Warragul Secondary School

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

Two Weeks
As we come to the end of Week 8, I am sure we are all relieved that the end of term is in sight.  We were lucky to have the ability to reflect and review after the first round of remote learning and that certainly allowed us to change our practice and improve it for round two.  For this edition of the Grammarian and in the final edition for this term, we have asked each Head of Faculty to give us an insight into what has been happening in their area this term.

Commerce and Humanities – Mr Andrew O’Connor
Commerce and Humanities continues to forge ahead with curriculum reinvigoration at Years 7 and 8, where our Humanities classes have been expanded beyond History and Geography to include ACARA’s Civics and Citizenship and Economics and Business strands.  Students have been putting on their detective hats when exploring the mysteries of ancient civilisations and Medieval Europe.  Students have also taken the theme of ‘liveability’ from their Geography strand into the new realms of governance and economics in modern-day Australia.  They have practised formulating compelling arguments, have worked in teams with set roles and responsibilities, and have presented to peers, continuing to refine the skills they will need in VCE and eventually the workforce.  As staff, we have been really excited to get student feedback on this first year of the new program – and just a little nervous!  These two new courses were developed in 2019 and both teaching teams have worked long hours to puzzle out technologies that will allow students to experience both subjects in full during two blocks of Remote Learning.  Staff and students have coped brilliantly with this change, and so far the two courses have been welcomed by our current Years 7 and 8 students, both in person and online.

English Faculty and Library Collaboration – Ms Natalie Bellis
The Years 8 and 9 English classes have enjoyed some virtual visits from authors in recent weeks.  Mark Smith, author of ‘The Winter Trilogy’ provided our Year 9 students with some useful advice about creating dystopian worlds and interesting, believable characters as they produced their own science fiction narratives.  The quality of the stories produced will certainly give the judging panel of our annual Year 9 Science Fiction Story Awards something to ponder!

Our Year 8 students have been inspired by the experiences and passion of Randa Abdel-Fattah, author of ‘When Michael Met Mina’.  The students had the opportunity to send some thought-provoking questions about the novel and the themes that it explores to Randa for her to respond to.  The experience has most certainly helped to bring the text that they have been responding critically and creatively to in their English classes to life.

LOTE Japanese – Mrs Rebecca Crossley
On Monday 17 and Wednesday 19 August all students had the opportunity to link in with the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and listen via video to a presentation from Keiko Ogura who is a survivor of the atomic bomb blast that was dropped on Hiroshima.  Ogura san was only eight years old and her stories were so inspiring and it was so great to see the students captivated by her story and her quest to promote world peace.  This year was the 75th anniversary of the bombing.

This activity is all linked in with a culture unit that students are studying.  Students have written letters to Ogura san which we will be sending to her in Japan and I am sure that she will enjoy reading the students’ messages.

In conjunction with a unit on travel, and not being able to travel to Japan this year, a virtual reality experience was created for students.  This was met with much excitement!

Library – Mrs Jo Menzies
The Library joined online English classes recently as part of our program of Years 7 and 8 Wider Reading sessions to give students a peek at the sixty new ebook and audiobook titles that have just landed on our ePlatform, with tips on the most effective ways to find what is new.  This platform now has over 2,800 titles to choose from.
Students undertaking the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge are fast approaching the finish line with an incredible 1,100 books read so far.
Oliver Library account skills have really grown during online learning, with students regularly generating book reservation requests to library staff to access via click-and-collect.
Proving incredibly popular has been our bespoke ‘Mystery Pack’ service where students give us a few preferences that we use to create some reading magic in a package.  For students unable to collect we put together digital versions.
Our first ever Student Book Review Team was formed this week. Watch out for reviews on the Library Blog soon.

Science – Mrs Carissa Kelly
Year 7 Science has been full of activities during lockdown.  They have been working on their EPIs (Extended Practical Investigations) during remote learning.  Each student was given four pea seeds to grow and care for at home.  After sprouting they are asked to design their own experiment to investigate an area of plant growth they are interested in and produce a formal scientific report.  This will help to further develop their skills in formal practical report writing.

Riley Alko with his plants.

Zac Mansfield’s plants day 1 and day 5 (after being watered with orange juice).

During Science week, students were given the task of working in NASA teams to design a satellite that would be able to monitor rising sea levels.  The students did a wonderful job!

In our senior classes, Year 12 Biologists participated in two online webinars recently from Agriculture Victoria and Zoos Victoria to further their studies on evolution and the relatedness of species.  Students learnt about how scientists construct phylogenetic trees from Agriculture Victoria and what evidence is used morphologically to link different species together to find a common ancestor from Zoos Victoria.

Carissa Kelly – showing the students some morphological evidence for a common ancestor.

Year 11 Psychologists have been walking around their houses like pirates (with a blindfold over one eye) to demonstrate how both eyes are used in depth perception.  A lot of walking into walls and door frames was reported!

