In this issue

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

We are heading into the last half of Term 3 and life in the Junior School continues to be busy and productive with special events and activities along with classroom learning experiences.  Our students, staff and families continue to demonstrate resilience and flexibility with playground, facility and timetable changes for which we are very appreciative.

Book Week
What an exciting Book Week we have enjoyed!  There have been activities, celebrations and of course, the much anticipated annual Book Character Parade.  Students and staff were in fine form this year with some very clever and entertaining book characters on parade. Each year since 1945 the CBCA has brought children and books together across Australia through CBCA Book Week. During this time schools and public libraries spend one glorious week celebrating books and Australian children’s authors and illustrators. Classroom teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians create colourful displays, develop activities, run competitions and tell stories relating to a theme to highlight the importance of reading.  Many thanks to our librarian Jannet Taylor for her organisation of this special week and to our students, families and teachers for their participation and enthusiasm.
Futures Building Construction starting soon!
There was much excitement when fencing was erected around the site for the new Futures Building and we were informed that construction would begin earlier than expected.  Our little people have been most interested in the activity and were able to glimpse some trucks and machinery which was on campus and drilling holes. There is no doubt that the new build will come with some logistical challenges and we will work towards reducing the impact of these on the day to day operation of the Junior School. However, it is very exciting to know that the building works will soon be underway and we will have an amazing centre added to our campus facilities. We will provide regular information as construction begins and keep you updated as the building works progress.
Beanie Day
Beanie Day was celebrated on Friday 12 August and we successfully raised $267.65 for the Brain Cancer Centre. Many thanks to our Traralgon Junior School Student Representative Council for organising this event and for everyone who joined in and supported this fundraising event.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent Teacher Interviews were held this week and it was wonderful to see so many parents in attendance, meeting with teachers and discussing student learning progress. We have scheduled formal Parent Teacher Interviews twice per year and these meetings are wonderful opportunities for valuable discussion about learning and personal development, individual student goals and for raising any concerns regarding your child.  Communication between families and schools contributes positively to students’ success. Not surprisingly, research shows that the more parents and teachers share relevant information with each other about a student, the better equipped both will be to help that student achieve academically.

Whilst the Parent Teacher Interviews are an important means of communication, teachers are available throughout the year and families are encouraged to be in touch regularly and to raise any concerns as soon as they arrive and not wait for scheduled interviews.

There are many opportunities throughout the year for communication between home and school and parents are encouraged to take advantage of these:
•  Informal meetings
•  Special events
•  MyStPauls portal
•  Email
•  Phone
•  School student diary
•  Newsletter
•  Assemblies
•  Information Evenings

Performing Arts Concert
Last week our Junior School musicians presented our Performing Arts Concert and it was just delightful! A wide range of musical items showcased the talents and dedication of our students and teachers. Many thanks to Ms Dianne Kuyken for her organisation of the evening and to our music teachers who have worked with students preparing them for the concert.  It was lovely to see parents and family members in the audience enjoying the evening and celebrating the successes of each child.
Science Week
Science Week was hit in every classroom last week! There were experiments galore and much excitement as Friday saw the culmination of science learning throughout the day.  From oobleck, lava lamps, disappearing fingers, musical instruments, black boxes, edible slime and salt crystals to optical illusions, our classrooms became science laboratories as students hypothesised, experimented and drew conclusions.  We are looking forward to a visit from Professor Bunsen on Monday 5 September who will be a special incursion visitor further extending our students’ passion for science.

Vicspell Zone Finals
Congratulations to the following students for their selection to the Vicspell Zone finals last week: All students competed with determination and skill and represented St Paul’s with pride. Arlo Agustin placed second and Nand Patel placed third in the Year 5 category. Aaliyah Philips placed fourth and Lachlan Gallivan placed first in the Year 6 category.  These results are fabulous and we congratulate Lachlan as he advances to the state finals on Monday 5 September.

Screen time for Children
This week’s parent’s guide from ySafe is about screen time for children.

In the digital world, finding the right screen time balance is a major concern for most parents. Here’s what to consider. What’s the risk?

Screen time is a major concern for most parents. Balancing children’s connected lives while avoiding the dreaded tech tantrums that come with device removal can be a minefield. If you’ve ever encountered a similar situation with your own children, you’re certainly not alone! A recent report found that 66% of parents believe parenting is more difficult than it was 20 years ago, with most suggesting technology as the reason.

So how much is too much? The bad news: there is no definitive answer. The good news: there is no definitive answer! However, the one thing most agree on is that not all screen time is created equal. The World Health Organisation’s most recent guidelines state that children aged under two shouldn’t have screen time at all, two to four-year-olds should aim for less than an hour a day, and those aged between five and 17 should only be spending a maximum of two hours per day on their screens. It’s important to note that the report’s recommendations apply to recreational screen time (gaming, watching television, or messaging friends) and don’t account for the screen time requirements for education, such as homework or apps that promote learning.

Accordingly, it’s also useful to consider the passive versus the interactive nature of what our children do online, rather than just counting the minutes or hours. A passive activity is one where information flow is directed one way (towards your child!), whereas an interactive activity is where information is more like a conversation with two or more contributing parties. As is the case with real life activities, children are more likely to learn if their online experiences encourage them to be active, creative participants.

What age is most vulnerable?
Depending on how we quantify the issue, several age groups are vulnerable to different aspects of device use. Research has shown that the majority of parents provide toddlers and preschoolers with unsupervised access to screen time. Children are commonly given their first personal device before they enter secondary/high school; therefore, the difficulty of managing screen time without parental supervision increases. Teenagers display the highest level of screen use, and one of the greatest concerns with this age bracket is the impact of late-night device use on sleep quality.

How does it happen?
Arguably, today’s generation of digital natives receive access to devices earlier and earlier. A study conducted by The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, showed that 50% of toddlers and preschoolers use devices on their own without supervision. In the same study, half of the parents of teenagers and a third of the parents of primary-aged children stated that they did not enforce screen time limits.

While we know that screen time is not unequivocally bad, one thing we can discern is that a lack of screen time limits and healthy boundaries around where and for how long screen time is happening can lead to excessive screen use by children and teenagers. Given that the part of a child’s brain that’s in charge of self-regulating behaviour isn’t fully developed until age 25, unfettered and unsupervised access to devices increases the likelihood of screen time issues and exposure to inappropriate online content.

Click here for further information from  ySafe.

