes and closes on Friday 16th August.  MyStPauls Parent Survey

Books, books and more books!  Our thanks to Mrs Davies for organising and running our Book Fair again this year.  It is always great to see our students so excited to visit and select a new book to read.  Thanks to the students and families who supported the fair.

A huge thank you to all of the families who contributed stickers towards our Woolworths Earn and Learn tally.  We ended up having 20,000 points to spend and we will be delighted when we receive some new Sports and STEM equipment later this year.

I also wanted to let families know that we donated $105.00 to the Bunyip Animal Shelter from the secondhand uniform sale we held recently.

Congratulations to our Preps who celebrated 100 days of school on Thursday with Miss Collings, Mrs Steendam, Mrs Baxter and Mrs McCraw… there were lots of old people around!   The Preps were very excited to reach this milestone, but did take a little convincing that school is not finished just yet (only about 2,250 days to go which is quite a lot of lunches to prepare and uniforms to wash!)

Well done to all of the students who performed at the Years 3 and 4 Soirée last night.  It was a wonderful night with a wide variety of performances and I thank family and friends who attended.  Thank you also to Mrs Davies for organising the night and to staff for attending to support their students.

We wish the following students well as they compete in the Years 3 and 4 Hoop Time Basketball competition on Monday.  The teams are:  All Star Boys – Cooper Leighton, Lachlan Rosato, James Denton, Quinn Carson, Alex Hare, Charlie Croucher, Max Doughty, Oscar Jenkins and Lachie Child.  All Star Girls – Lucy Coulthard, Leah McMahon, Poppy Cumming, Shae Nippers, Lanah Hill, Brooke Olsen, Alana Wilson, Emma Leslie, Paige Butters and Annabella Denton.

Our Term 3 SRC fundraising efforts have been decided by the Term 3 representatives.  They have agreed to support Footscape and MND.  Footscape is an Australian charity that assists disadvantaged individuals and communities predisposed to debilitating foot pathology http://www.footscape.com.au/  This initiative came from Year 6 student, Taz Davidson and we will be collecting footwear and socks throughout the rest of Term 3.  Any families who would like to donate a new pair of socks or a pair of runners or podiatry shoes that are in very good condition and no longer being worn, please drop them in the basket provided in the foyer of the Junior School office.  We will be holding Footy Colours and Pie Day on the final day of term with all money raised from this event being donated to FightMND.  Founded in 2014, FightMND was established with the purpose of finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure for Motor Neurone Disease https://fightmnd.org.au/ We hope that our students and families will support these worthwhile causes.

Information regarding our upcoming Parent Teacher Interviews on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 August will be emailed to families on Monday.  We also have students preparing for Vicspell, Years 5 and 6 Hoop Time, Public Speaking Competition, Musical and Tournament of the Minds.  Never a dull moment that is for sure!

Rowan van Raay
Head of Warragul Junior School

WHAT’S ON IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

AUGUST
12 August  Years 3 and 4 Hoop Time
13 August  Year 6F Community Service
16 August  Year 1 Excursion to Melbourne Museum and IMAX
19 to 23 August  Book Week
20 August  Year 6F Community Service
23 August  Year 7 2020 Friendship Morning
Prep to Year 5 Book Week Dress Up Day
24 August  Tournament Of Minds
28 August  Public Speaking Competition
Parent Teacher Interviews, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
ELC Pre-Prep Father’s Evening
29 August  Parent Teacher Interviews, 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm
30 August  Father’s Day Stall
RoboCup Victorian State Competition, Melbourne Showgrounds

SEPTEMBER
2 September  Parent Prayer Group, Prideaux Centre, 9:00 am
3 September  Years 5 and 6 Hoop Time
4 September  Division Athletics, Joe Carmody Track, Newborough
10 September  Musical Dress Rehearsals (all day)
12 September  2019 Junior School Musical, ‘Pinocchio’, Show 1 6:00 pm, Show 2 8:00 pm
20 September  Footy Colours Day and FOSTA Special Lunch
End of Term 3, 2:20pm FINISH

GOVERNMENT BUS ROUTE OUTAGE

Please make a diary note of the following dates for travellers using the Warragul Regional College (WRC) and Drouin Secondary College Bus networks.

