In this issue

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

Welcome to Term 4. What an interesting few weeks it has been across the state. It was pleasing to receive the news that the Latrobe Valley’s seven-day lockdown was to finish as per the original forecast. The good news is that Traralgon Secondary School will have students on-site with set year levels on particular days as of Monday 11 October. The details are as follows:
•  Year 7 students Monday to Friday
•  Years 8 students Tuesdays and Wednesdays only until Tuesday 26 October
•  Year 9 students Tuesdays and Wednesdays only until Tuesday 26 October
•  Year 10 students Thursday and Fridays only until Tuesday 26 October

Please note Tuesday 26 October is when all year levels return to five days a week of on-site schooling.

COVIDsafe Protocols

Ventilation
An additional COVIDsafe protocol that schools have introduced is to maximise ventilation in buildings with windows and doors open to allow for following air, where practicable. Given the unseasonable cold weather, students are allowed to wear their formal winter or summer uniform to assist with keeping warm and comfortable during Term 4. Students are encouraged to wear thermals under their school uniform and to dress warmly but it is not an opportunity to be in the incorrect uniform.

Face Masks
Could parents and guardians remind their child(ren) the importance of wearing a mask while on public transport, such as catching a bus to school. It has been noted that some students have become complacent with wearing their masks on public transport; this puts their safety and others at risk.

It is important that any student who is displaying any flu-like signs or symptoms, small or large, is tested and waits for test results before returning to school. Staff will make accommodations and provide work for any student who is at home, isolating and waiting test results. Under no circumstance should a student attend school on-site if unwell. Please note that students who become unwell while at school, with COVID-19 symptoms, will be placed in the isolation room, not the sickbay, where parents or guardians will be contacted to collect their child.

Calendar Update
Please note there have been several changes to the school calendar due to the cancellation or postponing of events. Could I please encourage all families to regularly check the school calendar and/or What’s On dates to stay informed.

Food and Drink
Students are asked not to share their food at school and keep their delicious home-cooked delights for their own consumption.

Hand Hygiene
Students are asked to wash their hands with soap and water throughout the day, particularly after the bathroom and prior to eating or drinking. In addition, the staff will ask them to use the hand sanitisers in each classroom as they enter.

Own Equipment
Students are to use their own pencil cases and resources at school. We know that they like to help and share but it is not appropriate at this time.

Once again, I would like to thank our entire St Paul’s community for doing their part in keeping our school safe.

Brad McCabe
Head of Traralgon Secondary School

WHAT’S ON

OCTOBER
12 October  ‘Mary Poppins Jr’ Rehearsal, 3:30 pm
14 October  Year 10 Roadsmart Session, 10:00 am
‘Mary Poppins Jr’ Rehearsal, 3:30 pm
15 October  ‘Mary Poppins Jr’ Rehearsal, 3:30 pm
19 October  ‘Mary Poppins Jr’ Rehearsal, 3:30 pm
20 October  Year 9 Elephant Ed Workshop, 1:35 pm
21 October  ‘Mary Poppins Jr’ Rehearsal, 3:30 pm
22 October  ‘Mary Poppins Jr’ Rehearsal, 3:30 pm

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

Please note that density limits, masks and COVID-safe procedures 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.

FOOTY COLOURS DAY

What better way to end the term than with some fun and games! Footy Colours Day is run by the Fight Cancer Foundation and raises awareness and funds to help young people who have cancer. Specifically, they help with research, accommodation support and educational support to enable students with cancer to maintain their education standards. With the help of the Junior School Pie lunch and a few Secondary School donations, we donated just under $350.00 to support the organisation. Students can still donate in person when we return to school.

This year, students were encouraged to dress up in their team colours, change their backgrounds on Microsoft Teams, enter a competition or two and join in on a Sporting Kahoot at lunchtime. Those that got in the spirit of the day had some fun with the following individuals winning the competitions on the day.
•  Dress up Competition – Will Szkwarek and Jett Koppen
•  Guess the Teacher’s Footy Team – Lauren Neave
•  Team of the Century – Fletcher Watts
•  Grand Final Guess – Nicholas Fenech
•  Lunchtime Sports Kahoot – Ms Enders

Thank you to everyone who got involved or made a donation!