Father’s Day Celebrations
We are very much looking forward to our Father’s ‘Minute to Win It’ Evening on Thursday 1 September. We will be gathering at school with our special Dads and favourite friends from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. There will be lots of Minute to Win It games to play and fun for everyone involved.  At the end of the evening, we will draw the Friends of St Paul’s (FOSP) Father’s Day raffle. Tickets will be on sale before and after school and on the night.

Our annual Father’s Day stall will be held on Friday 2 September which has again been organised by our wonderful FOSP parents. The gifts are delightful and have been carefully selected from local shops in order to support our community and businesses. Many thanks to Sue McGee and the team of merry workers for their fabulous organisation and preparation for our stall.

Before and After School Care
A reminder that Club House Boot Camp is our Before and After School Care provider for ELC and Junior School families. Families are encouraged to visit their website clubhousebootcamp.com.au for further information and to register.

Location:
Traralgon Library Classroom

Operating hours:
Before School Care  6:45 am to 8:45 am
After School Care  3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Car Parking
Thank you to our families who have been utilising the ‘kiss n go’ zone effectively in the mornings and afternoons. Please remember that children are only to exit and enter cars from the ‘kiss n go’ zone and not the middle of the car park road. To ensure all of our little people are safe, families are asked to follow the speed requirements of 10km/h when entering and exiting the car park at all times of the day. There have been complaints and concerns of a few families zooming through the carpark which causes some anxiety and fear.

With the wet weather at the moment the grassed areas and nature strip outside of the school are quite soggy. We have had some cars parking on the grass which have left large muddy potholes. Parents are asked to not park on the grassed areas and to use the marked carpark spaces please.

Family Holiday Notification
We understand that, at times, families decide to take a holiday during term time. If you are planning to do this, then it is imperative that you notify your child’s Classroom Teacher and Head of School in writing prior to leaving. Missing a portion of any term is not ideal, but we can certainly support and help manage this absence if we are notified in advance.

Calendar Dates
The final weeks of Term 3 will be busy, please note the below dates in your calendars.

Tracey King
Head of Traralgon Junior School

WHAT’S ON

AUGUST
29 August  Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod – Choral Competition
30 August  Years 3 and 4 Camp Rumbug Information Session 3:30 pm 
31 August  Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod – Year 5 and Band Competition

SEPTEMBER
1 September  Father’s Evening Minute to Win It
2 September  Father’s Day FOSP Stall
Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod – Year 2 and Strings Competition
5 September  Professor Bunsen Science Incursion
7 to 9 September  Years 3 and 4 Camp Rumbug
12 September  Vicspell State Final
13 September  Arts Showcase Rehearsals
14 September  Arts Evening Showcase 6:00 pm
Latrobe Valley Division Athletics
15 September  AFLX excursion
16 September  Footy Colours Day
End of Term 3, 2:20 pm FINISH

* Please note that all events/excursions are dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.
* TBC – to be confirmed.

DOBSONS TRADING HOURS

Please note that some COVIDSafe procedures may still apply. We thank you for your cooperation.

Order online or click and collect: Please ensure that you only attend the store to collect your items once you have received notification that your order is ready, order here.

CLASS UPDATES

Prep
Last week was Science Week and the Prep students had lots of fun conducting experiments with their Buddies. The theme for this year is glass. Students conducted experiments involving water as a magnifying glass, making spoons bigger, disappearing fingers, broken straws and written names suddenly going backwards!

Ms Cotterrell showed everyone how to make a lava lamp and then Prep students went off with their Buddies to make their own colourful lava lamps.

To finish the session, students had a go at making fireworks in a jar. It was a lot of fun, involving food colouring, oil and water. It was wonderful to see the collaboration between the year levels as students supported each other in trying something new.
In the Prep classrooms we have been reading fairy tales. After reading “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”, Mrs Bear called Mrs Price and asked if anyone could help her with designing and making a very special alarm system to warn the bears if Goldilocks was to visit again.

Students had to draw a plan of their alarm design, label the picture and then make a 3D model.

I am sure we will be able to give Mrs Bear lots of ideas when she calls again!

Year 1
During the first half of the term, Year 1 students have learnt about sound. Their task on Science Day was to design a musical instrument and then create it. The students had lots of everyday materials to build their instruments, including straws, plates, rubber bands, rice, and a range of recycled materials they brought from home.

There were a number of fantastic creations, which the students were excited to test and share. This week they have been presenting them to the class and focusing on describing the processes and materials they used.

Year 2
There has been a lot of excitement around our information reports and, of course, Book Week!

The Year 2 students are busily preparing their first formal piece of writing to be on display at the Year 2 Expo. This will be held in a fortnight in the Year 1/2 building. To accompany our reports, the Year 2 students will innovate a flying machine and show this at the expo. We have learned about forces and experimented with push, pull and gravity through experiments. This has been a lot of fun, especially after Science Week. We made oobleck with the Year 6 students, as well as biodegradable plastic and read invisible messages!
Next week, the Year 2 students will continue to practise reciting poetry for the Art Showcase and make preparations for the expo.

Year 3
Year 3 Science Day was a blast! We had an action-packed day of exciting experiments lined up for the students.

Our first experiment of the day was floating pictures. Who knew that using a simple whiteboard marker, plate and a dash of water could make a picture dance?

The students then hypothesised what would happen to an M&M and skittle when placed in a saucer of water. Would the colours come off? Would they dissolve? Would the chocolate melt? We found out that after a little while, the “M’s” and “S’s” on the lollies eventually came off and rose to float on the top of the water.
We learnt through our “Black Box” experiment that black absorbs heat. We left a cardboard box lined with newspaper (insulation) and black paper and a black tube filled with water inside, out in the sun for the morning session to see what would happen to the temperature of the water. We hypothesised that some water might evaporate and that the temperature would increase. We found that the temperature of the water increased from 18⁰C to 24⁰C. We then discussed why this happened.

We followed this experiment by making our own salt crystals by using heat (hot water) to dissolve salt in water and creating a highly concentrated salt water solution. A fun-filled day was had by all!

Year 4
In Year 4 students had a wonderful time with their Prep Buddies for Science Day. The students showed great leadership skills by helping their Buddies organise materials and conduct experiments. With the theme for this year being ‘glass’ we made lava lamps, fireworks in a jar and investigated optical illusions using water.
As part of Mathematics, we are investigating equivalent fractions and continuing with strengthening recall of multiplication facts. Students have begun the designing phase in the development of their innovation in science lessons. We are making glow in the dark bins, super scrubbers and even exhaust fans for kitty litter!