Friday 16 August:  Drouin network buses will not be running due to a Drouin Secondary College student free day.  This affects travellers who have connecting buses from Porter Place and Bennett Street Stops.
Monday 9 September:  Bus 3 will not be running due to a Warragul Regional College student free day.  This affects all travellers using Bus 3 and connecting buses at Warragul Regional College.

Please ensure you have alternate transport in place for these days.

COFFEE FOR FATHER’S DAY!

With Father’s Day fast approaching, give a special man in your life a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee with $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 present 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.

FINANCE REPORT

Fee Payments

A reminder for families paying tuition fees in four instalments:
Instalment four is due on Friday 16 August 2019
Please refer to your original fee statement issued in January for payment details or call Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833 or email accountsreceivable@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

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 Monday 2 September.
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.

Last week we held our 2020 Senior Years’ Information Evening for students who will be transitioning to Years 10, 11 or 12 during Early Commencement in November 2019.  It was exciting to be able to hold this event between our two newest buildings and allow families to come and visit our learning spaces whilst speaking to teaching staff and receiving advice on important decisions for next year.  We were very pleased with attendance and staff were happily kept very busy all night.  We are also pleased with the level of enquiry from students and how seriously they take their subject selection alongside their parents.  We would also like to thank those parents who have been able to attend their child’s course counselling appointment this week, we know our parents are busy and these appointments are short but for those of you who were able to attend we hope you felt it was worthwhile and we certainly believe that your input is essential in this process.  A reminder that all subject selection forms for Years 11 and 12 in 2020 must be returned to school by 4:00 pm today.

On Friday our Year 9 students celebrated the end of their ‘Curating the Past’ unit of study by inviting their grandparents or a special person to school for a unique celebration.  Our Year 9 Leaders led an assembly where they and other student representatives explained the history of our school and explained what they had learnt and discovered throughout this unit.  At the end of the formal proceedings our special guests could wander through the Year 9 Centre and look at all of the displays that were created by the Year 9 cohort during this unit.  They were also treated to a Devonshire Tea to finish the day.  Thank you to those who attended and congratulations to the Year 9 students and teachers who created such a nostalgic and reflective afternoon for all to enjoy.

I would also like to congratulate all of the students who represented our school proudly and performed at the West Gippsland Performing Arts Eisteddfod last week.  I would also like to thank Mrs Heather Mason for her coordination of the event and the Performing Arts Faculty for their effort and involvement.

Presentation Assembly 2019 – A date for your diaries
A significant change to our program this year will involve the Presentation Assembly moving to a day timeslot rather than an evening.  It has traditionally started at 7:00 pm at night but this year students will finish their final day of the 2019 academic year with the Presentation Assembly.  This will be held on Wednesday 11 December from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm.  Students can be dismissed from the gymnasium with their families at the conclusion of this event or remain to catch their normal bus/transport home.  All students currently in Years 7 to 11 are expected to attend in full school uniform and all parents and guardians are invited to attend as well.  For those families who have a child at another campus their assemblies will run at the following times:
• Warragul Junior School, 9:30 am to 11:00 am, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium
• Traralgon Junior School, 9:30 am to 11:00 am, Traralgon Campus Gymnasium
• Traralgon Secondary School, 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm, Traralgon Campus Gymnasium

Formal Winter Uniform
A reminder to all families that we expect our students in their full winter uniform, including blazer, each day.  Sport uniform is only to be worn for Physical Education and Sport classes and the spray jacket is a part of the sport uniform not the formal uniform.  The spray jacket can only be worn with the formal uniform as a rain cover and must be worn over the blazer, not instead of it.  Our uniform is a very important part of being a St Paul’s student and wearing it correctly maintains a reputation of our school, and of our students, that serves them very well in our community.  We appreciate both family and parent support in ensuring that your student leaves for school each day looking their very best.

