From the Principal

For the first time in a long time, we have completed a full term without any remote learning. We have also had the delightful experience of participating in all the scheduled SEISA Interschool sporting events, completing a very successful term for St Paul’s in the sporting arena.

Following our win in the SEISA Swimming Carnival, St Paul’s also competed superbly in the recent Interschool Athletics Carnival, finishing runners-up. We had four Age Champions: Rhys Galvin (U21), Rogan Rutter (U16), James Denton (U13) and Lachlan Rosato (U12). This week’s round of SEISA Summer Sports for Intermediate and Senior students brought a satisfactory conclusion to the season, with the following teams finishing on top of their ladder.


SEISA Champion Teams, Term 1 2022

• Intermediate Girls Netball – B Team
• Boys Tennis – B Team
• Intermediate Boys Basketball
• Swimming

Also worthy of mention is the Intermediate Boys Cricket team who defeated Newhaven College yesterday to finish on equal points at the top of the ladder.

Congratulations to all SEISA participants and coaches for an outstanding effort. We thank our Heads of Sport, Melissa Hoskings and Sandra Timmer-Arends for their excellent organisation and leadership to help make all our sporting events during this busy first term a huge success.

I wish all our students and families a safe and happy Easter holiday and look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 2 on Tuesday 26 April.

Cameron Herbert
Principal

 

 

Warragul Junior School

From the Head of Warragul Junior School, Mr Rowan van Raay. It is hard to believe we have come to the end of Term 1 …

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Warragul Junior School

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

It is hard to believe we have come to the end of Term 1 and we are heading into our holidays and Easter break. Whilst our aim this term was to settle back into ‘school routines’ we have also managed to squeeze in as many events as we could following the regulations that are still in place.  I would like to thank all families for their cooperation in navigating our way through RAT testing and mask wearing in order to maintain a safe environment within our school. We can all be well pleased that although we did have a number of positive cases throughout the term, we managed to keep the amount under control.

Welcome
We welcomed two new students and their families to St Paul’s and our Junior School recently. Ricky Kipps joined 5W3 while Welly Haines-Murphy commenced in 3W2.

Excursions
It was so nice to be able to experience the joys of an ‘excursion’ once again. I had the pleasure of joining the Preps on their visit to Farm World. It was lovely to spend time with my group collecting ‘goodies’ and wandering around visiting stalls and talking about all the things we could purchase for the Junior School, if we only had bigger sandpits! Our Year 2 students enjoyed a day out at Old Gippstown, Heritage Park in Moe last Friday, experiencing the 1850s as part of their integrated topic this term. Our Preps and Year 2s were complimented for their overall behaviour and good manners. My thanks to the parents/grandparents who were able to join us on these excursions.

Family BBQ
It was lovely to see so many families attend our Family BBQ recently. There was a relaxed atmosphere (except for during the parent Grand Prix races!) and it was nice to be able to gather as a school community once again. My thanks to the Secondary School students and our Term 1 SRC reps who ran activities for the children. Thanks also to staff for assisting on the night (we cooked over 700 sausages!) following a very busy week.

District Athletics
Well done to all of the students who competed at the District Athletics Carnival at the Geoff Watt track in Warragul last week. Many students made it through the Divisional which will be held on Tuesday 3 May next term. Thanks to Mr Boraston, Mrs Oldham and Ms Denton who attended and assisted on the day.

Community Easter Egg Hunt
My thanks to the Year 6 students who assisted with the Community Easter Egg Hunt last Thursday. I also thank the families who attended and the Junior School staff, Marketing team and parent helpers who assisted on the day; it was a lot of fun! Easter Bunny was also very entertaining ????.

Parent/Teacher Interviews
Parent/Teacher interviews were conducted this week with 420 bookings made and my thanks to staff and families who met to discuss progress at this stage of the year. If any families were not able to meet this week, please ensure you make a time with your child’s teacher to meet early next term at a mutually agreeable time.

Special Lunch Deal
My thanks to Friends of St Paul’s for organising our special lunch deal today. The SRC also conducted a casual clothes day with money raised going towards the Red Cross Flood Relief for NSW and QLD.

Year 5 and 6 Personal Development
Our thanks to Mrs Leighton for running our Personal Development sessions with our Years 5 and 6 students. These sessions have been most informative for our students and we hope conversations are continuing at home with families.

Uniform
A reminder that during Weeks 1 and 2 next term, Years 3 to 6 students may wear either the summer or winter uniform as we transition from the warmer days to the cooler days. From Week 3 (Monday 9 May), students must wear the winter uniform, including the blazer to and from school (students may wear shorts).