Year 5
Science Day was a highlight last week. We enjoyed making edible slime. As it was made in small groups, it was interesting to see the difference between the texture and consistency of the slime each time it was made. Just like real scientists, we found that the slightest change in variables can affect the outcome of experiments.
We have been aiming to use more adventurous vocabulary in our writing as we are nearly finished drafting our stories for the writing challenge. Over the past few weeks, we have learnt many new words, looking at their meaning, suffixes, prefixes and parts of speech. We have also been working hard on using dialogue correctly to enhance our writing.

Year 6
It is difficult to say who has had more fun in the Year 6 classroom lately, the students or the teachers! When students were not preparing their stories for the Writing Challenge or enjoying a visit from some very beautiful lambs, they have been busily collecting and graphing data in Maths. Students were also involved in some very entertaining science experiments in order to discuss variables and fair testing in investigations.
This coincided beautifully with National Science Week which culminated last week with the Year 6 students demonstrating their fantastic leadership skills. Older students guided their Year 2 Buddies in experiments such as making oobleck, bio-degradable plastic and creating invisible ink with lemon juice. After a quick recess break, the Year 6 students launched into creating and erupting their own volcanoes and creating Tsunamis in a jar! The smiles and the laughter said it all!

NETBALL VICTORIA SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP

On Thursday 11 August, fifteen Years 4, 5 and 6 girls travelled to Newborough to take on schools from all over Gippsland in the Netball Victoria Country Championships. Split into two teams, our girls played against teams from Leongatha Primary School (girls and boys), Mirboo North Primary School (girls and boys), St Ita’s Primary School Drouin and Moe South Street Primary School.
Our Girls Gold team started off the day with a very close-fought draw against St Ita’s Red narrowly missing out on victory when St Ita’s scored a goal with seconds remaining. The Gold team continued to improve and gel together as a team throughout the day finishing in sixth place overall. Our Girls Navy team lost three close matches by three goals or fewer before registering their first of two wins for the day, the Navy girls also improved their teamwork and game sense as the day went on and finished fifth overall in the girls competition. The final round of the day saw both of our sides take on each other in a contest that was closer than the score indicated. Both teams played with great sportsmanship and spirit with Navy team defeating Gold nine goals to zero.

Well done to the girls on their effort, respectful conduct and behaviour on the day.

Mr Billy Rilen
Sport and PE Teacher

HUNDRED DAYS OF PREP IN THE LIBRARY

Recently the Preps celebrated 100 Days of School and marked the occasion by dressing up as 100-year-olds.
Library teacher Rachel Betts joined in on the fun interrupting her knitting to read to the OLD Preps.

Jannet Taylor
Head of Libraries

Click the poster for ticket sales.

From the Head of Traralgon Secondary School,
Mrs Leonie Clark

‘I’ll be there for you…’

Friendship Morning Year 7 2023
Our newest community members recently joined us for a morning of fun and friendship at our Traralgon Secondary School for the Year 7 2023 Friendship Morning. The sun was sparkling as over sixty Year 6 students signed in, collected a name badge and had their photo snapped with our welcoming and super friendly Year 10 Peer Support Leaders.

Nervous parents and guardians slowly walked away as their children made the first step towards commencing the transition to Secondary School at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School.

Once the official introductions were complete and the cohort had an opportunity to meet some key people including Mr Herbert, myself, Mr McGrath and Mr Treble, the students were sorted into different groupings by Mr Treble and our Peer Support Leaders. Laughter erupted and certainly broke the nervous tension as our very brave Peer Support Leaders demonstrated some of the hilarious warm-up activities to the Year 6 students.

The glorious morning provided the perfect backdrop to a wide range of games and learning activities with staff, as students cycled through different sessions. The morning was broken up with a delicious morning tea and time to ask a plethora of questions about Year 7 in 2023.

Our Peer Support Leaders were magnificent as role models demonstrating to the Year 6 students our school values and how to wear their uniforms correctly. They also made sure that the Year 6 students knew that it is okay to relax and to be yourself at St Paul’s.

We were very impressed with the new cohort of students and can’t wait to see all of them again for their Year 7 Orientation Program at the end of the year.

Adolescent Friendships and Healthy Relationships
Friendships are ‘everything’ to adolescents because they allow a school to be a safe, supportive and connected place to be each day. Occasionally, there are some bumpy patches, and those friendships may not be quite as healthy as we as adults might hope and prefer. We certainly do not expect all of our students to be friends, but we do expect our students to be friendly, kind, compassionate and respectful. When speaking with students about friendships, we remind them that friendships are fragile, that friendships must be nurtured and that those friendships can only be strengthened with trust and respect. Helping children to understand when it might be helpful to work through difficulties and to always communicate with care and kindness is key to ensuring they have a good support ‘crew’ throughout their years of schooling.

“Positive relationships. Including your child in family discussions is a good way for them to understand how people can get along with others and work together. A child’s family is their first training ground for relationships, and usually one of the strongest influences.” (ReachOut.com)At school we encourage students to choose a moment when they are not rushed or distracted to talk things through.  We advise them to conduct the conversations in person rather than on a device and/or in a heightened emotional state. Giving children strategies and words to own their feelings and explain their concerns in an open and honest conversation are lifelong skills that will assist them well into adulthood. Building positive relationships and friendships in adolescence is in everyone’s best interests.

We certainly love that at St Paul’s our students make lifelong connections and we know that our transitioning Year 7 students will quickly understand the importance of our school values and appreciate the opportunities to develop wonderful lifelong friendships and networks at St Paul’s.

Monash Scholars
We are very pleased to announce that Ananya Philips, Kaja Tierney and India Van Berkel have been offered and accepted a place in the Monash Scholars Class of 2022 to 2024.

The Monash Scholars program provides selected high-achieving students from Years 10 to 12 with an exclusive opportunity to engage with Monash University. Year 10 students were required to apply for this honour with Monash University.

Monash Scholars commit around 20 hours a year to the program.  This mostly involves attending on-campus events after school hours and during the holidays. In addition, Scholars who successfully gain a place at Monash University after completing Year 12 will continue to receive benefits including leadership and ambassador opportunities.

We congratulate our successful 2022 students and wish them well as they take this next exciting step towards claiming their academic future.