Important Dates
Years 10 and 11 2020 subject selections are due TODAY, Friday 9 August
Years 7, 8 and 9 2020 subject selections are due Friday 16 August
Parent Student Teacher Interviews (PSTI) Tuesday 20 August and Wednesday 28 August

House Cultural Day
Our annual House Cultural Day is all set for Tuesday 13 August.  All students from Years 7 through to 12 attend this highly spirited extravaganza and the day offers an opportunity for all students to be involved.  Students will attend Mentor group as normal and they will then split into their house groups and be given a theme.  They will spend the day creating a performance, which will be showcased toward the end of the day.  Students will have the opportunity to contribute ideas, work as a team, write a script, act, sing, dance, build sets, create props and contribute to their house.  The house leaders have been working hard in preparation for the day and we are looking forward to seeing what our students can produce.  Attendance is expected for all students from Years 7 to 12 on this day.

Co-curricular at St Paul’s
Our co-curricular program offers a breadth of opportunities for our secondary students and we encourage all students to follow their passions outside of the classroom.  Alongside the program of Term 3 activities listed below we have also begun our process for electing Student Leaders for 2020.  There are many different leadership positions for students to apply for and they are notified of their openings in the student bulletin as they arise.

Ms Laura Butterworth
Head of Warragul Secondary School

GOVERNMENT BUS ROUTE OUTAGE

Please make a diary note of the following dates for travellers using the Warragul Regional College (WRC) and Drouin Secondary College Bus networks.

Friday 16 August:  Drouin network buses will not be running due to a Drouin Secondary College student free day.  This affects travellers who have connecting buses from Porter Place and Bennett Street Stops.
Monday 9 September:  Bus 3 will not be running due to a Warragul Regional College student free day.  This affects all travellers using Bus 3 and connecting buses at Warragul Regional College.

Please ensure you have alternate transport in place for these days.

WHAT’S ON IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL

AUGUST
9 August  Years 11 and 12 2020 Subject Selections due, 4:00 pm
11 to 18 August  Science Week
12 August  Year 9 into Year 10 2020 Course Counselling
ACER Language Test, 11:15 am to 12:55 pm
Equestrian Team Seminar and Dinner, 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm
13 August  House Cultural Day
Snow Sports Parent Information Session, Year 9 Centre, 4:00 pm
14 August  Maths Challenge Day, Federation University, Churchill, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Chess Tournament, Chairo Christian School, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
15 August  Philosothon Excursion
2019 School Gymnastics Carnival, Casey Stadium
Studio Arts Gallery Tour, Latrobe Regional Art Gallery, Morwell, 8:50 am to 3:30 pm
SEISA Winter Sport Intermediate/Senior, Round 3
Warragul Campus Studio Concert, 7:00 pm
16 August  Year 9 Community Awareness Day, Thankyou Headquarters and Richmond Institute of Sport Leadership
Years 8, 9 and 10 2020 Subject Selections due
17 to 18 August  School Aerobics National Championships, Gold Coast Convention Centre
19 August  Library Late Opening for Units 3 and 4 students, 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm
20 August  Years 7 to 12 Parent Student Teacher Interviews 1, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium, 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
21 August  Library Late Opening for Units 3 and 4 students, 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm
FOSP Meeting, Warragul Secondary School Staffroom, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
21 to 25 August  Snow Sports Camp
22 August  SEISA Winter Sport Intermediate/Senior, Round 4 (BYE for St Paul’s)
Library Late Opening for Units 3 and 4 students, 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm
23 August  Year 7 2020 Friendship Morning, Year 7 Centre, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
25 August  Matinee du francais, Year 12 French Students, Melbourne Convention Centre

SENIOR FORMAL

On Friday 26 July, over one hundred and seventy Years 11 and 12 students attended the 2019 St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School’s Senior Formal.  It was once again held at the Premiere Function Centre in Traralgon.  Students were elegantly dressed and behaviour was exemplary.

