Traralgon Junior School

From the Head of Traralgon Junior School,
Mrs Gwen Hunter.

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the last Grammarian of the year!

As I reflect on the last two weeks, I am so incredibly grateful for the fantastic staff that we have at St Paul’s Traralgon.  The last two weeks have seen Personal Development talks for the Years 5 and 6 students; Prep to Year 2 Athletics Carnival; reports written, uploaded and checked once more; another two Prep transition sessions completed; the final weeks of Prep to Year 2 swimming; Rotary Awards Night; Year 6 Graduation; Life Ed Van has visited for all classes; a very successful Encore Junior Concert; and to top it off, the launch of the Years 5 and 6s creative writing book by author Scot Gardner.  Thank you so much to each and every one of the staff for offering such diverse and important opportunities for the benefit of students .

Changes to MyStPauls and the app
MyStPauls will undergo a slight change in appearance for parents from mid-December. The main aim of this change is to ensure that MyStPauls is as easy to use as possible on mobile devices, which according to usage statistics is the way that most parents access the platform.  This change is also in response to feedback received from parents at our junior schools about MyStPauls usability.  The School is also responding to this feedback by phasing out the MyStPauls app in mid-2020.  Many parents expressed frustration with the app and as it is provided by an outside company using a template, the School had no way to make any of the improvements suggested by parents.
The best way to access MyStPauls on mobile in the future will be via https://my.stpaulsags.vic.edu.au/ using a phone internet browser.  This version of MyStPauls has all the features that were in the app although it does look slightly different.  However, using a laptop, computer or tablet will provide the best viewing experience of MyStPauls, if you have access to them.
The School’s IT Department is available to help any parents access MyStPauls via mobile browser.

FAREWELL ASSEMBLY
On Monday 9 December there will be a section of our usual assembly dedicated to saying farewell to Mrs Hawkins, Mrs Di Ciero, Mr McNabb and ‘Frank of St Paul’s’!  After assembly FOSP will put on a simple morning tea for any parents who would like to stay to wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.

ORIENTATION DAYS
Just a reminder that Orientation Day for Years 1 to 6 is coming up on Tuesday 3 December from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.  This is a time when students will get to spend time with their new teacher and classmates for 2020 and to meet any new students joining the school.  The Year 6 students will spend three days at the Secondary School beginning on Monday 2 December.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
On Friday 6 December the school will be hosting our annual Christmas Celebration from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  Please feel free to come along to this casual, relaxed style evening where the school community joins together with Christmas music and performances by the students which will be on show during the evening.  Craft activities, an ice cream van, coffee van, bouncy castle, face painting, FOSP barbeque, fairy floss and plenty more will be on offer.  We look forward to seeing you there.  (There may even be a very special guest visiting sometime during the evening!)

MOBILE PHONE POLICY CHANGE
Our Mobile Phone and Other Electronic Devices Policy has been reviewed by staff and Executive team of the school and a number of small changes have been made which have now come into effect immediately.  As a general rule the policy remains unchanged for the Junior School but it is important for families to understand what the policy says in the case that your child needs to carry a phone with them for any reason.

An exert from the policy is included below with the changes applicable to the Junior School highlighted in bold text.
At all other times, phones and other electronic devices brought to the School should be kept on silent and out of sight in students’ lockers (Secondary) or school bags (Junior).  At the Junior Schools students must leave their phones in their school bags or give them to their classroom teacher to mind for the day.  The exceptions to this rule are:
·  When a staff member specifically permits the use of these devices for camps, excursions or educational purposes in class time.
We expect that we will not see mobile phones, electronic devices or associated accessories such as earbuds or headphones until after 3:30 pm.  We do understand that some students may have a mobile phone as they are often required as a safety mechanism for students who travel a distance.

We would also like to continue to reiterate to parents that the appropriate way to contact their child or children during the day is via Carlie in the office.  Urgent messages can be relayed to a student within a couple of minutes by calling 5175 0133.

THANK YOU
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to the school community for showing me incredible support during 2019.  Taking over the leadership of the school from Andy McNabb has been no mean feat!  It has been an extremely busy but fulfilling year and I have most definitely enjoyed the time in the role.  I look forward to welcoming Tracey King into the school early next year.

I would like to wish you all a very safe and happy Christmas and for those of you going away, safe travels and I look forward to seeing you all back safe and sound in 2020.