Year 5 Camp
A reminder to Year 5 families that Year 5 campers depart on day one next term, Tuesday 26 April. Information regarding our COVIDSafe plans was emailed to Year 5 families yesterday.

As Term 1 comes to a close, I wish families and staff a safe and relaxing break and hope everyone enjoys some downtime over the Easter break. For those heading away, please travel safely and I look forward to seeing you next term.

Rowan van Raay
Head of Warragul Junior School

 

WHAT’S ON

APRIL
8 April  Easter Service
End of Term 1, 2:20 pm finish
26 April  Term 2 commences
ANZAC Day Service
26 to 29 April  Year 5 Camp, The Ranch Mornington Peninsula
29 April  State Swimming (selected students)
Year 5 campers return

MAY
2 May 
Parent Prayer Group, Prideaux Centre, Warragul Junior School, 9:00 am 
2 to 6 May
  Year 6 Camp, Camp Coolamatong
3 May  Division Athletics (selected students)
6 May  Mother’s Day Stall
Year 6 campers return

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

 

JUNIOR SCHOOL OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS

Monday 11 April  CLOSED
Tuesday 12 April and Wednesday 13 April  OPEN 10:00am to 3:00pm
Thursday 14 April to Thursday 21 April  CLOSED
Friday 22 April OPEN 10:00am to 3:00pm
Monday 25 April  CLOSED (ANZAC DAY)
Tuesday 26 April  OPEN (Term 2 commences)

 

DOBSONS TRADING HOURS

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

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

 

ST PAUL’S HAVE A SUCCESSFUL DAY ON THE TRACK AT SEISA ATHLETICS

On Monday 4 April, St Paul’s students competed in the SEISA Athletics Competition at the Casey Fields Regional Athletics Centre in Cranbourne East. Students from all four campuses formed our team for the day. St Paul’s placed second in the overall championship and had four students achieve Age Group Champions.
Well done to the following students:
•  Lachlan Rosato – U/12 Male
•  James Denton – U/13 Male
•  Rogan Rutter – U/16 Male
•  Rhys Galvin – U/21 Male

A number of St Paul’s students also broke records on the day.

Melissa Hoskings
Head of Sport, Warragul

 

ST PAUL’S INTERSCHOOL DRESSAGE DAY AT FARM WORLD!

On Friday 25 March, students of all ages competed in our Interschool Dressage Day, assisting with duties including pencilling and gear checking to run the competition, and showcased their talents in the equestrian field. We would like to congratulate Tahlia (Elementary Competition Champion), Phoebe (Preliminary Competition Champion) and Kate (Reserve Preliminary Champion) on their achievements!

Our students displayed excellent sportsmanship and beautifully presented our school values at Farm World. The organising committee was in awe of our students, exclaiming they were amazing – so helpful, professional and friendly!

Melissa Hoskings
Head of Sport, Warragul

 

ST PAUL’S PARENT PRAYER GROUP

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

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

Our next gathering is Monday 2 May, 9:00 am in the Prideaux Centre, Warragul Junior School
Contact:  Sheryn Cutler 0417 158 937 or sheryn.cutler@gmail.com

 

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A ST PAUL’S COMPANY MEMBER OR BOARD DIRECTOR?

Membership of Company
Are you aware parents are able to become members of the St Paul’s School Company?

At present there are over sixty members of the School’s Company. Applying for membership involves completing an application form and submitting a fee of $20.00. Continued membership involves renewing your membership once a year and paying an ongoing annual fee of $20.00.

Company membership entitles the member to attend the School’s Annual General Meeting in May each year and also to cast a vote in the event of an election of Directors to the School Board.

Persons interested in applying for new membership of the Company can obtain an Application for Company Membership form from the School’s website or by contacting Carol Reid via email creid@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au.

New applications should be received by 25 April 2022 for consideration at the April Board Meeting in preparation for this year’s Annual General Meeting.

Becoming a Board Director
In keeping with the Board’s commitment to an inclusive governance approach within the School community, persons interested in potentially filling a Board vacancy are encouraged to become a member of the Company and respond to the nomination/election process prior to the Annual General Meeting on 25 May 2022.

Nomination forms for Board Directorship are required to be forwarded to the Company Secretary no later than Tuesday 26 April 2022 at 5:00 pm.

If you have any questions in relation to the Board vacancies or are seeking a nomination form, please contact Mrs Leah Young, Company Secretary via email companysecretary@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or phone 5623 5833.