The night began with six lucky door prizes and a buffet style main meal which satisfied everyone’s dietary needs.  The major raffle was then drawn, with over twenty prizes to choose from, including study exam packs, chocolate, stationery, drink bottles, iTunes and cinema vouchers.  Dessert was served and then students hit the dance floor, dancing to the end the night.

I would like to thank all staff and students who attended what was a fantastic night.

Ben Zanella
Head of Year 12

YEAR 10 CONFERENCE

The Year 10 Conference took place on Wednesday to Friday of Week 2, this term.  All the Year 10 students from Traralgon and Warragul Campuses combined for a three-day conference at Phillip Island that focused on developing personal skills, characteristics and traits, how to work in teams and much more.

Day one consisted of two rounds of workshop rotations.  These workshops focused on future career pathways (whether that be going straight into the workforce, an apprenticeship, going to university or TAFE) and about what to expect in VCE.  All students were grateful for the information that was conveyed in each session, as everything can seem a bit daunting at Year 10 when you are told you have to start picking VCE subjects half way through the year.

These sessions were broken up by some activities including an indoor rock climbing wall, the crate climb challenge and a walk down to the beach.  These activities allowed us to draw on all of the personal qualities and characteristics we had identified in ourselves.

On Wednesday night we all enjoyed an 80s theme disco, which was very entertaining.  Everyone had great fun dressing up and showing off their moves on the dance floor.  A big congratulations to Alessio and the staff from Traralgon for putting on the night.

Day two of the conference we received a guest presentation from the company Tripod.  This presentation focused on helping us to identify our strengths as individuals, especially within the top 8 ‘Enterprising Skills’.  Equally important were the teamwork skills that we developed throughout the day.  Working in random teams, we had to develop a marketing and advertising strategy to “sell the unsellable!”   While this was challenging, it was an excellent chance to work with people that we might not otherwise work with and it provided a good opportunity to get to know some of the Traralgon students better as well.

On Thursday evening we sat down and enjoyed a special formal dinner, which incorporated a talk from St Paul’s Alumnus, Mannon Johnson.  Mannon spoke to us about the importance of grabbing any opportunity that comes our way and to cherish all of the experiences that we are able to share with our school friends.

On Friday we finished off our workshop rotations, which included a mental health and wellbeing session which was quite informative and thought provoking.  A special mention must go to Ms Enders from Traralgon who put together such a valuable session.

We would like to thank all of the staff who accompanied to the conference, especially Ms Bellis, Ms Byrne and Mr Testa for all of their wise words of wisdom; and Mrs Percy for all of the organisation that goes into making such an event happen.

Year 10 students

80s disco night.

VCE information session.

Guest speaker – St Paul’s Alumnus, Mannon Johnson.

DAYS FOR GIRLS

Every Girl. Everywhere. Period.
As a part of this year’s trip to East Timor, students had the initiative to create sustainable period packs for the women and girls of Ponilala Pre-Secondary School.
Whilst menstruation may not be a barrier for women in western countries, the same cannot be said for women in developing countries.  These women are restricted by the social stigma and boundaries that their period creates, thus many women continue to be undereducated in feminine hygiene practices, menstrual hygiene management and female reproductive health.  Throughout their lifetime, women menstruate for up to 3,000 days and during such times, East Timorese women are often isolated and ostracised.  When school aged girls have their period, they are often forced to remain at home sitting on cardboard for the duration of their period, as single use sanitary items are often costly.  This contributes to gender inequity, as the continual interruption to their education further impacts on a girl’s long-term job prospects, and the cycle of poverty and violence against women continues.  Additionally, this negative process further puts developing countries as a whole at a disadvantage, for how can a country continue to grow and develop if “half of its population is stifled by the virtue of their very gender”?

After researching possible solutions to this vast problem, it was suggested that Days for Girls would be the perfect foundation to partner with to achieve our goal.  Days for Girls is a not-for-profit organisation initiative of Celeste Mergens that distributes sustainable period packs and empowers women around the world.  Furthermore, they provide education on essential areas and issues, puberty, anatomy, intercourse, the menstrual cycle, hygiene, self-defense and human trafficking.  Days for Girls has reached more than one million girls in over one hundred and twenty-five countries creating a world with dignity, health and opportunity for all.