Gwen Hunter
Head of Traralgon Junior School

 

WHAT’S ON IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

NOVEMBER
29 November  FOSP Walking Shopping Tour around Traralgon, 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm

DECEMBER
1 December  MIDCHURCH service, St James Anglican Church, Traralgon, 12:00 noon
2 December
  Year 7 2020 Orientation at the Secondary School
3 December  Year 7 2020 Orientation at the Secondary School
Years 1 to 6 2020 Orientation Day, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
ELC Possum Group Last Day, 2:00 pm
4 December  Year 7 2020 Orientation at the Secondary School
5 December  ELC and Prep 2020 Orientation Day, 9:15 am to 1:00 pm
6 December  ELC Joey Group, Last Day, 2:00 pm
Christmas Celebrations, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
9 December  ELC Koala and Wombat Group Last Day, 3:00 pm
10 December  Activities Day, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, Class Parties, 1:00 pm
Year 6 Excursion Kernot Lake and Wyncity, 10:00 am to 2:45 pm
11 December  Presentation Assembly, 9:30 am to 11:00 am
Students Last Day of 2019 School Year, 3:20 pm finish

 

CLASS AWARDS

Prep T Nicholas for his great work investigating floating and sinking, predicting outcomes with thought and recording observations.  Great job!
1F William for using the word ‘evacuated’ to make his writing more interesting!
1F for being super organised when getting ready for swimming lessons.
2C Will for his wonderful perseverance and improvement in his reading.
Frankie for putting one hundred per cent into all tasks set for her.
Mason for being an enthusiastic learner throughout the year!
Arlo for working meticulously throughout the year.
3CD Adele for a well thought out persuasive piece of writing.
Sophie for a thoughtful and well written letter.
3BH Bryce for the effort and attitude used to complete his recent VCOP writing.
Aeva for her determination and positive attitude during our ‘We-Do’ Lego sessions.
4S Harper for the way he explained his strategies to solve multiplication problems.
Max for his discussion about reading powers particularly transforming to show his understanding.
James for being an inclusive member of the class and making sure no one is left out.
Zachary for displaying an excellent attitude during robotics sessions.
4P Emma for using her class time wisely and cooperating well with her peers.
Cohen for making pleasing improvements to his writing by adding good description.
Olivia for her recent success in Maths assessment, showing a big improvement.
Chloe for persisting with all tasks and taking on learning challenges to improve.
6R for collectively existing in this world and being delightful.

 

ARTIST OF THE WEEK

Here are some Christmas art pieces from Prep and Year 4.

 

FINANCE NEWS

Fee Payment Reminder

Tuition Fees are now overdue for families that do not have an agreed payment arrangement in place.
Sundry invoices were due for payment by Friday 1 November 2019 and are now overdue.

Please arrange to pay outstanding invoices immediately.  Please refer to your original fee statement issued in January for payment details or call Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833 or email accountsreceivable@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

 

COFFEE FOR CHRISTMAS!

Would you like a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee?  $3 from every bag sold through the school goes towards our fundraising to build new classrooms for Ponilala Village School.  Growing and exporting coffee beans is also a sustainable and vital part of the Ermera district economy, where Ponilala is situated.  Your purchase will not only taste great but contribute to a worthy cause.

Bags of plunger, filter or beans can be purchased for $12.  Contact Andrea Heard aaheard@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or Kirsten Enders kenders@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au to place an order.


Traralgon Secondary School

From the Head of Traralgon Secondary School, Mr Stephen Klemke. Farewell Year 10 We recently farewelled our Year 10 of 2019 at the annual Year …

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Traralgon Secondary School

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

Farewell Year 10
We recently farewelled our Year 10 of 2019 at the annual Year 10 Farewell Dinner.  Thank you to Ms Kirsten Enders and Mrs Sandra Timmer–Arends for organising the evening.  I wish the Year 10 students every success with their next phase of schooling and trust that your memories from the Traralgon Secondary School are fond ones.

Presentation Assembly
The Traralgon Secondary School Presentation Assembly will take place on Wednesday 11 December at 11:45 am in the school gymnasium.  The assembly is scheduled to finish at approximately 1:00 pm.  Students are required to wear full summer formal uniform with blazer.  As there are no scheduled classes on this day, students will then be permitted to leave with their parents or to sign out with a note.  For students who need to attend for the full school day, we will provide appropriate supervision and activity.

Run for East Timor
The last day of scheduled classes is Monday 9 December.  On Tuesday 10 December from 9:00 am to 11:00 am we will be holding our annual Run for East Timor to raise funds for Friends of Ermera, an organisation which assists schools and community groups in the Ermera area of East Timor.  We are asking students for a donation of $5 as St Paul’s is aiming to raise enough funds to build a new village school building.  The $5 donation will be collected in mentor group or can be handed in to the office.  Students are invited to dress up in fancy dress for the run with prizes and house points to be won for the best dressed and the most laps run!  If students do not wish to dress up, they need to wear house sport uniform and bring a hat.  The run will take place at the cricket oval on the school grounds.  For those Year 10 students of 2019 who are wanting to attend, they will need to sign in and out of the school and pay their $5 entry fee at the office.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Kirsten Enders.  Following the Run for East Timor there will be House Theatre Sports, a Presentation Assembly rehearsal and a final Mentor Group for the year.