Year 12 Chemists have been treated to their teachers performing experiments for them (sometimes, with some errors for students to try and identify) so that they can practise analysing scientific experimental design in preparation for their exam.
Ms Laura Butterworth
Head of Warragul Secondary School

 

WHAT’S ON

SEPTEMBER
8 September  Online Maths Help, Years 7 to 9, lunchtime, (please register with your Maths teacher beforehand if you are attending so you can be given access)
Online Maths Help, Years 10 to 12, after school, (please register with your Maths teacher beforehand if you are attending so you can be given access)
9 September  Remote ‘Tournament of Minds’ meeting, 3:45 pm to 5:00 pm
10 September  Remote ‘Tournament of Minds’ meeting, 3:45 pm to 5:00 pm
11 September  SRC Meeting, lunchtime
15 September  Online Maths Help, Years 7 to 9, lunchtime, (please register with your Maths teacher beforehand if you are attending so you can be given access)
Online Maths Help, Years 10 to 12, after school, (please register with your Maths teacher beforehand if you are attending so you can be given access)
16 September  Remote ‘Tournament of Minds’ meeting, 3:45 pm to 5:00 pm
17 September  Remote ‘Tournament of Minds’ meeting, 3:45 pm to 5:00 pm
18 September  End of Term 3, 2:30 pm finish

Art Club
Runs throughout the week.  To access the Art Club page, https://my.stpaulsags.vic.edu.au/homepage/10926
•  Students can comment in the social stream to join or email cpowell@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au
•  Archipaul’d Portrait Competition: All Warragul Secondary School students can vote for their favourite to win the People’s Choice award.

Sports Department
Each week the Sports Department runs an ISO Challenge.  This can be accessed on the Sport Page of MyStPauls.

Online Ensemble Rehearsals
The following ensembles are currently running online.  Please check with the ensemble director if you are unsure of the day/time of rehearsals.
•  Flute Ensemble
•  Jazz Improvisation
•  St Paul’s Voices
•  Community Strings
•  Concert Jazz Ensemble

 

IMPORTANT NOTICES FOR PARENTS

Students who may be leaving St Paul’s
As per the Business Notice/Enrolment Agreement, it is a requirement at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School that a term’s notice in advance is given before any student withdraws.  The School remains committed to supporting families who are experiencing changed financial circumstances due to COVID-19 and we encourage you to contact our Finance Officer, Mr Peter Lees, via email at plees@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au to discuss options that may assist your child/ren to continue.  If you are planning to withdraw your child/ren, please confirm your intention in writing to our Principal, Mr Cameron Herbert, prior to the end of Term 3.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our Enrolments Office: Mrs Jen Christensen (Warragul) on 5623 5833 or Ms Rachael Langley (Traralgon) on 5175 0133 or by emailing enrolments@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

Extended Payment Dates
Families have been receiving monthly statements via email to keep them informed of fee balances.  If you have any queries in relation to your annual fee account, please contact Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833.

We are committed to the continuation of your children’s education at St Paul’s.  If you are experiencing financial difficulties due to the impacts of COVID-19, please contact our Finance Officer, Mr Peter Lees, via email at plees@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au who will then contact you for a confidential discussion.

Extended Instalment Payment Date:  Instalment 4 is due 5 October 2020

If you are paying fees by direct debit or have an agreed alternative arrangement in place please disregard the above instalment date.

 

MICHAEL CARR-GREGG WEBINAR INVITATION

On Wednesday 9 September, as part of National eSmart Week, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation is presenting a free webinar for parents and carers by renowned child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, on building family resilience during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Dr Carr-Gregg’s webinar is aptly named “Managing the Coronacoaster – tips for building resilient families in the coronavirus era”.

The first wave of the coronavirus turned our lives upside down and forced us to navigate a new and unwanted reality of remote learning, working from home and financial hardship.  The second wave has elicited even more anxiety, disruption and disappointment in both young people and families.

This webinar seeks to give participants the skills, knowledge and strategies to manage family wellbeing and build resilience.

Webinar details
When:  Wednesday 9 September

Time:  7:00 pm
Duration:  Thirty-minute presentation
Format:  Online via Zoom
Cost:  Free

How to join this LIVE webinar:
Use this link to join this live session from 7:00 pm (using passcode 607251)
* Please note that this event will be delivered live only and will not be recorded. *
About Michael Carr-Gregg
Michael Carr-Gregg is one of Australia’s highest profile adolescent and child psychologists.  He wrote his PhD at the University of NSW on Adolescents with Cancer and named and founded CanTeen more than thirty years ago with a group of young cancer patients.  He has worked as an academic, researcher and political lobbyist.  He is also the author of fourteen books and sits on the Board of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation and the National Centre Against Bullying.  He is the resident parenting expert on Channel 7’s Sunrise, as well as a social commentator on the Morning Show with Neil Mitchell on Radio 3AW.  He is married with two sons and is a special patron of the Hawthorn Football Club.

 

DOBSONS UNIFORM SHOP

Get ready, the Dobsons annual ‘Buy Early & Save‘ sale is about to begin!  Save on selected uniform items when you shop with Dobsons from 1 September to 31 October 2020.  Beat the back to school rush and save on a range of selected items, including:
• Blazers
• Pullovers
• Summer Dresses
• Summer Shirts
• Bags
• Sportswear
With a pain free returns policy, now is the time to plan ahead.  Whether your child finds a few extra centimetres over the holiday break or not as many as you would have thought, Dobsons has you covered with a quick and simple returns policy*.
Once Dobsons stores re-open they would love to welcome you instore but until then they look forward to servicing your uniform needs online.
*Terms and Conditions apply.  Sale available online and instore once store services resume.