Annual General Meeting, Wednesday 25 May 2022
The Annual General Meeting of St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School is to be held on Wednesday 25 May 2022 at the Warragul Campus commencing at 5:30 pm for members of the Company.

 

FINANCE NEWS

Annual Fee Account
Families have recently received via email an annual fee account for 2022. If you have any queries in relation to your annual fee account, please contact Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833. As detailed on the second page of the account, payment options are:

Direct Debit
All families are encouraged to participate in the School’s direct debit payment arrangement.

We offer fortnightly instalments (22 payments) on Wednesdays or Fridays that commenced 4 February and Monthly instalments (10 payments) that commenced 15 February 2022.

Other direct debit payment dates are also available by arrangement.

Should families wish to commence payment by Direct Debit, please contact Mr Peter Lees, accountsreceivable@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au as soon as possible to set up an arrangement.

Please find the direct debit form on the School website at this link, https://stpaulsags.vic.edu.au/enrolment/school-fees/

Instalments (due dates)
Instalment 2 – 8 April 2022
Instalment 3 – 3 June 2022
Instalment 4 – 12 August 2022

Private Car Conveyance Allowance
Families driving students more than 4.8 kilometres to attend St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School may be eligible to receive a conveyance allowance. For further information on the eligibility criteria and application process, please refer to, https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/conveyance-allowance/policy

Eligible families applying for the car conveyance allowance will have funds credited to their fee account during the year. If the fee account has been paid in full, or is on a direct debit arrangement, any allocation will show as a credit on the following year’s invoice.

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides payments directly to the school for the benefit of the eligible student to attend camps, sports and excursions. Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. $125 per year will be paid for eligible primary school students and $225 per year paid for eligible secondary school students. Payments will go directly to the school and be tied to the student. For more information and to download the application form please go to, https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/csef.aspx

Parents are encouraged to lodge the application form immediately. The CSEF program for 2022 closes at the end of Term 2. All forms must be received by 15 June 2022 to be processed.

For parents who received CSEF at the school in 2021 (and the student/s are still enrolled in 2022), the schools will ‘copy’ the application across from 2021 to 2022 on the CSEF system. The CSEF system will automatically validate the parent’s eligibility with Centrelink.

Traralgon Junior School

From the Head of Traralgon Junior School, Ms Tracey King. What a wonderful term we have all experienced. It has certainly been busy and full …

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Traralgon Junior School

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

What a wonderful term we have all experienced. It has certainly been busy and full of learning and special events. The final weeks of term have continued to provide many opportunities for our school community to come together and celebrate our students and their learning.

Family Fun Night
Family Fun Night was well attended and it was lovely to see everyone at school together enjoying activities, catching up socially and meeting new families. Our Years 5 and 6 students are to be congratulated on their leadership during the evening ensuring there were engaging and entertaining activities for everyone. We joined in Billy Karts, Guess the Jellybeans in the Jar, Drawing Competitions, Basketball Shooting Competitions, Nerf Tag, Four Square, Target Throw, Bowling Legends, It’s Great to Create, Nail Polish and Beading, Scavenger Hunts, Obstacle Courses and more. African Drumming, Farm Animals and Fizzy Face painting were also popular activities. Thank you to Gippsland Jersey Milkshake Van for providing delicious shakes throughout the evening. Our wonderful Friends of St Paul’s (FOSP) parents again cooked up a feast on the barbeque with sausages hamburgers and veggie burgers. Our music tutors and teachers provided beautiful music throughout the evening showcasing their talents.  Many thanks to students, families, teachers and FOSP for your contributions to a really lovely evening.

Early Learning and Prep Discovery Morning
Our Early Learning Centre (ELC) and Prep classrooms were open for Discovery Mornings last week and teachers were excited to welcome new families to St Paul’s Junior School and to share our programs and facilities. Outdoor play in the beautiful garden setting of our ELC was popular and families were impressed with the literacy lesson being shared in the Prep classrooms where our youngest students modelled some of their advanced reading and writing skills.

Cross Country
Cross Country was held on Wednesday and the big black clouds held onto their rain just long enough for all year levels to complete their courses. Students were determined and did a fabulous job running their distances. Congratulations to all students and well done to those who placed first, second, third and fourth in each age group. These students will now be heading off to District Cross Country to represent St Paul’s in Term 2. Thank you to Mr Rilen for his wonderful organization of this event and to our teachers for their efforts in supervising and encouraging students.
Athletics Age Champions
We announced the age champions from our Athletics Carnival at assembly and each winner was presented with a special medallion. Congratulations to the following students:

8/9 Boys 1st – Ilias Clavarino
8/9 Girls – 1st – Abi Dean
10 Boys – 1st – Rick Swanepoel
10 Girls – 1st – Ava Dean
11 Boys – 1st – David Ogabiela
11 Girls – 1st – Gracie Hasthorpe
12/13 Boys – 1st – Jack Riddle
12/13 Girls – 1st – Phoebe Balcombe

The final results from the Athletics Carnival declared Navy House victorious and secure the Athletics Shield for 2022.   All students are to be acknowledged for their participation and enthusiasm.