In the months leading up to the East Timor trip, students Annabelle Rajasingham, Caitlin Davis and Zoe Binns attended packing and sewing days at the home of Lorraine Forsyth, Drouin branch coordinator of Days for Girls.  At these packing and sewing days, the students learnt more about the incredible work these volunteers do to create beautiful, washable and long-lasting pads, with the process often taking over their entire homes!  Annabelle, Caitlin and Zoe also contributed to the process by sewing liners and packing kits.  The Days for Girls packs contain eight liners, two shields, one bar of soap, two plastic bags for washing, one face washer, two pairs of underwear, one care card, one card for tracking their period and a draw string bag for holding it all together.  A kit if cared and washed correctly, can last up to two years.

In addition to helping make the packs, Timor participants Caitlin Davis, Zoe Binns and their teacher Mrs Heard also completed the Ambassador of Women’s health online training, which enabled them to present the education-based material and distribute the sustainable period kits to the women and girls of Ponilala.  At the presentation, Team Timor also enlisted the help of Elisabeth, a local Timorese translator who helped make the East Timorese girls laugh, feel comfortable and at ease with the presentation material.  Prior to presenting the information, Elisabeth also reviewed the content to ensure it was acceptable and culturally appropriate.

Overall, all seventy girls attending the Ponilala Pre-Secondary School, their female teachers, Elisabeth our translator and the wife and daughters of the school principal all received sustainable period kits.  The experience provided a chance to break down barriers and stigma in relation to the girl’s menstrual cycle, enabling the girls to reach their full potential.  In the end all we were doing was having a chat, girl to girl.

For anyone interested in learning more about Days for Girls, please visit the following website: https://www.daysforgirls.org/

“A sense of empowerment lingered in the classroom, with each and every girl knowing that with their packs they could ultimately grasp their own sense of freedom.  No longer would their period hold them back to achieving their dreams and aspirations.  It was definitely an experience I will never forget.”  Zoe Binns, Year 10 student

“It was a heartwarming and eye-opening experience to witness the change for good that something as simple as reusable sanitary items, provided the young girls.  It puts into perspective how something so straightforward can change the lives of others and their ability to be educated.”  Caitlin Davis, Year 10 student

Caitlin Davis and Zoe Binns
Year 10 students

Days for Girls packing day:  Students Caitlin Davis and Zoe Binns with Lorraine Forsyth, Days for Girls, Drouin branch coordinator.

Elisabeth with students Caitlin Davis and Zoe Binns presenting Days for Girls education.

Students of Ponilala Pre-Secondary School receiving their Days for Girls period kits.

COFFEE FOR FATHER’S DAY!

With Father’s Day fast approaching, give a special man in your life a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee with $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 present 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.

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE – ST PAUL’S HUMAN POWERED VEHICLE (HPV)

On Saturday 3 August, Team Jaffa competed in the third event of the Victorian HPV Series, the ‘Casey 12 Hour’.   This was a new event added to the racing schedule with students riding in rain, wind, intense cold and occasional sunshine.

Competing on the day was Jonathan Charles, Matthew Bordonaro, Sarah Blyth, Emma Wong, Lucy Wakefield and Campbell Wilcock, who represented St Paul’s with determination and enthusiasm.  Placing in the middle of the field against professional teams, Team Jaffa made a stoic effort to work together as a small team.  It was also wonderful to have our 2018 School Captain, Cameron Wong and retired HPV MIC, Ian Maud, pop by to show their ongoing support for our team.

Many thanks to the Bordonaro family and Wong family for their ongoing and valued support of our team.  Thank you to Select Office Supplies, our major sponsor and team supporters, Foodie Finance and Warragul Sheet Metal.

Donna Byrne
HPV

Jonathan Charles preparing to ride with the assistance of Matthew Bordonaro.

Emma Wong and Lucy Wakefield staying warm between rides.