School TV Feature Article ‘Sextortion’
This week we sent communication to all of our Secondary School families to draw attention to the rise in incidents in relation to Sextortian in the Gippsland region. I encourage our parents and guardians to take the time to read the article on School TV and also to refer to the advice from ySafe with regard to the setting of parental controls on devices. There is no doubt that the cyber world is and can be a very worrying place for children, but with prudent mitigation and careful supervision, students can and do learn to safely navigate new technologies and apps with respect and care.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us should you need any assistance in navigating online concerns with your child. Our Heads of Year are ready to support you and your child through any complications that may arise for your family.

Leonie Clark
Head of Traralgon Secondary School

WHAT’S ON

AUGUST
26 August  CBCA Book Week Fundraiser
31 August Parent Student Teacher Interviews Evening 2, online via Zoom, 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm

SEPTEMBER
1 September SEISA Spring Carnival
5 September  Years 7 and 8 Professor Bunsen Visit, 1:30 pm to 2:40 pm
DAV Debating Playoff Final (C-Grade ONLY), Traralgon Secondary School Room 2, 3:10 pm to 7:00 pm
5 to 9 September  Year 9 City Experience Camp

* Please note that all events/excursions are dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.
* TBC – to be confirmed.

DOBSONS TRADING HOURS

Please note that some COVIDSafe procedures may still apply. We thank you for your cooperation.

Order online or click and collect: Please ensure that you only attend the store to collect your items once you have received notification that your order is ready, order here.

DOES MY CHILD HAVE MATHS HOMEWORK?

“Does my child have maths homework” is a question that many parents ask. The answer is YES, always. Working through maths homework should be a nightly routine for most students. The amount and type of maths homework will vary depending on the year level and time of term; however, students are strongly encouraged to establish a regular routine of completing maths homework each evening. There is a strong positive correlation between students who do well in VCE mathematics with students who regularly revise their mathematics classwork.

Mathsonline Weekly Revision Tasks
All Years 7 to 10 students should complete their Mathsonline Weekly Revision Task for homework each week, with the task only taking approximately 15 minutes to complete. We do like to see our students achieve an 80 per cent score for each of these tasks. However, we understand that some students may need to repeat the task and seek assistance from their teacher when the task score is below 80 per cent.

Mathsonline Lessons
Additionally, to the Mathsonline Weekly Revision Task, teachers will often set specific tasks/lessons related to a topic, unit or concept. Each task has a tutorial video that explains the mathematical concept(s) and questions that each student can complete to test their understanding.

Progress Quiz and Chapter Review: Year 7 to Year 10A Cambridge
Each chapter of the Cambridge textbooks has a Progress Quiz and Chapter Review where students can answer questions relating to the unit. Students can utilise these sections for test revision and homework.

Extension Homework
We love it when our students challenge themselves in mathematics. Each teacher has many different ways to help our students go. Students (and perhaps some parents) who are keen for some extra challenge and fun with mathematics, then we encourage you to look at any of the enrichment, modelling, investigation and problems and challenges sections from any Year 7 to 10A Cambridge textbooks.

Reviewing Past Tests and SACs
All students can learn from going through their past tests and SACs, even if a student received 100 per cent. It also provides great revision for Semester 1 or end of year exams. Students can ask their teacher for worked solutions. Students can also add their past tests and SACs to exam notes.

MATHS SUPPORT SESSIONS

Maths support sessions are offered every Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime. Traralgon Secondary also offer afterschool homework club on Thursdays from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

Students may use these sessions 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.

These sessions are additional to those already provided by teachers from the Maths Faculty, which occur regularly at nominated lunchtimes.

Happy Learning

From The Maths Faculty

VICTORIAN SCHOOLS MOUNTAIN BIKE SERIES 3

St Paul’s has a number of students competing in the Alpinestars Schools Mountain Bike Series – Victoria. The series is a great way for students to get involved in racing their mountain bike for their school in a fun and supportive environment.

The 2022 Victorian Schools MTB Series 3 event was held at the Haunted Hills Bike Park on Sunday 21 August. Over 250 students competed across a range of distances in either a novice or racing category.

Congratulations to all St Paul’s students who competed.

The team is looking forward to the next event on Sunday 11 September at the Yoy Yangs.

Melissa Hoskings
Head of Sport, Warragul

Team Timor Movie Night

On 29  July, Team Timor ran a movie night for senior students to attend, here they had some yummy party food and drinks before watching Disney’s Aladdin. Throughout the movie an ice-cream bar with toppings and hot popcorn was provided. Students had a lot of fun and asked that we do this again later in the year.
From this night, a total of $450 was raised. A big thank you to all who attended and helped us to raise this money. Keep an eye out for upcoming Team Timor Events.

Sophia Hastie
Team Timor Captain

Click the poster for ticket sales.

Click the poster for ticket sales.

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

As we move past the halfway point of Term 3, it continues to be a busy time at the Warragul Junior School with State Winter Round Robin, Tournament of Minds, ICAS Competitions, Public Speaking Competition, Year 6 Science incursion with Professor Bunsen, Hoop Time tryouts, along with our regular classroom learning and activities.

Winter Round Robin Football
Our Football team competed at state level last Wednesday in St Helena. We came up against some very tough opposition, however, the team never gave up and tried their best throughout the day. Their teamwork and positive attitudes have been fantastic throughout the Winter Round Robin competitions and to make it through to state is a wonderful achievement. My thanks to Mr Boraston and Miss Waites for attending on the day and to the many families who made the journey to support the team.

Junior School Heads visit St Paul’s
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of hosting the IPSHA (Independent Primary School Heads of Australia) Term 3 Victorian Branch meeting. Forty Heads of Junior School from around Victoria attended to enjoy some professional learning and collegiate time together. It was a fantastic opportunity for St Paul’s to host this regional meeting with many of the delegates enjoying a meal together on the Thursday evening and staying overnight locally.  It was also a lovely opportunity to showcase our wonderful Junior School with many of the ‘city’ Heads admiring our spacious grounds!

Tournament of Minds
Congratulations to our Tournament of Minds STEM team (from Year 6: Emily P-T, Eve S, Annabella D, Edi C; and Year 4: Jimmy J-B and Luke B) who competed last Saturday at Federation University, Churchill. Many weeks of preparation paid off with the team winning their division and moving through to the Victorian State Final on Sunday 11 September at Latrobe University, Bundoora.  They have been busy this week preparing for their upcoming 3-hour state challenge. Thanks to Mr Barkla, Mrs Smethurst, Mr Rock and Ms Calafiore for supporting our team.