Changes to MyStPauls and the app
MyStPauls will undergo a slight change in appearance for parents from mid-December. The main aim of this change is to ensure that MyStPauls is as easy to use as possible on mobile devices, which according to usage statistics is the way that most parents access the platform.  This change is also in response to feedback received from parents at our junior schools about MyStPauls usability.  The School is also responding to this feedback by phasing out the MyStPauls app in mid-2020.  Many parents expressed frustration with the app and as it is provided by an outside company using a template, the School had no way to make any of the improvements suggested by parents.
The best way to access MyStPauls on mobile in the future will be via https://my.stpaulsags.vic.edu.au/ using a phone internet browser.  This version of MyStPauls has all the features that were in the app although it does look slightly different.  However, using a laptop, computer or tablet will provide the best viewing experience of MyStPauls, if you have access to them.
The School’s IT Department is available to help any parents access MyStPauls via mobile browser.

Farewell
As I am retiring at the end of this year, I wanted to thank the St Paul’s community for the support I have received.  I started my teaching journey in 1983 at Yallourn Technical School and I joined Traralgon Secondary as Head of School after fifteen years as an Assistant Principal.  St Paul’s is my fourth school. During that time, I have never encountered the sense of community and family that I have felt at the Traralgon Campus.  It is hard to understand the sense of appreciation I have unless you have seen education through my eyes.  You can believe me when I say St Paul’s is a fabulous school community.  It has been a wonderful final chapter of my career, one that I feel blessed to have experienced.  I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a very merry and safe Christmas and a cheerful start to the new year.

Stephen Klemke
Head of Traralgon Secondary School

 

WHAT’S ON IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL

NOVEMBER
25 November to 6 December  Early Commencement
29 November  FOSP Walking Shopping Tour around Traralgon, 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm

DECEMBER
1 December  MIDCHURCH service, St James Anglican Church, Traralgon, 12:00 noon
2 to 4 December  Year 7 2020 Orientation
6 December  St James Community Lunch Excursion
Anglicare Community Engagement Project
10 December  East Timor Run
Theatre Sports, Traralgon Campus Gymnasium
11 December  Presentation Assembly, 11:45 am to 1:00 pm
Students Last Day of 2019 School Year, 3:30 pm finish
13 December  School Office Hours, 8:15 am to 10:45 am
16 December to 18 December  School Office Hours, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
19 December to 21 January  School Closed

JANUARY 2020
22 January to 24 January  School Office Hours, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
27 January   School Office Closed
28 January  School Office Hours, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Lamont Book Pop-Up Store, 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
29 January  Resume Regular Office Hours, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
31 January  Term 1 Commences
Traralgon Campus Welcome Assembly
School Photos

FEBRUARY 2020
4 February  Whole School Welcome Assembly, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium
12 February  Whole School Swimming Carnival

 

STUDENTS LOVE THE OUTDOOR LIFE ON CAMP

It was great to see how many of our Year 9 students loved their recent time on the Outdoor Education Camp, where they hiked, biked and rafted through the Baw Baw National Park and surrounds.  They were ably accompanied by teachers Mr Glen Treble, Mr Nathan Byrne and Mr Andrew McGrath.  Here are just a few reflections from our students:

Do you consider the camp a valuable experience? Why/why not?
“Yes, I considered it a valuable experience.  I learnt to push myself and live a short time without any comforts from home.  I learnt life goes on without my phone and I could live without my PlayStation.  I woke up in the middle of the night and I looked up at the stars.  They were beautiful and amazing and I believe I will never forget this moment.
I gained valuable lessons regarding life and friendship.  The leaders and the St Paul’s teachers were fantastic and I wish to thank them for their help in making this camp possible.”

What did you learn about yourself and those you were on camp with?
“I learnt that if I overcome the mental obstacle of “I can’t do it” and then I went and did it, it proves I can do just about anything.  I also learnt that although I missed my shower and personal hygiene routines, I can go days without a shower/use minimal hygiene if I do happen to be in a situation where that happens to me.  I learnt that the people who I was grouped with on camp are great team players as we all looked out for each other and left no one behind.”

Do you consider the camp a valuable experience? Why/why not?
“I definitely think this camp was a valuable experience for many reasons.  I learnt how to set up and take down a tent, care for myself with not a lot of hygiene resources, cook a meal on a wok/trangia and many other things.  I also felt accomplished after the five days as I had done so much – hiked and mountain biked nearly twenty kilometres each and rafted down white water rapids, all things I wouldn’t think I could do.