Purchase uniforms from the Dobsons website here, Dobsons School Uniforms Online

 

AIMÉ CÉSAIRE

The francophone world, being our main area of study in Unit 4 French, is a great opportunity for Year 12 French students to know more about Aimé Césaire.  St Paul’s sister school in France is named after this great Martinican poet, playwright and politician born in 1913 on the colonised island.  Césaire performed well enough in his studies, even if his family was hardly wealthy, to earn a scholarship for further studies in Paris in 1936.  He became acquainted with many students from other francophone colonies in the French capital, two of them being Léopold Sédar Senghor, from Senegal and Léon Gontran-Dumas from French Guiana.  The three young men became the co-founders of the Negritude movement to restore the cultural identity of black Africans.

It was a simple acknowledgement and acceptance of the fact of being black, that became the destiny of the black people, their history and culture.  Césaire, Senghor and Dumas, as great writers, used literature to fight against racism and the French policy of assimilation which denied any value to the African heritage.  In the early 40s, Césaire went back to Martinique, engaged in politics and he became the deputy for his island in the French Assembly.  In his lifetime, Césaire published a large collection of poems, essays and plays.  His literary work is universally known.  The Martinican literary man is not only one of France’s greatest writers but also one of the greatest figures of black literature.  The French Republic has immortalised Césaire with the greatest honour of a monumental fresco and a plaque in the Panthéon.

In honour of Césaire in the Panthéon, Paris.  Quote says: “… I would go back to my country and I would say to her, kiss me without fear… And if I could only speak, it is on your behalf that I would speak…”

 

ONLINE MATHS HELP

Years 10 to 12, Tuesdays at 3:30 pm
Years 7 to 9, Tuesdays at Lunchtime
Please speak to your Maths teacher for more information or to participate.

 

SPORT NEWS

ISO Prac Challenges
During a time of isolation and online learning, we will be bringing regular prac challenge competitions to your home learning space!  Each challenge will present an opportunity to compete against our Sport Trainees.  At the end of each challenge period, the competition panel (trainees and Head of Sports) will announce the winner and a prize ($25 sports shop voucher) will be waiting for you at Reception!
ISO Prac Challenge 8 – Can you beat Liam?  How many times in one minute can you hit the drink bottle from five metres out?

Congratulations to Ruby King from Year 7 and William Brewer from Year 8 who are the St Paul’s Warragul Campus winners of the ISO Challenge 8.  Both William and Ruby hit the target with a soccer ball four times within a minute.  Well done Ruby and William you both will receive a $25 sports shop voucher!

ISO Prac Challenge 9 – Can you beat Saskia?  How many clapping push ups can you complete in one minute?

Congratulations to Alexandar Mirkovic and Campbell Young, both from Year 10, who are the St Paul’s Warragul Campus winners of the ISO Challenge 9.  Both Alexandar and Campbell completed a massive thirty-nine clapping push ups in a very hotly contested competition.  Well done to all our entrants this week!  Alexandar and Campbell will receive a $25 sports shop voucher.

Each Monday during online learning a new challenge will be posted on the MyStPauls Sport Page.

 

ST PAUL’S PARENT PRAYER GROUP

If you would like to join with other parents of the school to pray, the regular monthly prayer meeting will be taking place using Zoom on Monday 7 September.
Please get in touch with Sheryn Cutler 0417 158 937 or sheryn.cutler@gmail.com for a link to join this meeting to the be sent to you.
“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 Principal

Thank you to everyone who participated in the surveys, which closed on Monday, about the potential development of the School.  We were delighted by the …

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Thank you to everyone who participated in the surveys, which closed on Monday, about the potential development of the School.  We were delighted by the high number of respondents and the amount of data obtained, which will assist us greatly in the decision-making process.  The survey results are now being analysed and I hope to be able to share a summary report with the school community in the next Grammarian.

Last week, we finalised the selection process for next year’s group of Prefects.  I am pleased to announce that the following Year 11 students have been appointed as Prefects for 2021.

Jordan Ashley.

Tanvi Atla.

Liam Barrow.

Ollie Dillon.

Alice Greenall.

Liam Lenders.

Darcy Nicholls.

Tahlia Pemberton.

Jacob Puddy.

Tanner Pyle.

Annabelle Rajasingham.

Brydie Smith.

Jaziah Treble.

Sophie Tullett.

Cameron Herbert
Principal

Traralgon Junior School

From the Head of Traralgon Junior School, Ms Tracey King. We are heading into the final weeks of Term 3 and everyone is digging deep …

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Traralgon Junior School

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

We are heading into the final weeks of Term 3 and everyone is digging deep to maintain energy levels and motivation for online learning.  I would like to acknowledge and thank everyone for their efforts and support for each other in our community.  It is very easy to become frustrated and upset during such challenging times and it takes great strength to remain optimistic and able to approach difficulties with calm and empathy.  We are all working through COVID-19 challenges together and it is the support, encouragement and smiles provided to each other that make all the difference.

Our Junior School staff continue to work extremely hard to maintain a high level of learning and pastoral opportunities for our students during online learning.  I thank all of our staff for their contributions and would like to acknowledge our teachers, Education Support and Admin staff who are here on campus daily to assist our students and families.  It has been a highlight of each week when we receive photos, messages of thanks and stories about student learning.  Our memory board in the admin office has quickly filled with these photos and messages and it is wonderful to see so many smiling faces

Our families have been engaged and supportive throughout round two of online learning at a time when everyone is tired and feeling fed up.  Sincere thanks to our parents who are working hard with their children and providing the support needed at home and after hours.  I would like to really acknowledge how difficult this time is for our parents and the energy and effort which has been required.   Please continue to reach out to us should you require any support throughout this remote learning period.   We are here to assist any way we can and are able to support our families in a range of ways.