Semester 2 Parent/Teacher Interviews
Information regarding our Warragul Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews was emailed to families last week. A reminder that these will be held on Wednesday 31 August (3:30 pm to  6:00 pm) or Thursday 1 September (3:30 pm to  5:45 pm and 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm). At this stage, all interviews will be conducted face-to-face. If you need to have your interview conducted online via Zoom, I ask that you book a time as normal and email staff directly to let them know so they can forward a Zoom link to you.

These interviews provide a means of valuable communication between school and home and also provide an opportunity to discuss any pertinent matters arising at this stage of the year.  Should you be unable to attend during these times, I ask that you arrange a mutually agreeable time with your child’s class teacher. We have an online booking system for PTIs. To access the booking system please click the link: https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au You will be directed to a School Interviews site which will ask you to enter a School Code, which is: mp327. Once you have made your bookings, please print out the ‘Interview Timetable’ generated by the system.

Father’s Day Stall
It is wonderful to be able to run our Father’s Day Stall this year. This will be held next Friday 2 September from 9:00 am to 11:00 am in the foyer of Years 3 to 5 building. Classes will be called up individually to go shopping at the stall and purchase a gift.  Students will be able to spend up to $10.00 with gifts ranging from $1.00 to $10.00.  Please send your child/ren along with a named bag.  Please let the office know if you are able to assist at the stall.

Father’s Day Activities in our Early Learning Centre
Next week we will be inviting our ELC Dads/Special Guests to join our ELC children and staff at the ELC to enjoy some activities together as we celebrate Father’s Day. Our Pre-Kinder groups will enjoy some time in the ELC rooms while our Pre-Preps will spend their time in the Junior School gym. We do hope that many of our dads are able to join us for this special occasion. Full details have been sent to families.

Gippsland’s Biggest PJ Day
Our SRC has decided to support Gippsland’s Biggest PJ Day on Friday 9 September to raise awareness and funds for the local charity ‘A Better life for Foster Kids’. All students are encouraged to come to school and spend the day in their PJs and bring along a gold coin donation in support of A Better Life for Foster Kids. We will still hold our annual Footy Colours Day on the final day of Term 3, however, students will not be required to bring a gold coin donation on this occasion.

Rowan van Raay
Head of Warragul Junior School

WHAT’S ON

AUGUST
26 August  Year 7 2023 Friendship Morning
29 August  Year 6 Excursion, Immigration Museum
30 August  Years 5 to 6 Hoop Time
31 August  Parent Teacher Interviews, 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm

SEPTEMBER
1 September  Parent Teacher Interviews, 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm
2 September  Father’s Day Stall
9 September  Gippsland’s Biggest PJ Day (gold coin donation)
16 September  Last Day Term 3, Footy Colours Day, 2:20 pm FINISH

Please note the change of date for the Warragul Junior School Musical is from 14 September to 20 October.

OCTOBER
3 October  Start of Term 4
12 October  Prep 2023 Information Evening
14 October  Year 2 Sleepover
20 October  Warragul Junior School Musical, 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm
25 October  Art Show Opening   7:00 pm
26 October  Years 3 and 4 Hoop Time

* Please note that all events/excursions are dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.
* TBC – to be confirmed.

DOBSONS TRADING HOURS

Please note that some COVIDSafe procedures may still apply. We thank you for your cooperation.

Order online or click and collect: Please ensure that you only attend the store to collect your items once you have received notification that your order is ready, order here.

ST PAUL’S PARENT PRAYER GROUP

“Where two or three people gather in my name, I am there with them.” Matthew 18:20

The St Paul’s parent prayer group meets on the first Monday of each month during school terms. We try to keep the meeting brief (we are usually done by 9:45 am) and casual (younger children are most welcome). The group encompasses people both very comfortable with praying, as well as those newer to praying with others. Feel free to get in touch with any questions beforehand or just attend when you are able during the year.

Our next gathering is Monday 5 September, 9:00 am in the Prideaux Centre, Warragul Junior School
Contact:  Sheryn Cutler 0417 158 937 or sheryn.cutler@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATE: THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE JR. TO SET SAIL IN SEPTEMBER AT ST PAUL’S!

The Pirates of Penzance JR. is a family-friendly classic comedy that boasts one of the most famous patter songs in musical theatre history. The wit and whimsy of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic score are suffused with a modern sensibility and a dash of the melodramatic in this re-imagined version for young people. Our students have been hard at work singing, dancing and acting their way through rehearsals and working hard to prepare for this year’s St Paul’s School Production. The ravages of COVID-19 have prevented us from presenting musicals for a while, so this one is a highly anticipated return to the joys of musical theatre.

Set on the rocky coast of Cornwall, England, The Pirates of Penzance JR. begins with a group of pirates who are celebrating the birthday of one of their own, Frederic, who has reached his 21st year. Finally having served the full length of his required time with the pirates, he decides to strike off on his own and become an upstanding citizen – which may even mean bringing the pirates to justice. This turns out to be a tricky prospect indeed, especially when Frederic’s freedom is called into question!
Come and join in the fun and silliness of this swashbuckling tale as the enthusiastic cast of students weave their way through the operetta that launched modern musical theatre as we know it today! The Pirates of Penzance JR. will be performed at the West Gippsland Arts Centre on Thursday 8 September and Friday 9 September at 7:00 pm, and Saturday 10 September at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

Tickets are now for sale on the West Gippsland Arts Centre’s online booking site.

Kylie Sinclair
Production Coordinator

MILK CARTONS, BRUISES AND THE ART OF RAISING CHILDREN

We have a very strange looking vegetable garden outside our house at the moment. Garden stakes sparkle with shiny silver blooms and rows of white plastic emerge from the ground like some futuristic crop in a post-apocalyptic world. The silver blooms are of course a collection of old CDs strung up to scare away birds and the rows of white plastic are simply cut-up milk cartons protecting newly planted seedlings. All very logical but it does look rather funny. Thankfully they won’t be needed for long. Young seedlings need protection from the cold and frost but once they are established the protective cartons become constrictive and need to be removed. I remember once planting a shrub in our back garden and then forgetting to remove the wire mesh that protected the young plant from our dog’s excavation projects. By the time I realised my error the plant had grown in and around the wire to such an extent that I caused more damage by removing the wire.