LIBRARY NEWS

St Paul’s Library and English Faculty are offering an exciting opportunity for our students to attend this year’s Melbourne Writers Festival Schools’ Program.

The Melbourne Writers Festival is an exciting, iconic, cultural event presenting the opportunity for students to listen to high profile writers speak about their craft and their recent work.  The schools’ program focuses on writers and topics for young adults.

Places are limited so the opportunity is now open for students in Years 8 to 10 from both the Traralgon and Warragul Secondary Schools to express an interest in attending.

To apply:  Write a persuasive letter, a poem or a short personal reflection or narrative that will convince your reader you should attend the MWF.
Post your submission to the box provided in your campus library by Wednesday 14 August.

Event date:  Monday 2 September
Venue:  State Library Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne.
Travelling:  From school direct to venue, 6:30 am start at Traralgon (Warragul pick up) and returning around 6:00 pm.

Four sessions are booked for the day:
Who, Me?  Alistair Baldwin and Mira Schlosberg find mutual comfort discussing the challenges of writing about their lives, and how they have come to understand themselves a bit better as a result.

Aurora Rising:  Stuck in a squad of galactic misfits and reeling from rescuing a girl from interdimensional space… As if starting cadet academy was not difficult enough.  Amie Kaufman’s first book in the Aurora Cycle series is a tale of breaking hearts and blowing things up.  In space.

Love Letters to ‘New Phone, Who Dis?’:  Remember when you would hand-write a letter to your beau, seal it with a kiss and send it on its way?  No?  Well, Alistair Baldwin and Jodi McAlister do (maybe?) and they are here to give you a history lesson on all things love communiqué.

The Great Debate:  Students from across Victoria put their minds to the test live on stage, battling it out in an intense debate on a tricky topic.  Armed only with words and wit, which team will reign supreme?

More information on the MWF Schools’ Program at https://mwf.com.au/schools/

Contact Jo Menzies at the Warragul Secondary School Library or Susan O’Malley and Eudora Walker at the Traralgon Campus Library.

FINANCE REPORT

Fee Payments
A reminder for families paying tuition fees in four instalments:
Instalment four is due on Friday 16 August 2019
Please refer to your original fee statement issued in January for payment details or call Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833 or email accountsreceivable@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

HISTORY CLUB

History Club is on Monday 12 August in KW3 at lunchtime.  We will be discussing the upcoming history competitions currently open for entries.  The National History Competition is open to all year levels, this year’s theme is ‘People and Power’ and applications close on 30 August.
The Simpson Prize is focused on the significance of ANZAC Day and is open to all Years 9 and 10 students only, with entries closing on 8 November. The Premier’s Spirit of ANZAC Prize is also open to Years 9 and 10 students only with entries closing 22 October.  There are prizes on offer for all these competitions, but we need to be quick with the entries closing soon.  For further information please go to the History Club page on MyStPauls or ask Mr O’Connor, Ms Ensor or Ms Foot.

We look forward to hearing from you!

SPORT NEWS

SEISA Sport Update
This year is the first year in which Warrragul and Traralgon Campuses have united together to compete as one school in SEISA Sport.  This has created an excellent opportunity for our campuses to bond further and strengthen our overall teams.

Semester 1 was a successful one, with St Paul’s being competitive in a range of team sports, with nine teams qualifying for the Grand Final.  Congratulations to the Girls Softball and the Intermediate Boys Cricket teams who won their Grand Finals.

All students across the semester played exceptionally well and should be proud of their efforts.  Throughout the season our coaches also considered player conduct, attitude, sportsmanship, team work, upholding the school core values and performance.  As a result I would like to congratulate the following students who were nominated as being outstanding in these areas across the Semester 1 round robin competition:
• Girls Softball – Anneka Pellett
• Inter Netball – Myah Healey
• Inter Boys Basketball – Tanner Pyle
• Inter Cricket – Liam Lenders
• Senior Boys Basketball – James Gourley
• Senior Netball – Makaela Zeldenryk
• Senior Girls Tennis – Tanvi Atla
• Senior Cricket – Jackson Clerks
• Senior Boys Tennis – Axel Nightingale
• AFL – Will Doughty
• AFLW – Lilly Leighton
• Mixed Hockey – Asher Norlyng
• Girls Soccer – Nikita Buhagiar
• Boys Soccer – Hayato Ochi
• Girls Basketball – Luka Butters

A big thank you to the staff who coached our teams and we are looking forward to our competition in Terms 3 and 4.