What did you learn about yourself and those you were on camp with?
“I learnt that I can hike, bike ride and raft.  There were moments that I felt like I could not make it but in the end I was proud and figured out I can do more than I thought.  I bonded with people on camp that I do not normally talk to which was great.  Many people have different strategies of doing things.  We all worked together and helped each other throughout the camp.”

 

MATHEMATICS TEXTBOOKS 2020

Years 7, 8, 9 and 10A Mathematics Textbooks for 2020
The Mathematics textbook ‘Essential Mathematics’ (Cambridge) was recently updated for the third edition and will serve as the primary text for these classes in 2020.  The third edition has been updated to a significant degree and so the second edition will no longer be suitable and second hand copies of the second should not be purchased.  The third edition of the text is available for purchase through St Paul’s textbook provider, Lamont.
The textbooks for Year 10 mainstream Mathematics, VCE Year 11 (Units 1 and 2) and Year 12 (Units 3 and 4) will not be changing.

If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Graham Dewhurst, Head of Mathematics.

 

ACCOMODATION FOR 2020 JAPANESE ASSISTANT

The Traralgon Campus Japanese Assistant, Claire has now left our school.  She was a wonderful asset to our classes and the students have enjoyed her presence in the classroom.  Our new assistant Takahashi Sensei, will be arriving at the end of January (possibly the last Saturday of the holidays).  We are currently looking for a family to provide a homestay for her in Term 1.  Please contact Ms Deborah Gatti on djgatti@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or on 5175 9222 to discuss whether there is any possibility of accommodating her.

 

FINANCE NEWS 

Fee Payment Reminder

•  Tuition Fees are now overdue for families that do not have an agreed payment arrangement in place.
•  Sundry invoices were due for payment by Friday 1 November 2019 and are now overdue.

Please arrange to pay outstanding invoices immediately.  Please refer to your original fee statement issued in January for payment details or call Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833 or email accountsreceivable@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

 

COFFEE FOR CHRISTMAS!

Would you like a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee?  $3 from every bag sold through the school goes towards our fundraising to build new classrooms for Ponilala Village School.  Growing and exporting coffee beans is also a sustainable and vital part of the Ermera district economy, where Ponilala is situated.  Your purchase will not only taste great but contribute to a worthy cause.

Bags of plunger, filter or beans can be purchased for $12.  Contact Andrea Heard aaheard@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or Kirsten Enders kenders@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au to place an order.

Warragul Junior School

From the Head of Warragul Junior School, Mr Rowan van Raay. As I write my final newsletter for 2019, it is hard to believe that …

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Warragul Junior School

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

As I write my final newsletter for 2019, it is hard to believe that the end of the school year is coming to an end in just over a week.  However, I am thrilled with my attempt to grow a mustache in support of Movember and men’s health which concludes today.  Thanks to the students and families who supported our Shave Off today!

Walk to School and Prep to Year 2 Athletics
Thanks to Mr Boraston for running another wonderful Walk to School and Prep to Year 2 Athletics Carnival recently.  It is always a joy to see the students chatting away to their friends whilst they walk to school and enjoying a light breakfast when they arrive at school.  My thanks to the staff and parents who assisted with preparing the fruit and to the staff and parents who accompanied our students on the walk.  Prep to Year 2 students then competed in their Athletics Carnival.  Thanks to the staff and Year 6 Leaders who also assisted on the day and to all of the parents and friends who attended to cheer on the students.  Congratulations to Navy House for being victorious on the day.  The icy poles went down a treat at the end, however, the staff ‘sprint’ did not take place to the dismay of ‘some’ staff members who had obviously been in training for weeks!  Word has it Mr Boraston is carrying an injury and did not want to get shown up!

Hoop Time and T20 Cricket
We also congratulate the Years 3 and 4 and Years 5 and 6 boys Hoop Time teams who competed at the state finals earlier this week.  The boys played really well and making it to this level is a great achievement.  I thank Mr Boraston for coaching both teams throughout the Hoop Time tournaments.  We also wish our T20 Boys Cricket team all the best when they compete in the state finals on 9 December.

Changes to MyStPauls and the app
MyStPauls will undergo a slight change in appearance for parents from mid-December. The main aim of this change is to ensure that MyStPauls is as easy to use as possible on mobile devices, which according to usage statistics is the way that most parents access the platform.  This change is also in response to feedback received from parents at our junior schools about MyStPauls usability.  The School is also responding to this feedback by phasing out the MyStPauls app in mid-2020.  Many parents expressed frustration with the app and as it is provided by an outside company using a template, the School had no way to make any of the improvements suggested by parents.
The best way to access MyStPauls on mobile in the future will be via https://my.stpaulsags.vic.edu.au/ using a phone internet browser.  This version of MyStPauls has all the features that were in the app although it does look slightly different.  However, using a laptop, computer or tablet will provide the best viewing experience of MyStPauls, if you have access to them.
The School’s IT Department is available to help any parents access MyStPauls via mobile browser.