4th Place 970 points Emerald House
3rd place with 988 points Burgundy House
2nd place with 1094 points Gold House
1st place with 1113 points Navy House

Congratulations to everyone who participated and competed.

Hoodie Up for Autism
Hoodie Up for Autism was acknowledged in our Junior School this week and it was a terrific opportunity to share with students the need for inclusion and acceptance of difference. Many students wore their hoodies to school and helped to raise funds for AMAZE. There were many open discussions across the school and a display of compassion and understanding from many of our students about neurodiversity.

Autism is a condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment. It is estimated that 1 in 70 people are on the autism spectrum. There are lots of myths and misunderstandings about autism but while many Autistic people experience difficulties, with the right support, understanding and acceptance Autistic people can achieve a great quality of life and can make significant contributions to their communities.

The most radical act you can perform as an ally to Autistic people is to accept them exactly as they are and beyond that to celebrate them and their neurotype. How wonderful it would be to live in a world in which all neurotypes are celebrated for the rich diversity they contribute, just as we do with unusual hair or eye colour, specific skills and traits in athleticism, art and variety of personality for example. The world would be dull if we were all the same.

Easter Egg Hunts
Our Community Easter Egg Hunt was alot of fun with over 200 people participating!  Easter Bunny joined the hunt and helped lots of little people follow their maps and find their treasures across the school.  It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces and lovely to see parents on-site together enjoying the event and the sunshine.  Lots of chocolate eggs were shared and eaten along with an afternoon tea of hot cross buns, dip, carrots and celery. Everyone headed home with big smiles!

Our final day of term involved students participating in our Easter Service assembly followed by our FOSP Easter Egg Hunt. Many thanks and acknowledgment to our wonderful FOSP group of parents who have been extremely busy assisting with a number of events this term.

Staffing News
We have welcomed Mr Wyatt Begg-Wright to our Library team recently. Wyatt is our Traralgon Library Technician and has been busy learning about St Paul’s processes and systems and meeting all of our students. Erin Meadows has continued to work with us this term however from Term 2 will be shifting to the Warragul Campus Library. We will on occasion enjoy a visit from Erin but for now we farewell her. Erin is thanked for her contributions to the Junior School and library and many special events. Her warm manner with our students will be missed as well as her beautiful and creative displays.

Ondine Olsson is congratulated on her appointment to Administration Assistant and we are very excited to have her working with us throughout 2022. We also welcome Stephanie Vozzo to the Administration Team. Stephanie will be joining us in the Junior School office throughout the year during busy times and when others are on leave. Our Junior School office can be very busy at times and I thank our families for their patience as our new staff learn about our processes and get to know everyone.

School Uniform
As Term 1 comes to an end and we begin looking forward, it is time to get the formal winter uniform ready for the commencement of Term 2. We begin day one of next term in full winter uniform for our students in Years 3 to 6. Please ensure that your child has checked that they still have all items of the uniform and that they fit them appropriately. Students may wear either the long or short sleeved shirt but must wear a tie with shirts tucked in. They also have a choice of wearing either long pants with grey socks or shorts with blue socks. Blazers are a compulsory item to be worn to and from school each day in the winter terms (Terms 2 and 3). Please ensure your child leaves your home wearing theirs each day.

School Photos
Annual school photos will be taken by Arthur Reed Photos on Friday 29 April. Students in Years 3 to 6 must be in their formal uniform with their blazer, there will be no PE classes on this day.  Family photos will be done this year and we will be in touch soon with the specific details for these. There is no need to return any forms or money to school and no orders can be placed online prior to photo day. Further details will be sent home on the first day of Term 2.

Thank you to our teachers and support staff for a fabulous Term 1. The commitment, energy and enthusiasm of our teaching team have been outstanding and very much appreciated throughout a busy term. Thank you to all of our families for your support and involvement. Working together has ensured a positive start to 2022; lots of happy students and wonderful learning experiences.

I wish all of our St Paul’s families a wonderful Easter break and thank you all for your support throughout the term and for conscientiously maintaining COVID-19 protocols. Please enjoy your Term 1 holiday, have a rest, recharge and stay safe. Happy Easter!