This term the Intermediate and Senior teams will be competing across AFL, hockey, soccer and basketball.  This competition commences in Week 3.

We will also be participating in the SEISA Spring Competition in netball (boys) and volleyball (girls and boys), the Vic Champs netball competition as well as students competing in cross country, gymnastics and the sport aerobics nationals.

We wish everyone the best of luck.  Please regularly check MyStPauls for updates.

Junior Girls Soccer – Grand Finalists.

Junior Boys Soccer – Grand Finalists.

Junior Boys AFL – Grand Finalists.

House and SEISA Cross Country
On Thursday 16 May students from St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School competed in the House Cross Country event around Brooker Park.  The perfect weather set the scene for some fast and competitive running in the three kilometre and five kilometre events.  In the end it was Lalor who claimed the title, followed by a close battle for second between Gilmore and Chisholm.

Overall Championship for 2019:  Lalor 500 points, Gilmore 437 points, Chisholm 427 points, Monash 415 points, Franklin 396 points and Paterson 364 points.

Congratulations to the following year level champions:  Year 7 Seth Cannon and Lilly Leighton.  Year 8 Samuel Williamson and Madison Ashley.  Year 9 Alexandar Mirkovic and Elizabeth Little.  Year 10 Darcy Nicholls and Neisha Ablett.  Year 11 Nixon Hall and Rachel Jennings. Year 12 Jonathan Charles and Jenna Wright.

The House Cross Country event was a selection event for the SEISA Cross Country on Thursday 25 July at Newhaven.

St Paul’s finished fourth in the school championship.  All students should be congratulated on their efforts against a competitive level of runners.  Well done to the following students who placed in their age races.  Under 12 Girls – Alice Nguyen (second).  Under 13 Boys – Charlie Blackburn (second).  Under 14 Girls – Kaja Tierney (second).  Under 15 Boys – Anton Risch (third).

PERFORMING ARTS NEWS

Centrepiece
At the end of Term 2, St Paul’s most prestigious concert, Centrepiece, was held with many students participating both on and off stage.  The theme of the night was ‘Little Women’ with the Years 11 and 12 Theatre Studies class performing scenes from their show throughout the night.  A number of students performed solos in the disciplines of dance, voice and instrumental, with the second half showcasing ensembles such as Saxophone Ensemble, Choir, String Ensemble, Brass Ensemble and Jazz Improvisation Group.  The night concluded with a joint performance of ‘You’re the Voice’ combining String Ensemble, Concert Jazz Ensemble and Choir which was conducted by one of our school Music Captains, Isabella Whitty.

Phoebe O’Connor
Music Instrumental Captain

West Gippsland Eisteddfod
Over the last week, many different instrumental and choral ensembles from the music department competed in the West Gippsland Music and Drama Eisteddfod.  Competing against many local schools and ensembles, St Paul’s was able to showcase their talented students achieving many admirable results.  These included:  Section 2.33 String Ensemble – 1st, Section 2.38 Community Strings A – 1st, Section 6.05 St Paul’s Voices – 1st, Section 2.38 Community Strings B – 2nd, Section 2.36 Concert Jazz Ensemble – equal 2nd, Section 2.40 St Paul’s Rock Band – 2nd and Section 6.04 Choir – 2nd.

All the students that competed in the eisteddfod should be congratulated on their hard work and effort forming an amazing outcome for the week.

Isabella Whitty and Tali Wilson
2019 Performing Arts Captains

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

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 Monday 2 September.
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

GATHERING AS ONE BODY

It is not good for a person to be alone.  While we all benefit from a certain amount of time to ourselves, we also have a deeply rooted desire to connect with others and be a part of something larger than ourselves.  No matter how intensely introverted or outrageously extroverted our personality, every one of us does better in community.  It is in community that we draw together to celebrate; to grieve; to acknowledge the work and achievements of others; and to worship.