Commencement of Term 4
With the staggered return to on-site learning underway, we are all doing our best to continue adjusting and managing as well as we can amidst the continuing unpredictability of the coronavirus situation in Victoria. The roadmap is set and we look forward to having all students back on campus on the expected date of 26 October, while keeping to the planned stage return of various Year levels between now and then. Of course, we all know things can change very quickly and today’s precautionary closure of the Warragul Secondary School is a reminder of this, but let’s hope the planned return comes to fruition and we are able to enjoy a successful and fulfilling final term of 2021.

Fee Flexibility for Financially Affected Families
I am aware that school families have been informed of this several times before, but I wish to remind everyone that 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.

Appointment of Leonie Clark as Head of Traralgon Secondary School
I am delighted that Leonie Clark, currently Head of Warragul Secondary School in the temporary absence of Laura Butterworth, has accepted the position of Head of Traralgon Secondary School, commencing January 2022.

Leonie first worked at St Paul’s in 2006 and 2007 before moving to Queensland where she taught at St Augustine’s College in the Brisbane/Ipswich region. She returned to St Paul’s in 2016 and was appointed as Head of the Year 9 Campus in Sutton Street in 2017. After three years as Head of Year 9, Leonie commenced as Deputy Head of Warragul Secondary School as well as having the responsibility of being Head of Year 7 in 2020.

Leonie has a wealth of experience as a teacher and educational leader. Graduating from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Secondary Education (Visual Arts), Leonie embarked on a career that has seen her teach at some of Australia’s best-known schools including Geelong Grammar School, Methodist Ladies’ College, Canberra Girls’ Grammar School and Caulfield Grammar School. As well as teaching a range of subjects and Year levels, she has held various leadership positions prior to her roles at St Paul’s. These have included Senior Years Pastoral Leader at St Augustine’s College and Deputy Director of MLC’s Marshmead Residential Campus.

An outstanding communicator who is extremely well organised and efficient, Leonie is a highly motivated, creative and passionate professional. She describes herself as follows. “I am a warm, compassionate teacher/leader who aims to encourage and assist my students, my families, and my staff to achieve an outcome that is one of excellence to promote a positive sense of self, a love of learning, as well as a sense of belonging and pride in their school community.”

Leonie is delighted to be taking on the Headship of Traralgon Secondary School at this most exciting time as the Traralgon Campus expands to offer Year 12 from 2027.

Cameron Herbert
Principal

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

Welcome to the final term of 2021!

A warm welcome to Maya McIntosh (Year 1G) and her family to St Paul’s and welcome back to Holly Davidson (Year 6F).

It has been lovely to have our ELC to Year 2 students all back on-site with us. We will be running a modified timetable with shortened specialist classes until all students return full time in Week 4. Classrooms will be ventilated with windows and doors open. For this reason, and due to the unseasonably cold weather we have been having, all students are encouraged to bring an extra jumper and long pants. Students in Years 3 to 6 will be allowed to wear the formal winter or summer uniform during Term 4.

Years 3 to 6 students will return with a staggered approach until Tuesday 26 October when all students return. Please see the schedule below for details for each year level. Until then, when students are not on-site according to the schedule, online learning will continue to be delivered. I would like to thank you for your cooperation, understanding and continued focus on our children’s learning and wellbeing during this time.

Return to School Schedule
From Monday 4 October:  ELC, Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 – five days a week
From Tuesday 12 October:  Year 3 and Year 4 students – Tuesdays and Wednesdays only
From Thursday 14 October:  Year 5, Year 6 and Year 10 students – Thursdays and Fridays only
From Tuesday 26 October:  All students – five days a week on-site schooling

Requests: To reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 between adults, parents are asked to continue to respect the following requests:
• Parents are not to attend the campus unless absolutely necessary. Contact with administration and classroom teachers can be made via email or telephone. If you need to attend on-site, please contact the Junior School before arrival on 5622 6131.
• Parents are to avoid congregating in social groups at the school and must maintain social distancing at all times and be wearing masks.
• Parents are asked to remain in their cars during drop-off and pick-up times and are encouraged to use the drop-off and pick-up lanes. Please see separate information regarding changes to our pick-up and drop-off arrangements and upcoming traffic management works emailed to families today.