2020 Orientation Program
Year 6 students will commence their three day orientation to Year 7 on Monday 2 December while our Prep to Year 5 students will spend time with their 2020 teacher and classmates next Tuesday from 12:00 noon.  2020 class lists will be sent home with students on this day.

End of Year Reports
End of year reports for Prep to Year 5 will be sent home with students next Wednesday while our Year 6 students will receive theirs on Thursday.  Please check your child’s bag and contact the Junior School office as soon as possible if it does not make it home.

ELC Night of Celebration
All of our ELC students who will finish their year with their ‘Night of Celebration’ next Wednesday evening in the Junior School Gymnasium.  This is a time to reflect and celebrate the wonderful year the children have had with all of our ELC staff.  My thanks to all of the staff, students and families of the ELC for another wonderful year together.

2020 Junior School Leaders
Our 2020 Junior School Leaders were announced on Monday and I would like to congratulate all of the Year 5s for applying for a leadership position.  My thanks to Mr Barkla and Mrs Davies for once again overseeing the process this year.  An official handover from our current Year 6s will take place at our Presentation Assembly on Wednesday 11 December.  A reminder that this assembly will commence at 9:30 am and will be held in the Secondary School Gymnasium.  Students will return to the Junior School following the assembly and will be free to go home from 11:30 am.  Students remaining at school will be supervised until 3:20 pm.  After school care is available for families who require it (please let Camp Australia know if your child/ren will be attending after school care).  Buses will also run if required.

Year 6 Dinner
We will be holding our annual Year 6 Dinner on Monday 9 December (6:00 pm for a 6:30 pm start).  It is a wonderful night for our Year 6 students and their families.  The students share their highlights of their time in the Junior School and presented each other with a certificate of success.  Mr Jim Asimakopoulos OAM will once again be our guest speaker.  It takes a lot of work and I thank those who have helped to organise this celebration for our students and their families.

Thank You
I would like to thank all of the parents and friends who have assisted in our Junior School throughout the year, with helping in the classrooms with reading, Maths and Literacy rotations, attending as guest speakers, covering books, making costumes, assisting at the Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls, attending excursions, assisting with sports teams, assisting during sports carnivals, attending assemblies, helping in the Kitchen Garden or supporting any of the many activities that take place in our Junior School.  Many of these wonderful events could not happen without your support. Thanks again everyone!

Thanks to all of the parents who have been involved in FOSTA this year.  Your assistance and continued support of our Junior School is very much appreciated.  Our thanks to Mrs Louise Leighton for coordinating FOSTA and Parents Matter again in 2019.  To be in line with other parent groups in the school, FOSTA will revert back to being FOSP (Friends of St Paul’s) from the beginning of next year.

I thank all of the teaching and education support staff who have worked with our ELC and Junior School students throughout 2019.  We thank and wish Mrs Carmody, Miss McGrath and Ms Ellis all the best as they leave us to take positions at other schools and to Ms McCraw and Mrs Baxter for their work with the Preps this year.  We wish Mrs Browne well as she takes extended leave in 2020 and Mr Faumuina who takes long service leave during Term 1.

Thanks also to all of our great support staff Bec, Izzy and Luisa in the office, our maintenance team, our IT Department, cleaners, gardener, After School Care staff, Finance Department, Enrolments team, HR and Marketing team, canteen staff, Bus Coordinator, Performing Arts staff, crossing supervisors and all of the staff in the Secondary School administration.  We wish Izzy all the best as her traineeship finishes with us at the beginning of next year.

Well done to all of our students for another year full of adventure, fun and learning.  We have all worked hard, shared many laughs and a few tears along the way.  I wish all of the Year 6s and the students and staff moving on to other schools, all the very best.

Finally, I wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas (when we get there!) and I look forward to seeing you in 2020!

Rowan van Raay
Head of Warragul Junior School



 

WHAT’S ON IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

NOVEMBER
29 November  Prep 2020 Transition Session 4
2020 ELC Transition

DECEMBER
2 December  St Paul’s Parent Prayer Group, Prideaux Centre, 9:00 am
2 to 4 December  2020 Year 7 Transition
3 December  Orientation Day for 2020 Years 1 to 6
4 December  Year 4 Excursion to Traralgon Junior School
ELC Night of Celebration
5 December  Prep to Year 2 Christmas Bush Dance
6 December  Community Christmas Concert
Years 3 to 5 Swim Trials
9 December  Year 6 Dinner
10 December  Year 6 Swimming Celebration Morning
11 December  Presentation Assembly, 9:30 am to 11:00 am, Secondary School Gymnasium
Students Last Day of 2019 School Year, 3:20 pm finish