I was thinking about our veggie garden as I stood on crossing duty the other morning watching students arrive for school. I was struck by the assortment of bruised knees, bandaged limbs, splints, casts and crutches, usually accompanied by cheerful smiling faces. Rather than being concerned about this parade of wounded I was encouraged, because most of these injuries were evidence of life returning to a level of normality for kids. Most of the injuries had been acquired while playing football, or basketball, or bike riding, or simply clowning around with friends. All wonderfully healthy activities that have been restricted for a long time. For most parents, the return of these activities has been something to celebrate (even with the extra parent-taxi duties) and the injuries are just part of the package.

There are some parts of our children’s lives that have not necessarily bounced back so readily, post-pandemic. For some, the challenges of social interaction have been overwhelming. For others, the demands of study and the dynamics of a classroom have been painful to navigate after so much time spent learning from home. In some ways, the task of the parent is simpler. If the child is sick, they stay at home. No more parent guilt as you send your child to school with a snotty nose, telling them to tough it out. That is not really an option anymore. But what about the child whose struggles are less visible, less physical, and more rooted in emotional pain? How do we know when to push them and when to go gently? When do we remove the parental milk cartons and let them face the elements on their own? To parent children through this time requires us to be, in the words of Jesus, “as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

So, for those of you with children sporting the cuts and bruises of physical adventures, rejoice in the return to freedom these represent. And for those of you with children who are wrestling with less tangible scrapes and bruises – the anxiety, the lack of motivation, the social challenges and the desire to disengage – take heart. With the right nurture and encouragement, even the frailest of seedlings can flourish. The challenge is figuring out when to remove the milk cartons. And for those of you who are terrified to remove those protective parental milk cartons, be reassured that your child is part of a nurturing school community and is surrounded by people who want the best for them. And for all of us there is the promise of a God who cares for even the most broken of us. In the words of Isaiah, “He will not break even a crushed reed. He will not put out even the weakest flame.” (Isaiah 42:3)

As Spring approaches, may we all rejoice in the blossoming of our children as they find their way towards adulthood and bring new life and hope to the world they are inheriting.

Reverend Daniel Lowe
Senior Chaplain

A Climate Prayer
Creator God, giver of life
You sustain the earth and direct the nations
In this time of climate crisis Grant us clarity to hear the groaning of creation and the cries of the poor
Challenge us to change our lifestyles
Guide our leaders to take courageous action
Enable your church to be a beacon of hope
Foster within us a renewed vision of your purposes for your world through Jesus Christ our Lord
By and for whom all things were made.
Amen
Offered by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, as a prayer for the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference and to mark the fifth anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement.

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

Culture and Performance on Show
Last week turned out to be a very entertaining one for our student body as we enjoyed the return of both House Cultural Day and the annual, much anticipated, Prefect Assembly.

House Cultural Day on Tuesday started with a stellar performance by the head of each house who introduced the theme for the day dressed appropriately in their Disney character and explained how the day would run. Students and house staff hurriedly moved to their house areas after that to plan a performance. A script was written, costumes and props were fashioned, dances were choreographed, and voices were tuned as students rehearsed and created their performance. After lunch we all assembled in the gym to watch each house perform. What a delight!

Judged professionally by Mr Sim, Mrs Mason, Ms Sinclair, Mr Byrne and yours truly, it was Gilmore House who were our eventual winners and we congratulate them for their teamwork and creativity and we congratulate all of the staff and students involved in such a fantastic day.

Two days later we all assembled, once again, in the gym as the Prefects took over assembly for the annual Prefect Assembly. It began with Mr Herbert approaching the lectern and declaring that the assembly was cancelled due to the lack of planning by the Prefects. He apologised to students and staff for the disappointment and convinced many with his fake tears and serious tone. Minutes later the Prefects took over with an alternative processional and entertained the whole school with their funny antics and clever spoofs. It was certainly an entertaining and fun week.

Year 12 Key Events and Dates
Our Year 12 cohort is fast approaching their final weeks of secondary education. It is certainly a time full of mixed emotions as they grapple with the pressure of final assessments, study for upcoming exams, the excitement of finishing school and the sadness of leaving it all behind. We remind parents and guardians that there are several avenues of support available to students and we encourage them to take advantage. Students are welcome to study in the Year 12 Common Room or the Library, both of which are open until 4:45 pm each afternoon.

We also ask that you put the following dates and events in your diary which are pertinent to these final weeks:

The General Achievement Test (GAT)
Wednesday 7 September 2022
For the first time the GAT will be completed in two sections as outlined in the table below:

VCAA have provided an information sheet to assist parents to understand the changes and explain the new arrangements. CLICK HERE to access it.

Practice English Exam
On Thursday 15 September all students will sit an English Practice Exam from noon. English, Literature and English Language will be examined as part of our preparation for the end of year examinations. These are compulsory and students must be dressed in full winter uniform and strictly adhere to all VCAA examination requirements.

Holiday Practice Exams
Compulsory practice examinations are also held in the September holidays on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 September. Students must also attend these examinations in full school summer uniform and are NOT permitted to wear sport or PE uniform to these examinations. These practice examinations are a very important rehearsal prior to the actual examinations and students need to treat them as such.

Year 12 Final Assembly
The Year 12 Final Assembly is scheduled for noon on Wednesday 19 October. This formal Assembly is an important part of the Year 12 Celebration Day and an important date for the diary of Year 12 parents. A letter will be sent to families closer to the date.

Valedictory Dinner
We are thrilled to return to Lardner Park for the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner. This formal event will take place on Thursday 17 November and further information will be provided in the coming weeks.

MyStPauls Guide
MyStPauls is an integral part of life at St Paul’s for our students, staff and families. Our eLearning Coordinator, Mr Thomas Hardy, has recently updated the MyStPauls Parent Guide. For those parents and guardians who would like further assistance using MyStPauls please CLICK HERE to access the guide. If you need further assistance please do not hesitate to contact our IT Department on 5623 5833.

The Perfectionism Predicament – A headspace Group Chat Topic
Many parents, guardians and students may not be aware that headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, offers regular short “Group Chat” sessions that cover a variety of topics. Aimed at young people aged between 12 to 25 and the adults supporting those young people, these sessions offer a free, anonymous, safe and supportive way to regularly connect with others to share tips and experiences. On Sunday 4 September they will be conducting the session below which may be of interest to families or students. Please CLICK HERE and you will be directed to the headspace website for further information and instructions on how you can access these Group Chat sessions.

headspace | Group Chat – the Perfectionism Predicament
Date: Sunday 4 September, 7:00 pm
Where: Online

Perfectionism can seem like a positive trait, as we often think it means doing well, and striving to do our best. However, for those living with the drive for perfection, it poses many challenges. It can impact our relationships with others and our mental health, and ironically, often result in us not doing as well as we could have.