Prep to Year 2 Swimming Program: Our Prep to Year 2 Swimming program has been postponed. Hopefully we will be able to run it later in the year when restrictions allow.

Calendar of Events: We are currently modifying our calendar of events and an updated list of special activities will be available shortly. Our main focus this term will be to ensure students spend as much time as possible attending their regular classes.

Hats: For Term 4, students should have their school hat with them each day to wear during recess, lunchtimes and all other outdoor activities.

Stay safe and well everyone and I am looking forward to seeing our Years 3 to 6 students next week.

Rowan van Raay
Head of Warragul Junior School

WHAT’S ON

OCTOBER
12 and 13 October  ELC to Year 2 plus Years 3 and 4 students on-site
14 and 15 October  ELC to Year 2 plus Years 5 and 6 students on-site
19 and 20 October  ELC to Year 2 plus Years 3 and 4 students on-site
21 and 22 October  ELC to Year 2 plus Years 5 and 6 students on-site
26 October  All ELC to Year 6 students on-site

NOVEMBER
5 November  Prep 2022 Transition Day #1 (tbc)
Year 2 Sleepover (tbc)
8 November  Parent Prayer Group (tbc)
11 November  Remembrance Day Ceremony (tbc)
State Athletics (selected students only) (tbc)
12 November  Prep 2022 Transition Day #2 (tbc)
17 November  Prep 2022 Transition Day #3 (tbc)
Prep to Year 2 Athletics Carnival (tbc)
Walk to School Day (tbc)
19 November  STUDENT FREE DAY
22 to 26 November  Book Fair (tbc)
24 to 26 November  Year 3 Camp – Merricks (tbc)
26 November  Prep 2022 Transition Day #4 (tbc)
30 November  Years 1 to 6 Orientation Day (tbc)

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

Please note that density limits, masks and COVID-safe procedures 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.

UNWELL STUDENTS

The most important action that staff, students, children and families can take is to ensure that unwell staff, students and children remain at home.
• Please ensure that unwell students stay at home and get COVID-19 tested, even with the mildest of symptoms. Students with a negative COVID-19 test whose symptoms have completely resolved do not need a medical certificate to return to the school.
• If a student has persistent symptoms due to an underlying condition such as hayfever or asthma, the student should still be tested for COVID-19 if they develop symptoms that are different from or worse than their usual symptoms. Parents/carers should also consider getting a medical certificate from their treating GP to confirm that it is safe for them to attend school with persistent symptoms that may overlap with some of the symptoms of COVID-19 such as a cough or runny nose.
• If younger children (ELC up to Year 2) who have prolonged post-viral symptoms such as a runny nose or cough wish to return to school following a negative COVID-19 test they will need a medical certificate from their GP to confirm they are otherwise well or have recovered from their acute illness.
• Please be aware that any children who become ill at school or who arrive with symptoms of illness will be supervised in an isolated space within the school until they can be collected.

IT’S COMPLICATED!

“It’s complicated!” What a versatile phrase. You can use it as a relationship status online; as a way of avoiding an awkward question (or a question you simply could not be bothered answering); as a way to appear well informed, perhaps even in possession of secret knowledge; or as a way to dismiss something as not worth trying to understand. It has a ring of truth without revealing any actual information. And the reason it is such a good way to deter further questioning is because we all love simplicity. Behavioural scientists call it the Simplicity Theory, based on the idea that people have a bias toward simplicity and are predisposed to choose products and experiences that minimise their cognitive load. It is partly why the advertising world surrounds us with pithy one-liners and catch-phrases. “Just do it!”, “Think Different”, “Because You’re Worth It”. Not only do we gravitate towards simplicity but we tend to deal with complexity in our lives by removing or hiding it. Complexity is hard and simplicity makes us feel safe and in control.