JANUARY 2020
31 January  Term 1 Commences
Prep and New Student Photos
Year 6 Leadership Day
Welcome Assembly, Junior School Gymnasium, 2:00 pm

FEBRUARY 2020
3 February  Years 3 to 6 Welcome and Parent Information Evening, Junior School Gymnasium, 7:00 pm
4 February  Whole School Welcome Assembly, Secondary School Gymnasium, 10:30 am
5 February  Year 3 and New Students Swim Trials
No Preps
10 February  Leaders Induction Service, Junior School Gymnasium, 2:20 pm
Prep to Year 2 Welcome and Parent Information Evening, Junior School Gymnasium, 7:00 pm
12 February  Years 3 to 6 Swimming Carnival
No Preps
19 February  No Preps
21 February  District Swimming (selected students)
Welcome Barbeque, 5:30 pm

 

 

FINANCE NEWS 

Fee Payment Reminder

•  Tuition Fees are now overdue for families that do not have an agreed payment arrangement in place.
•  Sundry invoices were due for payment by Friday 1 November 2019 and are now overdue.

Please arrange to pay outstanding invoices immediately.  Please refer to your original fee statement issued in January for payment details or call Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833 or email accountsreceivable@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

 

COFFEE FOR CHRISTMAS!

Would you like a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee?  $3 from every bag sold through the school goes towards our fundraising to build new classrooms for Ponilala Village School.  Growing and exporting coffee beans is also a sustainable and vital part of the Ermera district economy, where Ponilala is situated.  Your purchase will not only taste great but contribute to a worthy cause.

Bags of plunger, filter or beans can be purchased for $12.  Contact Andrea Heard aaheard@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or Kirsten Enders kenders@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au to place an order.

 

ST PAUL’S PARENT PRAYER GROUP

If you are interested in getting together with other parents of the School to pray, you are most welcome to join the following two prayer groups:
First Monday of the month, 9:00 am Prideaux Centre, Warragul Junior School.  (Next gathering 2 December)
Contact: Sheryn Cutler 0417 158 937
Fridays Fortnightly, 9:15 am, Jenny Charles’ home
Contact: Jenny Charles 0402 249 036

“Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need and thank Him for all that He has done.” Philippians 4:6

 

Warragul Secondary School

From the Head of Warragul Secondary School, Ms Laura Butterworth. As 2019 gently draws to a close it is hard not to reflect on a …

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Warragul Secondary School

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

As 2019 gently draws to a close it is hard not to reflect on a year that has delivered both great sadness and many moments of great joy for our St Paul’s community.  I have witnessed so many acts of genuine care and compassion this year that have lifted my spirits and made me very proud to lead Warragul Secondary School and the students and staff who attend each day.  I would like to extend a very sincere thank you to our parents, students and staff for their support of our school this year.

On Friday 22 November we officially farewelled the Class of 2019 with their Valedictory Dinner held at Lardner Park.  I would like to acknowledge the organisational efforts of Ms Christie Bransgrove and the inspirational speeches delivered by our Alumni guest speaker Mrs Stacey Rowe (nee Emmett, class of 1998) and our 2019 Valedictorian Teagan Chapman.  It was a wonderfully entertaining night celebrating with a unique group of graduates who will be missed here at St Paul’s.  We will eagerly await the release of their results and wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

I would also like to congratulate the Performing Arts staff and students who contributed to the Middle School Concert held at the West Gippsland Arts Centre on Tuesday 26 November.  There was some incredible talent performing on that big stage on Tuesday night and each item was professional and polished.  All students and staff involved should be very proud of their role in the success of this event.

Finally I would like to wish our Year 11 students and Ms Kylie Sinclair safe travels as they depart on the French exchange today.  This long standing partnership with Aimé Césaire  provides a memorable experience for our students and we look forward to hearing about their adventure on their return.

I wish all of our families a relaxing and joyous break and a very merry Christmas.

Presentation Assembly 2019
A final reminder that our Presentation Assembly this year will be held on Wednesday 11 December from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm.  Students can be dismissed from the gymnasium with their families at the conclusion of this event or remain to catch their normal bus/transport home.  All students who have transitioned to Years 8 to 12 for 2020 are expected to attend in full school uniform and all parents and guardians are invited to attend as well.  For those families who have a child at another campus their assemblies will run at the following times:
•  Warragul Junior School, 9:30 am in the Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium
•  Traralgon Junior School, 9:15 am in the Traralgon Secondary School Gymnasium (change from 9:30 am)
•  Traralgon Secondary School, 11:45 am in the Traralgon Secondary School Gymnasium

The final days of 2019
Our 2020 Years 11 and 12 students will attend their final classes on Friday 6 December.  All students are expected to attend our Presentation Assembly on Wednesday 11 December at 1:30 pm.  Students who are now in Years 8 to 10 will continue their Early Commencement classes until the day of the Presentation Assembly and will complete their year at the end of this assembly.
Students who have been elected to a leadership position in 2020 will attend a student leadership workshop to be held on Monday 9 December from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.  A letter will be emailed to the parents of those students advising of further details.