Join the online eheadspace clinicians and the headspace youth National Reference Group to learn more about what perfectionism might look like, its links to mental ill-health, and ideas about what to do if you think you might be experiencing perfectionism.

Find out more: https://headspace.org.au/online-and-phone-support/join-the-community/chats-by-professionals/the-perfectionism-predicament/

Laura Butterworth
Head of Warragul Secondary School

WHAT’S ON

AUGUST
26 August  Team Timor Social Night Friday, Warragul Secondary School Library, 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
28 August  The Pirates of Penzance JR. Rehearsal, DT Parker Centre and Dance Studio, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
29 to 31 August  Year 12 VET Sport and Recreation Camp
30 August  Parent Student Teacher Interviews (PSTIs) Evening 2, online via Zoom, 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm

SEPTEMBER
1 September  SEISA Spring Carnival
2 September  Year 9 City Experience: Group 2, Day 3, Melbourne CBD, 7:43 am to 4:03 pm
5 September  Musical – Technical Rehearsal, West Gippsland Arts Centre, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
6 September  Musical – Dress Rehearsal 1, West Gippsland Arts Centre, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Ellinbank Research SmartFarm, Year 11 Environmental Science students, 11:30 am to 3:15 pm
7 September  Musical – Dress Rehearsal 2, West Gippsland Arts Centre, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
General Achievement Test (GAT), Unit 3 and Unit 4 students, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
8 September  Year 9 Swim Assessment, Warragul Leisure Centre (selected students only), 1:45 pm to 2:45 pm
Musical – Performance 1, West Gippsland Arts Centre, 7:00 pm
9 September  Victorian Netball Championships – Finals (Senior Boys Netball Team), Melbourne Sports Centres, Parkville
Musical – Performance 2, West Gippsland Arts Centre, 7:00 pm
10 September  Musical – Performance 3, West Gippsland Arts Centre, 2:00 pm
Musical – Performance 4, West Gippsland Arts Centre, 7:00 pm
11 September  AusCycling Schools Mountain Bike Series – Round 4, You Yangs, Little River
12 September  Year 9 Eye in the Sky – Emerging Technologies Excursion, RMIT Melbourne CBD, 8:18 am to 4:00 pm
13 September  SEISA Dance and Theatre Sports, Beaconhills College – Pakenham Campus, 10:00 am to 5:15 pm
14 September  ESP and ADP Seminar, Warragul Secondary School Science Centre Lecture Theatre, 10:00 am to 2:45 pm
15 September  SEISA Cross Country Carnival
16 September  End of Term 3, 2:30 pm finish

* Please note that all events/excursions are dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.
* TBC – to be confirmed.

DOBSONS TRADING HOURS

Please note that some COVIDSafe procedures may still apply. We thank you for your cooperation.

Order online or click and collect: Please ensure that you only attend the store to collect your items once you have received notification that your order is ready, order here.

ST PAUL’S PARENT PRAYER GROUP

“Where two or three people gather in my name, I am there with them.” Matthew 18:20

The St Paul’s parent prayer group meets on the first Monday of each month during school terms. We try to keep the meeting brief (we are usually done by 9:45 am) and casual (younger children are most welcome). The group encompasses people both very comfortable with praying, as well as those newer to praying with others. Feel free to get in touch with any questions beforehand or just attend when you are able during the year.

Our next gathering is Monday 5 September, 9:00 am in the Prideaux Centre, Warragul Junior School
Contact:  Sheryn Cutler 0417 158 937 or sheryn.cutler@gmail.com

PARENT STUDENT TEACHER INTERVIEW (PSTI) EVENINGS

We warmly invite both students and parents to attend our final Years 7 to 12 Parent Student Teacher Interview evening for the year. Details are as follows:

Session: Tuesday 30 August, 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm, online via Zoom only

Bookings for both sessions were opened on Thursday 11 August and you should have received a recent email that outlines the booking process. We look forward to seeing you on the evening and if you have any difficulties, please contact Robyn Begelhole at the School.

Attending PSTIs is an invaluable way to discuss and monitor your child’s academic and pastoral progress. As a school we report formatively and continuously. This means that you do not receive a traditional end of semester report which summarises your child’s learning. Instead, we report after each assessment task and you are able to access the feedback in real-time via MyStPauls. This allows you and your child to understand what needs to be done in order to improve. You do need to be actively using MyStPauls to ensure you are making the most of this reporting format. Prior to attending the PSTIs, in person or online via Zoom, it is suggested that you have reviewed your child’s progress and that you come prepared with questions for the individual teachers. The following questions can be asked to teachers to assist you to understand the learning needs of your child.

1. What’s my child had success with so far in your subject?
2. If my child could do one thing to make the most improvement in your subject, what would that one thing be?
3. What can I do at home to help my child with this?

Alice Zanella
Director of Middle School Studies

DOES MY CHILD HAVE MATHS HOMEWORK?

“Does my child have maths homework” is a question that many parents ask. The answer is YES, always. Working through maths homework should be a nightly routine for most students. The amount and type of maths homework will vary depending on the year level and time of term; however, students are strongly encouraged to establish a regular routine of completing maths homework each evening. There is a strong positive correlation between students who do well in VCE mathematics with students who regularly revise their mathematics classwork.

Mathsonline Weekly Revision Tasks
All Years 7 to 10 students should complete their Mathsonline Weekly Revision Task for homework each week, with the task only taking approximately 15 to 25 minutes to complete. We do like to see our students achieve an 80 per cent score for each of these tasks. However, we understand that some students may need to repeat the task and seek assistance from their teacher when the task score is below 80 per cent.

Mathsonline Lessons
Additionally, to the Mathsonline Weekly Revision Task, teachers will often set specific tasks/lessons related to a topic, unit, or concept. Each task has a tutorial video that explains the mathematical concept(s) and questions that each student can complete to test their understanding.

Progress Quiz and Chapter Review: Year 7 to Year 10A Cambridge
Each chapter of the Cambridge textbooks has a Progress Quiz and Chapter Review where students can answer questions relating to the unit. Students can utilise these sections for test revision and homework.