Michael Carr-Gregg Webinar Invitation
On Wednesday 9 September, as part of National eSmart Week, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation is presenting a free webinar for parents and carers by renowned child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, on building family resilience during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Dr Carr-Gregg’s webinar is aptly named “Managing the Coronacoaster – tips for building resilient families in the coronavirus era”.

The first wave of the coronavirus turned our lives upside down and forced us to navigate a new and unwanted reality of remote learning, working from home and financial hardship.  The second wave has elicited even more anxiety, disruption and disappointment in both young people and families.

This webinar seeks to give participants the skills, knowledge and strategies to manage family wellbeing and build resilience.

Webinar details
When:  Wednesday 9 September

Time:  7:00 pm
Duration:  Thirty-minute presentation
Format:  Online via Zoom
Cost:  Free

How to join this LIVE webinar:
Use this link to join this live session from 7:00 pm (using passcode 607251)
* Please note that this event will be delivered live only and will not be recorded. *
About Michael Carr-Gregg
Michael Carr-Gregg is one of Australia’s highest profile adolescent and child psychologists.  He wrote his PhD at the University of NSW on Adolescents with Cancer and named and founded CanTeen more than thirty years ago with a group of young cancer patients.  He has worked as an academic, researcher and political lobbyist.  He is also the author of fourteen books and sits on the Board of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation and the National Centre Against Bullying.  He is the resident parenting expert on Channel 7’s Sunrise, as well as a social commentator on the Morning Show with Neil Mitchell on Radio 3AW.  He is married with two sons and is a special patron of the Hawthorn Football Club.

I will continue to keep families updated, so please keep checking the Traralgon Junior School Campus page on MyStPauls regularly for these updates.

Reminders for everyone
•  Please make sure you (or your child) continue to acknowledge their attendance on the Social Stream each day.  Staff have been asked to check-in with families if a student is not present online.
•  Students should be in their school sports uniform during their ‘learning time’ each day and whilst on Teams meetings.
•  Families should be mindful of conversations that are taking place in the background while their child/ren are involved in a Teams meeting.
•  For any technical or MyStPauls issues, please direct them to itsupport@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au for assistance.
•  Keep an eye out for our virtual events and challenges each week.  These are a wonderful way for our students and families to stay connected.
•  Be mindful of your child’s activity online and use of the internet and regularly discuss cyber safety with your child.

Events
This week our Years 5 and 6 students have been involved in writing workshops with visiting author Nat Amoore.  Her online sessions have been enjoyed by students and have provided a very engaging introduction to the writing challenge.

We have been waiting all term for next week’s Jump Off Day and are looking forward to this skipping challenge in support of the Heart Foundation.  Many thanks to those who have contributed to some fundraising however it is not necessary or expected for families to do so unless they wish to.  Ms Geerts, our PE teacher, is organised and will be posting special activities on the Traralgon Junior School MyStPauls page in readiness for Jump Off Day.  You still have time to get skipping and have your tricks and double dutch ready for Wednesday 9 September.

Next week will also see us celebrating Footy Day on Friday 11 September.  Although we won’t be at school everyone is encouraged to dress up in the colours of their favourite ‘footy’ team (of any code) and send in some photos of you participating in some footy activities.  You can kick the footy, set up some drills in your backyard, complete some art and craft activities, have a meat pie for lunch or write a letter to your favourite player.

Parent/Teacher Interviews (PTIs)
Families should have received information regarding our upcoming Parent Teacher Interviews via Zoom scheduled for next Wednesday 9 September (3:45 pm to 8:00 pm) and Thursday 10 September (3:45 pm to 6:00 pm).  Included in the email sent to parents was our Zoom Parent Guide for PTIs.  This guide includes instructions for use on a laptop or desktop computer as well as for mobile phone access.  If you have not used Zoom before then please allow time to download the program on to your device of choice prior to the interviews commencing.
We will be using our usual online booking system for PTIs.  To access the booking system go to: http://www.schoolinterviews.com.au – you will be required to enter a School Code, which is ub7ch.

Once you have made your bookings, please print out the ‘Interview Timetable’ generated by the system.  To assist families who have any difficulties booking online, I ask that you contact the Junior School office where the booking can be made for you.  Bookings remain open and but will close progressively at 3:45 pm on the day prior (unless they are filled first) to allow staff time to email you a link to your Zoom meeting with them.  Each teacher that you have booked an interview with will email you by 4:00 pm on the day prior to your scheduled interview time, so please keep a lookout for these emails.  Please follow the instructions in the ‘Zoom Parent Guide for PTIs’ which will show you how to access each interview.

If you are meeting multiple teachers, it might be a good idea to spread your interviews out and allow some time to set up in between.

If you experience any difficulties accessing the program or any of your scheduled interviews then please call the following mobile phone number, 0407 978 687, this is the school phone number which will direct you to a member of our IT Team who will assist you with your issue.
The Junior School office will also be open should you need to contact us on 5175 0133.

Consent2Go
In March this year we launched Consent2Go, an online platform for families to check and update their child/ren’s medical records and essential profile information.  We would like to thank parents who have already reviewed, updated and submitted this essential information.