Changes to MyStPauls and the app
MyStPauls will undergo a slight change in appearance for parents from mid-December. The main aim of this change is to ensure that MyStPauls is as easy to use as possible on mobile devices, which according to usage statistics is the way that most parents access the platform.  This change is also in response to feedback received from parents at our junior schools about MyStPauls usability.  The School is also responding to this feedback by phasing out the MyStPauls app in mid-2020.  Many parents expressed frustration with the app and as it is provided by an outside company using a template, the School had no way to make any of the improvements suggested by parents.
The best way to access MyStPauls on mobile in the future will be via https://my.stpaulsags.vic.edu.au/ using a phone internet browser.  This version of MyStPauls has all the features that were in the app although it does look slightly different.  However, using a laptop, computer or tablet will provide the best viewing experience of MyStPauls, if you have access to them.
The School’s IT Department is available to help any parents access MyStPauls via mobile browser.
Help us to help local families this Christmas
In the last Grammarian we mentioned that we are supporting the Baw Baw Combined Churches Food Relief Centre with our end of year fundraising.  We will provide tubs in the foyer of the gymnasium for students and families to leave a donation as they arrive for the Presentation Assembly.  All donations raised through the Prideaux Gallop, to be held on 10 December, will also be used to purchase food for this cause.  Currently the tubs are set up outside our library so students and staff can make donations up until this time.  Donations of canned or packaged food with an extended shelf life, such as tinned fruit and vegetables, packaged biscuits or jelly crystals, are in high demand and would be appreciated by this service.

First day of 2020
All students from Years 7 through to 12 will begin the 2020 academic year on Friday 31 January.  School photos will be taken on this day.  Each Head of Year will send a letter home to their respective families before school begins and this will include key dates and other important information and reminders.

Ms Laura Butterworth
Head of Warragul Secondary School

 

WHAT’S ON IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL

NOVEMBER
29 November to 14 January  French Exchange Students Tour France

DECEMBER
1 to 6 December 
National Schools Basketball Championships, State Basketball Centre and Dandenong Basketball Stadium
2 December  St Paul’s Parent Prayer Group, Prideaux Centre, 9:00 am
2 December to 4 December
  Year 7 2020 Orientation
5 December  Leaders Induction Assembly, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium, 10:00 am to 11:10 am
6 December  Timor Christmas Stall, outside Dobsons Uniform Shop area, 12:55 pm to 1:45 pm
2020 Years 11 and 12 Final Day of Classes
9 December  Student Leaders Workshop, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
10 December  Prideaux Gallop, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium, 9:10 am to 10:50 am
Presentation Assembly Rehearsal, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
11 December  Presentation Assembly, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Students Last Day of 2019 School Year, 3:30 pm finish
14 December  Dr Mary Cole’s ‘Gathering of Friends’, Garfield, 5:00 pm

 

WARRAGUL SECONDARY SCHOOL RECEPTION HOURS

13 December 2019  Office closed from 11:45 am
16 to 19 December  Office open, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
20 December 2019 to 10 January 2020  Office closed
13 January to 22 January  Office open, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
23 January and 24 January  8:00 am to 5:00 pm
27 January  Office closed, Australia Day Public Holiday
28 January  Office open, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (regular office hours commence)

 

 

SUBJECT CHANGES

Please be aware that subject changes will only occur in early commencement this year, there will be no subject changes allowed in 2020.

 

END OF YEAR 10 CELEBRATION

Last Monday afternoon, the Year 10 cohort enjoyed an afternoon together celebrating the end of Year 10.
At the suggestion of the Year 10 Leaders, an afternoon of fun and activities was organised.  We travelled to the Burke Street Park and enjoyed a picnic lunch together.  We then had the choice to stay in the park and play some fun recreational games including ‘Frolf’ (Frisbee golf), Kubb, Finska, Giant Connect 4 and Giant Chess; or we could head over to the Leisure Centre to spend time in the outdoor pool and play some basketball.
It was really nice to have something to look forward to and we were very lucky with the weather, enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.
We would like to thank Mrs Percy for organising everything and Year 10 teachers Mr Coombs, Ms Wearne, Ms Byrne and Mr Staben who accompanied us on the day.