Chapter Review
The Chapter Reviews in Cambridge textbooks for Years 11 and 12 contain a good mix of questions that helps to deepen our students’ understanding. These questions range from technology-free questions to multiple-choice and extended-response questions, all of which are great for homework and revision.

Cambridge VCE Checkpoints
For our Year 12 students, the Cambridge VCE Checkpoints are an excellent resource to use for homework. The checkpoints incorporate recent official exam questions relating to the VCE study design, providing students with the most up-to-date exam and SAC preparation questions. All our Year 12 students are strongly encouraged to work through these, multiple times throughout the year.

Extension Homework
We love it when our students challenge themselves in mathematics. Each teacher has many different ways to help our students go. Students (and perhaps some parents) who are keen for some extra challenge and fun with mathematics, then we encourage you to look at any of the enrichment, modelling, investigation and problems and challenges sections from any Year 7 to 10A Cambridge textbooks.

Reviewing Past Tests and SACs
All students can learn from going through their past tests and SACs, even if a student received 100 per cent. It also provides great revision for Semester 1 or end of year exams. Students can ask their teacher for worked solutions. Students can also add their past tests and SACs to exam notes.

MATHS SUPPORT SESSIONS
Maths support sessions are offered in RM3 of the Year 9 Centre each Thursday at the end of the school day from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm for Years 10 to 12 students. Students can attend for all or part of each session as required. For our Years 7 to 9 students, we offer Lunchtime Support Sessions every Wednesday at lunchtime in RM6.

Students may use these sessions 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.

These sessions are additional to those already provided by teachers from the Maths Faculty, which occur regularly at nominated lunchtimes.

Happy Learning

From The Maths Faculty

VICTORIAN SCHOOLS MOUNTAIN BIKE SERIES 3

St Paul’s has a number of students competing in the Alpinestars Schools Mountain Bike Series – Victoria. The series is a great way for students to get involved in racing their mountain bike for their school in a fun and supportive environment.

The 2022 Victorian Schools MTB Series 3 event was held at the Haunted Hills Bike Park on Sunday 21 August. Over 250 students competed across a range of distances in either a novice or racing category.

Congratulations to all St Paul’s students who competed.

The team is looking forward to the next event on Sunday 11 September at the Yoy Yangs.

Melissa Hoskings
Head of Sport, Warragul

SPORT AEROBICS SUCCESS

On Sunday 15 May, three St Paul’s  Sport Aerobics teams travelled to the 2022 Victorian State Qualifiers at Rowville Performing Arts Centre, to participate in the first Sports Aerobics event for the year. Preparing for the regional competition required many early morning training sessions from the start of February, leading up to the event, with all three teams working extremely hard to learn new routines, gain fitness and improve skills. Both the Saintly Ladies (Open B) and Saintly Angels (Secondary) received 2nd place in their sections at the regional event and the Saintly Dolls (Stage One) placed 4th. Every student displayed determination and perseverance ensuring all three teams successfully made it through to the Victorian State Finals.

On Saturday 17 June, the three teams travelled to the Victorian State Finals held at the Geelong Arena. The Saintly Dolls (Stage One) were unfortunately unsuccessful in qualifying for Nationals but performed extremely well and should be proud of their efforts. The Saintly Angels (Secondary) placed 3rd and the Saintly Ladies (Open B) placed 2nd in the State Finals, resulting in the two teams being invited to compete at a national level.
Five weeks later, the Saintly Ladies and Saintly Angels travelled to the Gold Coast to compete in the Australian Sport Aerobics National Championships. Both teams competed on Sunday 21 August at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. The Saintly Angels (Secondary) performed an outstanding routine and placed 11th in the country in their division. The Saintly Ladies (Open B) also performed an outstanding routine and placed 4th in the country in their division.

Overall, congratulations to all three teams for their incredible dedication and hard work throughout the year. All students should be proud of their improvements in fitness, strength and technique, and the successful results they achieved. A huge thankyou to coaches Eliza-Bel Fraser, Jemma Douglas and Holly Norris for their leadership, care and encouragement while teaching routines. Additionally, a huge thank you to Sports Aerobics manager Joanne Fraser for facilitating the early morning training sessions, planning and organising arrangements for competitions; as well as Head of Sport Ms Melissa Hoskings for her enthusiasm and commitment to the Sport Aerobics teams for 2022. It was an excellent year for everyone involved with many positive gains and friendships made.

Charlotte Fraser
Sport Aerobics Captain

SAVE THE DATE: THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE JR. TO SET SAIL IN SEPTEMBER AT ST PAUL’S!

The Pirates of Penzance JR. is a family-friendly classic comedy that boasts one of the most famous patter songs in musical theatre history. The wit and whimsy of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic score are suffused with a modern sensibility and a dash of the melodramatic in this re-imagined version for young people. Our students have been hard at work singing, dancing and acting their way through rehearsals and working hard to prepare for this year’s St Paul’s School Production. The ravages of COVID-19 have prevented us from presenting musicals for a while, so this one is a highly anticipated return to the joys of musical theatre.

Set on the rocky coast of Cornwall, England, The Pirates of Penzance JR. begins with a group of pirates who are celebrating the birthday of one of their own, Frederic, who has reached his 21st year. Finally having served the full length of his required time with the pirates, he decides to strike off on his own and become an upstanding citizen – which may even mean bringing the pirates to justice. This turns out to be a tricky prospect indeed, especially when Frederic’s freedom is called into question!
Come and join in the fun and silliness of this swashbuckling tale as the enthusiastic cast of students weave their way through the operetta that launched modern musical theatre as we know it today! The Pirates of Penzance JR. will be performed at the West Gippsland Arts Centre on Thursday 8 September and Friday 9 September at 7:00 pm, and Saturday 10 September at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

Tickets are now for sale on the West Gippsland Arts Centre’s online booking site.

Kylie Sinclair
Production Coordinator

A FOND FAREWELL

One of our longstanding Warragul Secondary School Humanities and Christian Studies teachers, Sue Ensor, said farewell to her students and colleagues at the school this week.
Sue has been a central figure in the St Paul’s community since 2014 and is renowned for the passion, warmth and good humour she brings to the classroom. Quick to smile, quick to lend a hand, and always with a ready ear to listen and guide, Sue has made an enormous contribution to the School and will be greatly missed. We wish Sue all the very best as she prepares for her much-anticipated journey home to England and we hope very much that there will be plenty of grand adventures in the new chapter that awaits.

Stephanie Marshall
Head of Commerce and Humanities

Click the poster for ticket sales.