For parents who have not yet reviewed or updated their child/ren’s information we ask for your assistance in checking and/or updating this information as it is essential to the School’s ability to fulfil its duty of care to your child/ren.

To access your child/ren’s details, please log in to MyStPauls/Parent Resources/Consent2Go Parent Help files/Updating Consent2Go Details and Health Profile or email cjones@stpaulsags.vic.edu and Carlie will email you the link directly.

We thank you for your assistance in this matter and hope that you can complete the check/update by 11 September.

Tracey King
Head of Traralgon Junior School

 

WHAT’S ON

SEPTEMBER
Week 9
9 September
  ‘Jump off day’
Parent Student Teacher Interviews via Zoom
10 September  Parent Student Teacher Interviews via Zoom
11 September  Footy Day
Library collection day

 Week 10
‘Get jiggy with it’ dance competition finishes
18 September  End of Term 3, 2:30 pm finish

 

IMPORTANT NOTICES FOR PARENTS

Students who may be leaving St Paul’s
As per the Business Notice/Enrolment Agreement, it is a requirement at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School that a term’s notice in advance is given before any student withdraws.  The School remains committed to supporting families who are experiencing changed financial circumstances due to COVID-19 and we encourage you to contact our Finance Officer, Mr Peter Lees, via email at plees@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au to discuss options that may assist your child/ren to continue.  If you are planning to withdraw your child/ren, please confirm your intention in writing to our Principal, Mr Cameron Herbert, prior to the end of Term 3.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our Enrolments Office: Mrs Jen Christensen (Warragul) on 5623 5833 or Ms Rachael Langley (Traralgon) on 5175 0133 or by emailing enrolments@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

Extended Payment Dates
Families have been receiving monthly statements via email to keep them informed of fee balances.  If you have any queries in relation to your annual fee account, please contact Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833.

We are committed to the continuation of your children’s education at St Paul’s.  If you are experiencing financial difficulties due to the impacts of COVID-19, please contact our Finance Officer, Mr Peter Lees, via email at plees@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au who will then contact you for a confidential discussion.

Extended Instalment Payment Date:  Instalment 4 is due 5 October 2020

If you are paying fees by direct debit or have an agreed alternative arrangement in place please disregard the above instalment date.

 

DOBSONS UNIFORM SHOP

Get ready, the Dobsons annual ‘Buy Early & Save‘ sale is about to begin!  Save on selected uniform items when you shop with Dobsons from 1 September to 31 October 2020.  Beat the back to school rush and save on a range of selected items, including:
• Blazers
• Pullovers
• Summer Dresses
• Summer Shirts
• Bags
• Sportswear
With a pain free returns policy, now is the time to plan ahead.  Whether your child finds a few extra centimetres over the holiday break or not as many as you would have thought, Dobsons has you covered with a quick and simple returns policy*.
Once Dobsons stores re-open they would love to welcome you instore but until then they look forward to servicing your uniform needs online.
*Terms and Conditions apply.  Sale available online and instore once store services resume.

Purchase uniforms from the Dobsons website here, Dobsons School Uniforms Online

 

LIBRARY NEWS

Need something new to read?
Print books are available to borrow from the Library via ‘Click & Collect’.  All available books (those not already on loan or at other campuses) can be reserved.

Use Oliver, our online catalogue to browse and find the books you want and log in to reserve.

OR send an email request to ssomalley@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

OR try a Mystery Pack – email the library with some preferences and we will handpick a selection just for you.

Requests must be received before 3:30 pm Thursday 10 September.
Collect from outside the library on Friday 11 September between 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
We encourage you to return any completed books at this time.

Do not forget that ebooks and audiobooks are available 24-7 through Wheelers ePlatform.

 

Scholastic Book Club
Book Club may look a little different this term but you will still have access to the same great quality and carefully selected books at a great price.  To view the catalogue and place your order please follow this link, https://scholastic.com.au/media/5667/bc-620

Please place your orders before Monday 7 September and we will notify you once your order is ready to be collected from the school.

Traralgon Secondary School

From the Head of Traralgon Secondary School, Mr Brad McCabe. Dear Parents/Guardians, Zoom Parent Student Teacher Interviews (PSTIs) Semester 2 Parent Student Teacher Interviews were …

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Traralgon Secondary School

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

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Zoom Parent Student Teacher Interviews (PSTIs)
Semester 2 Parent Student Teacher Interviews were a little different this semester.  They were held via Zoom meetings on Tuesday 25 August and Wednesday 2 September for Years 7 to 10.  The school used an online booking system for our PSTIs that parents were able to access an individual teacher’s Zoom meeting link.  A special thanks to staff and parents for being adaptable and quick to learn the new method of meeting.  I would like to invite feedback from families on using Zoom for PSTIs.

Pastoral Care
Some students might be finding the isolation that can come with remote learning challenging.  It is common for teenagers to miss the regular social interaction that they would normally experience with their peers and cohort that comes with being at school.  Can I please encourage families to contact Heads of Year for additional support during this time.

Onsite Supervision
A reminder to specific families, where there is absolutely no alternative, we are offering the supervision of online learning at the School.  Students will be supervised in completing their online learning tasks by staff on rotation.  Physical distancing provisions will be made for the safety of our teachers and students, and masks must be worn by all students from Years 7 to 12.  We will again make sure that students have frequent breaks throughout the day and will aim to make each day a positive one for them.