The trouble is most of life is complicated. Change brings complexity and we are living through a time of remarkable change. While I was writing this article, I found myself listening to a group of Year 12 students in the Senior Common Room outside my office as they engaged in a robust debate about COVID-19 vaccines, protests and lockdown restrictions. This is the reality of the world they are living in.

One of the dangers of our desire for simplicity is that we can fall into the trap of separating things into overly generalised categories. Science vs Religion, Vaxxers vs Anti-Vaxxers, Environmentalists vs Climate Change Deniers. We polarise issues, seeing the world in black and white and failing to consider crucially relevant shades of grey. We can do this with all sorts of issues and our view of God is no different. If we hold on to a simplistic view of God then we are likely to go one of two ways – either we dismiss God as a childish and unsophisticated concept that has nothing to offer the adult world or we cling to a rigid and limited view of God that feels constantly threatened by the complexities of the world. But God is not simple! This was part of the lesson Job learned when he declared, “These things are merely a whisper of God’s power at work. How little we would understand if this whisper ever turned into thunder!” (Job 26:14). This is what the Psalmist acknowledges when he declares, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?”. This is what we see in Jesus, who does not buy into simplistic answers. In fact, when confronted with an oversimplification, he often responds with a question that leads us into the complexity of the issue. When the Pharisees try to provoke him by asking, “Should we pay taxes to the Emperor or not?” (Matthew 22:17) Jesus responds with a question that challenges their thinking. When the Sadducees try to trick him with a question about marriage (Matthew 22:25-28), he essentially tells them their assumptions are all wrong.

The world is a complex place and the issues confronting us are often complex and confusing. But we do not need to be afraid of that complexity, nor do we need to confront it alone. God is more than capable of speaking into our messy and complicated world and we can take courage from this. What encouraged me about the student conversation I overheard was their willingness to grapple with the complexities of the issue. Although they held differing views on some things, there was no name calling, no generalisations or simplistic labelling. By the end of the discussion, while there was still disagreement, they had all found areas of common ground. I got the sense that each of them understood the other a little more and everyone was better off because of it. My hope and prayer is that our young people will not only have the courage to tackle the complexities of their world with respect and compassion but will also discover a complex God that can speak into their lives with hope and love.

Reverend Daniel Lowe
Senior Chaplain

From the Head of Warragul Secondary School,
Mrs Leonie Clark.

‘It’s the little things each day that make the difference’

As the protagonists in our own narrative, we are rapidly travelling towards the resolution of this epic tale and must hold each other close as we continue to share these extraordinary moments and remain focused on the future world. Our Year 12 student ‘super stars’ are back on-site forging a path through the new world and I could not be more proud of the resilience and strength that they have exhibited throughout the last two years of their VCE journey.

Much like in all great texts, our ‘battle weary’ Year 12 heroes have continued to endure multiple complications at each turn of the page.

When reading a novel or watching a film text from the comfort of the couch, we are content to be thrilled by imagined realities from which we can safely distance ourselves. However, we certainly become a little more anxious and concerned for our wellbeing, as well for those we love, when what we once considered an imagined reality, becomes the everyday reality; and rightly so!

As our Years 7 to 11 cohorts prepare for the staggered return to school in the coming days and weeks, it is timely to remind them to put away the ‘comfy track pants’ and the ‘jim jams’ and revisit those positive routines and COVID-19 safe behaviours that will assist them to transition safely to the classroom.

Socially distancing themselves from others is not impolite, it is actually very considerate and kind. We know that it is hard, but we must let our children know that hugging their friends is not okay at this time and that it is important to maintain a safe and respectful distance from others to keep our families safe.

Wearing the mask correctly is an act of respect towards peers, teachers and families. It is a visual indication and protective barrier that demonstrates that they care very deeply for their family and their friends because they want and need them to stay safe. We know they are uncomfortable and particularly annoying if you wear glasses like me but they are keeping us safe and they do work when worn correctly.