 

 

WISDOM, INTEGRITY, COMPASSION AND RESPECT FOR THE COMMUNITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

During the year, Year 10 Food Discovery students, Principal Mr Cameron Herbert, Deputy Principal Ms Donna Sweeney and staff visited FareShare food rescue organisation in Abbotsford, making food for those in need from rescued food, while also reducing the amount of food that needlessly goes into landfill.   On their return to school on this day, students then visited Baw Baw Shire Combined Churches Food Relief, to see where the food goes, which they made during the morning at FareShare.  Once back at school, students used their own excess produce from home, to make and donate orange poppy seed muffins to Warragul Food Relief, to further help people in their local community and reduce the waste of embodied energy during food production.  This experience not only reinforces sustainable food production knowledge learnt during this course, it also reinforces each of the School’s values: Wisdom, Integrity, Compassion and Respect.

Mrs Cleversley, Amelia, Imogen, Georgia, Sammy, Michael, Kerry, Mrs Day-Henning, Tristan, Mrs Mathews, Daniel and Principal Mr Cameron Herbert.

Evie, Mrs Cleversley, Maddy, Benjamin, Alice, Mrs Day-Henning, Mietta, Kaelan, Jackson, Mariam and Deputy Principal Ms Donna Sweeney.

Maddy, Evie, Alice, Mietta, Mariam, Benjamin, Kaelan and Jackson.

 

MATHEMATICS TEXTBOOKS 2020

Years 7, 8, 9 and 10A Mathematics Textbooks for 2020
The Mathematics textbook ‘Essential Mathematics’ (Cambridge) was recently updated for the third edition and will serve as the primary text for these classes in 2020.  The third edition has been updated to a significant degree and so the second edition will no longer be suitable and second hand copies of the second should not be purchased.  The third edition of the text is available for purchase through St Paul’s textbook provider, Lamont.
The textbooks for Year 10 mainstream Mathematics, VCE Year 11 (Units 1 and 2) and Year 12 (Units 3 and 4) will not be changing.

If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Graham Dewhurst, Head of Mathematics.

 

FINANCE NEWS 

Fee Payment Reminder

•  Tuition Fees are now overdue for families that do not have an agreed payment arrangement in place.
•  Sundry invoices were due for payment by Friday 1 November 2019 and are now overdue.

Please arrange to pay outstanding invoices immediately.  Please refer to your original fee statement issued in January for payment details or call Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833 or email accountsreceivable@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

 

COFFEE FOR CHRISTMAS!

Would you like a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee?  $3 from every bag sold through the school goes towards our fundraising to build new classrooms for Ponilala Village School.  Growing and exporting coffee beans is also a sustainable and vital part of the Ermera district economy, where Ponilala is situated.  Your purchase will not only taste great but contribute to a worthy cause.

Bags of plunger, filter or beans can be purchased for $12.  Contact Andrea Heard aaheard@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or Kirsten Enders kenders@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au to place an order.

 

ST PAUL’S PARENT PRAYER GROUP

If you are interested in getting together with other parents of the School to pray, you are most welcome to join the following two prayer groups:
First Monday of the month, 9:00 am Prideaux Centre, Warragul Junior School.  (Next gathering 2 December)
Contact: Sheryn Cutler 0417 158 937
Fridays Fortnightly, 9:15 am, Jenny Charles’ home
Contact: Jenny Charles 0402 249 036

“Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need and thank Him for all that He has done.” Philippians 4:6

From the Principal

St Paul’s is part of a network of co-educational independent schools called Ecumenical Schools Australia.  This year, for the first time, Ecumenical Schools Australia has …

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St Paul’s is part of a network of co-educational independent schools called Ecumenical Schools Australia.  This year, for the first time, Ecumenical Schools Australia has recognised a Year 11 student from each member school with the Reverend John Leaver Award.  Having passed away last year, John Leaver was responsible for the foundation of a number of schools in our network.  He was awarded the Order of Australia in 2000 for his services to education and his work in the community.  A beautiful blackwood trophy has been created for us by ‘Flynn Silver’ brothers, Dan and John Flynn, as a perpetual award, commencing this year.

The recipient of the Reverend John Leaver Award must be a student who exemplifies characteristics typified by John Leaver himself, namely:
•  A demonstrated spirit of compassion;
•  Resilience – a sturdy resolve in the face of obstacles;
•  Ability to connect with others, including those of other generations; and
•  Broad-mindedness, like that which brings together people of different denominations and different faiths.

The inaugural winner of the Reverend John Leaver Award at St Paul’s is James Gourley.

As this is the final Grammarian for the year, I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate our students on their achievements during 2019.  I also wish to acknowledge and thank our staff and school families for working together in support of our students and one another.  The importance of cooperation between parents, staff and students is often mentioned by educators, but it can never be overemphasised.  We are fortunate indeed at St Paul’s to have an abundance of supportive, cooperative families.  For this, we are always grateful.

I wish everyone a safe journey to the end of the year, a joyous Christmas and a prosperous 2020.

Cameron Herbert
Principal