Michael Carr-Gregg Webinar Invitation
On Wednesday 9 September, as part of National eSmart Week, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation is presenting a free webinar for parents and carers by renowned child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, on building family resilience during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Dr Carr-Gregg’s webinar is aptly named “Managing the Coronacoaster – tips for building resilient families in the coronavirus era”.

The first wave of the coronavirus turned our lives upside down and forced us to navigate a new and unwanted reality of remote learning, working from home and financial hardship.  The second wave has elicited even more anxiety, disruption and disappointment in both young people and families.

This webinar seeks to give participants the skills, knowledge and strategies to manage family wellbeing and build resilience.

Webinar details
When:  Wednesday 9 September

Time:  7:00 pm
Duration:  Thirty-minute presentation
Format:  Online via Zoom
Cost:  Free

How to join this LIVE webinar:
Use this link to join this live session from 7:00 pm (using passcode 607251)
* Please note that this event will be delivered live only and will not be recorded. *
About Michael Carr-Gregg
Michael Carr-Gregg is one of Australia’s highest profile adolescent and child psychologists.  He wrote his PhD at the University of NSW on Adolescents with Cancer and named and founded CanTeen more than thirty years ago with a group of young cancer patients.  He has worked as an academic, researcher and political lobbyist.  He is also the author of fourteen books and sits on the Board of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation and the National Centre Against Bullying.  He is the resident parenting expert on Channel 7’s Sunrise, as well as a social commentator on the Morning Show with Neil Mitchell on Radio 3AW.  He is married with two sons and is a special patron of the Hawthorn Football Club.

Brad McCabe
Head of Traralgon Secondary School

 

WHAT’S ON

SEPTEMBER
18 September  End of Term 3, 2:30 pm finish

 

IMPORTANT NOTICES FOR PARENTS

Students who may be leaving St Paul’s
As per the Business Notice/Enrolment Agreement, it is a requirement at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School that a term’s notice in advance is given before any student withdraws.  The School remains committed to supporting families who are experiencing changed financial circumstances due to COVID-19 and we encourage you to contact our Finance Officer, Mr Peter Lees, via email at plees@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au to discuss options that may assist your child/ren to continue.  If you are planning to withdraw your child/ren, please confirm your intention in writing to our Principal, Mr Cameron Herbert, prior to the end of Term 3.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our Enrolments Office: Mrs Jen Christensen (Warragul) on 5623 5833 or Ms Rachael Langley (Traralgon) on 5175 0133 or by emailing enrolments@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

Extended Payment Dates
Families have been receiving monthly statements via email to keep them informed of fee balances.  If you have any queries in relation to your annual fee account, please contact Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833.

We are committed to the continuation of your children’s education at St Paul’s.  If you are experiencing financial difficulties due to the impacts of COVID-19, please contact our Finance Officer, Mr Peter Lees, via email at plees@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au who will then contact you for a confidential discussion.

Extended Instalment Payment Date:  Instalment 4 is due 5 October 2020

If you are paying fees by direct debit or have an agreed alternative arrangement in place please disregard the above instalment date.

 

DOBSONS UNIFORM SHOP

Get ready, the Dobsons annual ‘Buy Early & Save‘ sale is about to begin!  Save on selected uniform items when you shop with Dobsons from 1 September to 31 October 2020.  Beat the back to school rush and save on a range of selected items, including:
• Blazers
• Pullovers
• Summer Dresses
• Summer Shirts
• Bags
• Sportswear
With a pain free returns policy, now is the time to plan ahead.  Whether your child finds a few extra centimetres over the holiday break or not as many as you would have thought, Dobsons has you covered with a quick and simple returns policy*.
Once Dobsons stores re-open they would love to welcome you instore but until then they look forward to servicing your uniform needs online.
*Terms and Conditions apply.  Sale available online and instore once store services resume.

Purchase uniforms from the Dobsons website here, Dobsons School Uniforms Online

 

SPORT REPORT 

During the second round of online learning, the Secondary Schools are running regular challenge competitions for students to complete at home!  We have had a number of students compete however the PE staff encourage all students to participate and upload their video onto the MyStPauls Sport Page to be in the running to win a $25 sports shop voucher.

Our winners for this term are: Asha Nightingale, Axel Sellings and Ella May.

Challenge 6 winner Ella May.

Challenge 8 winner Asha Nightingale.

Challenge 9 winner Axel Sellings.

This week’s challenge:  Challenge 10 – Can you beat Liam?  How many figure 8s with a ball can you complete in one minute?

 

YEAR 8 ART IN 3D – REMOTE LEARNING ARTWORKS

The Year 8 Art in 3D students created these fantastic ‘Silhouette Cup’ artworks just before Stage 3 restrictions took place.  They were required to create a silhouette image that incorporated the foreground, middle and background scenes to create the illusion of depth and realism.  An easy and fun task to enjoy during remote learning.

The students then explored the artworks of Andy Goldsworthy and other environmental artists working in the field of environmental/landscape art.  The task required the students to create a colour wheel from objects found within their homes and create their own design from objects collected outside.  This was a great task to get students looking at the objects around them every day and how they can be used to create artworks.