Hand sanitising each time they eat or use the bathroom, enter a classroom or a retail outlet demonstrates their commitment to their own hygiene and safety. Frequent washing of hands with soap and warm water is also a fabulous defence against COVID-19. It keeps all of the young people safe, as well as the elderly and vulnerable people in our community. This is an act of empathy and service for the safety of the community, their families and their friends.
Bringing their own food and water bottle to school is a must at this time. Our children love to share their treats and delicious lunches with their friends but sadly this is not the time for that. When I see the healthy, scrumptious lunches packed by our families, I do wonder where the plain old Vegemite sandwiches have gone? Sushi and home baked treats grace many contemporary lunch boxes in 2021!

Playing and socialising outdoors and enjoying their exercise in the warmer weather is vital. The children should spend as much time outside in the lovely sunshine. They should be encouraged to take a walk, play a game or find a fabulous spot under a tree for a catch up with a friend or two at a distance. I have no doubt there is much to catch up on after such an extended period at home.
Routines are essential and provide predictability and stability throughout the uncertainty. It is time for our children to re-implement those routines around bedtime and awake times. They need to ensure that there is at least thirty minutes or more of non-screen time before bed. Reading from a hard copy book prior to retiring for the night is a lovely way to forget the troubles of the day, to enrich the mind and to relax, preparing for some much-needed rest. Children can set the alarm for the morning and contribute to family routines each day. Assisting with breakfast, making the bed, packing the school bag with all of the resources for the day ahead, making lunches and of course cleaning those precious teeth are all vital to a fresh positive and organised start to the day for children.

The staff are looking forward to seeing your children back at school, filling the yard with laughter and engaged in inspiring learning with their peers in the classroom. When they return to school your child is invited to wear their winter uniform for the next few weeks and until the weather warms the buildings, as the classrooms may be quite cold with the windows and doors open.

As year levels return to on-site classes our staff will be focused on predictable classroom routines and uniforms in the coming days and weeks. Educational research shows us that predictability of routine assists students to settle quickly, know they are safe and feel supported at school. Your kind assistance in checking your child’s uniform each morning will be hugely appreciated by our staff as we move back to our proven traditions, routines and ‘all of the little things’ that contribute to our outstanding community at St Paul’s.

Mrs Leonie Clark
Head of Warragul Secondary School

WHAT’S ON

OCTOBER
11 October  Year 12 French Oral Exam, Federation University, Gippsland
15 October  Year 12 Japanese Oral Exam, Federation University, Gippsland

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

Please note that density limits, masks and COVID-safe procedures 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.

SPORT NEWS

St Paul’s Sport Aerobics – National Champions X 2!
Both the St Paul’s Saintly Ladies (Open B Secondary Section) and St Paul’s Saintly Angels (Secondary Stage 1 – Open) have just been named National Champions at the Sport Aerobics National Championships.

This is so exciting for the girls! After both teams winning the State Finals in Geelong, the COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions meant the Nationals Event was changed from the Gold Coast to an online event. No matter whether we were at school or in lockdown each week both teams would continue to train either in the gym, on the multi-purpose courts or online via Microsoft Teams!

A big thank you to Jo Fraser, Bella Fraser and Jemma Douglas for their wonderful support, guidance and training during such a difficult year. The result would not be possible without them! Noelene Neyland’s assistance is also greatly appreciated.

House Sport Online Challenges
During a time of isolation and online learning, regular practical challenge competitions have been running to bring some physical activity to home learning spaces during House Sport.

Each challenge involved an opportunity for students to complete a set task and upload their attempts. At the end of each challenge period, the competition panel (Sports Trainee and Head of Sport), judged each entrant to determine the winner and to award a prize ($20 local sports shop voucher).

There were many participants each week. Well done to each student who participated in the challenges!

Our recent winners were:

Amy Boote: Best AFL skills.

Will Kelly: Best Olympic/Paralympic event recreation.

Liv Bryce: Best basketball trick shot.

Indianna Treble: Best backyard fitness challenge.

Melissa Hoskings
Head of Sport – Warragul Campus