Last week, a small group of St Paul’s students had the opportunity to gather together with student representatives from Anglican Schools all across Victoria, along with their Principals and Chaplains.  The occasion was the biennial combined Anglican Schools Service, held at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne and this year St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School was invited to provide some of the music for the service.  Our small group of musicians from Years 9 to 12 had the privilege of leading a full cathedral in song as well as performing a beautiful reflective item as part of a time of prayer.  The occasion was a great reminder for them that as students of an Anglican School, they are part of a larger community that shares similar values and purpose.  The Anglican community is a diverse one and we are richer for it.  Gathering together to celebrate our shared identity as Anglican Schools was a wonderful opportunity for our students.  This is what some of them had to say about the experience:

“I found it truly intriguing and such a privilege to play at St Paul’s Cathedral.  From the moment the organ began to play the atmosphere gave me chills and was honestly truly magical.  It was also wonderful to be surrounded by students from all the Anglican Schools in the state.” (Isabella Whitty)

“It was a very lovely day being able to explore St Paul’s Cathedral and experience the church during a formal service.  It was wonderful to see all the Anglican schools and very inspiring to witness all of them gathering in one place.  Our musicians played wonderfully and were a real credit to our rural school.   Zachary and I enjoyed being part of the formalities and are thankful we got to be part of this opportunity.” (Emma Wong)

“I really thought it was a worthwhile experience, especially as it is biennial and in a venue of such cultural significance in Melbourne, St Paul’s Cathedral.  It was great to come together with the other Anglican schools and even greater to have the opportunity to play songs of worship with them.” (Teagan Chapman)

Reverend Daniel Lowe
Senior Chaplain

I attended the recently formed Parent Prayer Group at the Warragul Junior School this week and left quite uplifted by the collective sentiment and the general tone of the gathering.  This group meets in the Prideaux Centre at 9:00 am on the first Monday of every month.  I hope that it is a comfort to others that a group of parents make the time to come together in prayer and mutual care, wishing and praying for the school’s welfare.  We have had an off-campus parent prayer group for a number of years which meets every Friday morning, but these faithful souls (whom I have also had the pleasure of praying with this year) are now close to the end of their time as parents of the school, with their youngest child in the final years at St Paul’s.  It is fitting that this well-established supportive prayer group is able to pass the baton onto a new group with younger children mostly based in the Junior School.

We are undeniably in the grip of winter at present, yet Reverend Daniel Lowe and I left the prayer group on Monday at peace with our frosty surroundings and marvelling at the beauty that August brings to Gippsland.  Daniel remarked to me how incredibly powerful a charismatic character with a positive attitude can be.  This was in response to my recount of a comment made to me recently by School Captain, Zachary Nijenhuis.  “I love winter!” Zac declared with his usual gleeful smile and contagious exuberance, before elaborating on all the simple pleasures that winter brings.  Having moved here from WA and Queensland before that, I have to admit to being surprised how much I am enjoying this winter, owing in no small part to Zac’s infectious attitude to the seasons of life.

Making the most of a beautiful winter’s morning last week, we officially opened the new outdoor learning area at the Warragul Early Learning Centre.  (We hope to have a similar facility built at the Traralgon Early Learning Centre next year).  The event included an indigenous smoking ceremony conducted by local Gunaikurnai elder, Sandra Mullett.  We were also delighted to welcome back Harriet Shing MLC, the Member for Eastern Victoria, and the Right Reverend Richard Treloar, Bishop of Gippsland, who opened and blessed the new Year 9 Centre earlier this year.  The School has just embarked on a revision of the Master Plans of both campuses and we look forward to sharing our plans for future buildings and campus developments in due course.  The next decade or so is likely to be a very exciting time at St Paul’s as we continue to grow and mature into one of Australia’s leading regional independent schools.

Cameron Herbert
Principal