Jason Addison
Visual Arts Teacher

YEAR 8 MODERN TIMBER – ONLINE CLASSES

This term during online learning, Year 8 students have taken to the computer to learn some basic aspects of designing using computer generations.  They have completed a few basic designs to learn the AutoCAD program – Fusion 360 and have then applied their knowledge to create the design for a money box.  Students needed to take into account the size of the slot required, the thickness of the timber and the size of the plug that would be at the base.  The designs they created were then laser cut and returned to them to assess and put together.

They then turned their hand to creating a design that could be 3D printed.  Most students are still progressing through this task.

Jennifer Witney
Head of Years 7 and 8

 

YEAR 9 PERSONAL PROJECT

One of the highlights of our ‘Thinking and Learning’ class in Year 9, is our Personal Project.  The Personal Project involves students choosing an area of interest or a passion and researching, planning, producing and creating a project based on this.  It is a great chance for students to highlight their organisational skills and creativity.  Our students have been very busy during online learning working on their projects and we cannot wait to see them all on display next term.

Nikita at work producing a series of paintings for her project.

Nathan is designing and building a 5-star chicken coop.

Lachlan learning the bass guitar as his project.

Kirsten Enders
Head of Years 9 and 10
Traralgon Campus

 

 

LIBRARY NEWS

Need something new to read?
Print books are available to borrow from the Library via ‘Click & Collect’.  All available books (those not already on loan or at other campuses) can be reserved.

Use Oliver, our online catalogue to browse and find the books you want and log in to reserve.

OR send an email request to ssomalley@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

OR try a Mystery Pack – email the library with some preferences and we will handpick a selection just for you.

Requests must be received before 3:30 pm Thursday 10 September.
Collect from outside the library on Friday 11 September between 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
We encourage you to return any completed books at this time.

Do not forget that ebooks and audiobooks are available 24-7 through Wheelers ePlatform.

Warragul Junior School

From the Head of Warragul Junior School, Mr Rowan van Raay. Well, we have all made it to the end of Week 8!  As we …

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Warragul Junior School

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

Well, we have all made it to the end of Week 8!  As we move into the final weeks of Term 3, I encourage families to keep up the outstanding effort that you have all displayed during this period of remote learning.  I know energy levels are getting low but hang in there everyone!  We ‘hope’ to have more information in the coming days/week about a ‘return to school road map’ and I will continue to keep families updated, so please keep checking the Warragul Junior School Campus page on MyStPauls, https://my.stpaulsags.vic.edu.au/homepage/7604 regularly for these updates.  I am again very grateful to all of our ELC and Junior School staff who continue to provide a high level of education and support to all of our students and families this term.

Parent/Teacher Interviews
My sincere thanks to the families and staff who were able to share in Parent Teacher Interviews (PTIs) last week via Zoom.  It was a new way of conducting our PTIs and hopefully everyone found them useful during this time of remote learning. By all reports, they went smoothly despite the storm on Thursday evening resulting in some PTIs being conducted via candlelight! That’s 2020 for you!  I would be happy to receive any feedback from families via ravanraay@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

Spoontopia Family
Spoontopia is coming along nicely but we would really like to see more additions to our Spoontopia Family.  Feel free to join with your child/ren to decorate a spoon and then do a drive-by the Junior School and add your spoon to the family in the garden at the round-a-bout near the administration building.  Hopefully we will collect hundreds in the coming weeks as we stay connected as a Junior School family.

A reminder to keep an eye out for our other Virtual Events listed for all families on our Warragul Junior School Campus page on MyStPauls (link above).

Michael Carr-Gregg Webinar Invitation
On Wednesday 9 September, as part of National eSmart Week, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation is presenting a free webinar for parents and carers by renowned child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, on building family resilience during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Dr Carr-Gregg’s webinar is aptly named “Managing the Coronacoaster – tips for building resilient families in the coronavirus era”.

The first wave of the coronavirus turned our lives upside down and forced us to navigate a new and unwanted reality of remote learning, working from home and financial hardship.  The second wave has elicited even more anxiety, disruption and disappointment in both young people and families.

This webinar seeks to give participants the skills, knowledge and strategies to manage family wellbeing and build resilience.

Webinar details
When:  Wednesday 9 September

Time:  7:00 pm
Duration:  Thirty-minute presentation
Format:  Online via Zoom
Cost:  Free

How to join this LIVE webinar:
Use this link to join this live session from 7:00 pm (using passcode 607251)
* Please note that this event will be delivered live only and will not be recorded. *
About Michael Carr-Gregg
Michael Carr-Gregg is one of Australia’s highest profile adolescent and child psychologists.  He wrote his PhD at the University of NSW on Adolescents with Cancer and named and founded CanTeen more than thirty years ago with a group of young cancer patients.  He has worked as an academic, researcher and political lobbyist.  He is also the author of fourteen books and sits on the Board of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation and the National Centre Against Bullying.  He is the resident parenting expert on Channel 7’s Sunrise, as well as a social commentator on the Morning Show with Neil Mitchell on Radio 3AW.  He is married with two sons and is a special patron of the Hawthorn Football Club.

Stay safe everyone.

Rowan van Raay
Head of Warragul Junior School

 

WHAT’S ON

SEPTEMBER
4 September  SRC Meeting, lunchtime, via Teams
7 September  Parent Prayer Group, via Zoom, 1:30 pm
11 September  SRC Meeting, lunchtime, via Teams

COMING UP:
Trivia Challenge
1,000 Cranes Challenge
Spoonville  (details on all parent/class/campus pages)

 

IMPORTANT NOTICES FOR PARENTS

Students who may be leaving St Paul’s
As per the Business Notice/Enrolment Agreement, it is a requirement at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School that a term’s notice in advance is given before any student withdraws.  The School remains committed to supporting families who are experiencing changed financial circumstances due to COVID-19 and we encourage you to contact our Finance Officer, Mr Peter Lees, via email at plees@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au to discuss options that may assist your child/ren to continue.  If you are planning to withdraw your child/ren, please confirm your intention in writing to our Principal, Mr Cameron Herbert, prior to the end of Term 3.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our Enrolments Office: Mrs Jen Christensen (Warragul) on 5623 5833 or Ms Rachael Langley (Traralgon) on 5175 0133 or by emailing enrolments@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

Extended Payment Dates
Families have been receiving monthly statements via email to keep them informed of fee balances.  If you have any queries in relation to your annual fee account, please contact Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833.

We are committed to the continuation of your children’s education at St Paul’s.  If you are experiencing financial difficulties due to the impacts of COVID-19, please contact our Finance Officer, Mr Peter Lees, via email at plees@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au who will then contact you for a confidential discussion.

Extended Instalment Payment Date:  Instalment 4 is due 5 October 2020

If you are paying fees by direct debit or have an agreed alternative arrangement in place please disregard the above instalment date.

 

DOBSONS UNIFORM SHOP

Get ready, the Dobsons annual ‘Buy Early & Save‘ sale is about to begin!  Save on selected uniform items when you shop with Dobsons from 1 September to 31 October 2020.  Beat the back to school rush and save on a range of selected items, including:
• Blazers
• Pullovers
• Summer Dresses
• Summer Shirts
• Bags
• Sportswear
With a pain free returns policy, now is the time to plan ahead.  Whether your child finds a few extra centimetres over the holiday break or not as many as you would have thought, Dobsons has you covered with a quick and simple returns policy*.
Once Dobsons stores re-open they would love to welcome you instore but until then they look forward to servicing your uniform needs online.
*Terms and Conditions apply.  Sale available online and instore once store services resume.

Purchase uniforms from the Dobsons website here, Dobsons School Uniforms Online

 

ST PAUL’S PARENT PRAYER GROUP

If you would like to join with other parents of the school to pray, the regular monthly prayer meeting will be taking place using Zoom on Monday 7 September.
Please get in touch with Sheryn Cutler 0417 158 937 or sheryn.cutler@gmail.com for a link to join this meeting to the be sent to you.
“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 Chaplain

APPRECIATING THE ORDINARY I think I have a new appreciation for the ordinary. In my pre-COVID life I was easily fascinated and intrigued by the …

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APPRECIATING THE ORDINARY

I think I have a new appreciation for the ordinary.

In my pre-COVID life I was easily fascinated and intrigued by the extraordinary.  Stories of people overcoming great challenges, scientific discovery through space exploration, remarkable feats of human strength and endurance.  Todd Sampson’s show ‘Body Hack’ captured my interests well; described as a television series in which “Todd Sampson investigates some of the world’s extraordinary people using science as a guide, looking at how they live and how it impacts the human body.”

Then along came COVID-19, lockdowns, masks and global death tolls.  Suddenly I had had enough of the extraordinary.  Short of a miracle vaccine, I did not want to know any more about “unprecedented times” and “once in a hundred year” events.  It was enough just to deal with each day as it came.  Getting through a day of working and parenting was exhausting.  Which seems strange because a whole lot of things I would normally be involved in had just stopped.  Of course, new challenges had taken their place like managing children during remote learning; working from home and figuring out potential alternatives to toilet paper.  But the novelty of these challenges soon wore off and life started to feel just plain tedious and tiring.  There are reasonable explanations for this shift.  Psychologists talk about the fatigue of living with a heightened state of anxiety that a global pandemic brings.  It turns out my reaction is totally normal.  And there are things I can do to help myself.  Maintaining routines, exercising regularly, limiting my exposure to sensationalist news (is there any other kind?), all of these things are useful.  Along with these strategies, it is a rediscovered appreciation for the ordinary that has truly lifted my spirits.  Small things like the first flowering of a pot plant, the terrible puns my youngest son bombards us with, that moment when the dog finally settles at my feet and sighs contentedly.  Suddenly these small moments feel like extraordinary blessings.  As G.K. Chesterton wrote, “The most extraordinary thing in the world is an ordinary man and his ordinary wife and their ordinary children.”  Whatever your ‘ordinary family’ looks like, perhaps it is actually the most extraordinary thing in the world.

Locked down in the middle of a global pandemic I have been reminded of both my powerlessness and of the sheer beauty and magnitude of God’s creation, reflected in those small blessings.  The book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible is a record of a philosopher’s musings.  The writer ponders the highs and lows of life in search of meaning and purpose.  Ecclesiastes reminds us of our limitations and finiteness.  We read in Ecclesiastes 3:11, “Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.  He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.”

There is plenty to lament in the world right now and plenty of reasons to feel exhausted, strung out and despairing.  But even in this time, if we widen our lens and look beyond the struggles, perhaps we can find plenty of joy around us still, hiding in the ordinary things of life.  Reminding us that the world is also a beautiful place and that even if we cannot comprehend what the future holds for our world, we can still appreciate the small blessings that we encounter in it every day.

May you find joy in the ordinary as we journey through these extraordinary times.

Reverend Daniel Lowe
Senior Chaplain