Class Updates

Prep
Phew! we have made it to the end of the first term. Our Prep students should be congratulated for their efforts in becoming increasingly independent in the classroom and the playground. They have embraced their learning and enjoyed many exciting events at school. There have been many ‘firsts’ and this week was no exception. Prep students joined the rest of the school to take part in their first cross country run. The rain stayed away and everyone did their best, having a go at running around the 500m track!  Congratulations Prep Students!
Year 1
It has been a very busy end to the term in Year 1. Students have been learning about punctuation that they can use in their writing. They have enthusiastically participated in Kung Fu Punctuation moves to represent capital letters, full stops, question marks, exclamation marks and commas. Students have also reached the end of our Staying Alive unit. They identified and sorted photos as to whether they looked safe or unsafe, before writing or drawing how the unsafe ones could be improved. We finished the term with our whole school cross country. The Year 1 students ran 700m around the school and did a fantastic job cheering on students from other year levels as they raced.
Year 2
The Year 2 students have embarked on their first project for the year, and boy have we had fun! We have started to follow the design process to design our garden beds and focused on elements of presentation too. As part of our Garden to Plate unit, the Year 2 students have learnt a lot about germination and the process of growing food. In Maths, we recently explored 2D and 3D shapes to support the students as they design their own gardens. Our co-curricular events and Buddies have been a hit over the past fortnight and we wait to see what Term 2 brings.
Year 3
In the final few weeks of Term 1, Year 3 have been reviewing NAPLAN work in preparation for the next term, writing and presenting our persuasive piece of writing to the class, discussing the influences Media has on our choices and decisions, running the two kilometres for Cross Country and visiting our 3 year old and 4 year old kinder buddies.
Year 4
The Year 4 students have enjoyed getting to know their Buddies, the Preps, over the past two weeks, through their engagement in activities such as Earth Hour and Easter craft. To finish off the term, they had lots of fun making and decorating Easter hats with their Buddies, which they proudly wore during the Easter Egg Hunt organised by FOSP.
Year 5
In Year 5, students have been learning all about fractions. Students explored equivalent fractions, unit fractions, reducing fractions to their lowest terms, as well as converting improper fractions and mixed numerals. Students also had an amazing time planning and preparing for the Family Fun Night. Students were able to work in small groups and come up with an activity that they could run during the night, ensuring the activity was fun and engaging for all. Students have been working through their integrated unit ‘Healthy Habits’, which has had a focus on understanding that we all go through difficult times. Knowing when to ask for help and where to access resources has provided an understanding of the strategies and support available if required.
Year 6
The last few weeks of Term 1 in Year 6 have flown! In the classroom, students have begun to explore figurative language in Literacy, square and triangular numbers as well as prime and composite numbers in Maths and we have continued developing our understanding and application of Thinking Maps. Perhaps the most exciting venture for students, however, was our planning and undertaking of activities for Family Fun Night. The students put in a huge amount of effort, which was appreciated and enjoyed by everyone who attended the evening. Our students continued to display their wonderful leadership qualities by assisting in the St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Community Easter Egg Hunt.
Whilst we are all starting to feel a bit tired as the end of term approaches, we found enough energy to compete in Cross Country. Students exhibited strong examples of our Life Rafts during and after the race by being brave and participating to progress, pursuing their personal best and encouraging their peers along the way. What an exciting and busy few weeks it has been!

Tracey King
Head of Traralgon Junior School

 

WHAT’S ON

APRIL
8 April  Easter Service
End of Term 1, dismissal 2:20 pm
25 April  ANZAC DAY Public Holiday
26 April  Term 2 begins
ANZAC DAY Service
29 April  School Photos
State Swimming Championships

MAY
4 May  Traralgon Campus Anniversary Service
5 May  Mother’s Day Evening Event
6 May  Mother’s Day Stall
District Cross Country
10 May  NAPLAN
11 May  NAPLAN
12 May  NAPLAN
13 May  NAPLAN
21 May  OPEN Day
25 May  National Simultaneous Storytime
26 May  National Sorry Day

 

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

 

TRARALGON JUNIOR SCHOOL EASTER OFFICE HOURS

Monday 11 April  Closed
Tuesday 12 April  Closed
Wednesday 13 April  Closed
Thursday 14 April  Closed
Tuesday 19 April  10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Wednesday 20 April  10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Thursday 21 April  10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Friday 22 April  10:00 am to 3:00 pm

 

DOBSONS TRADING HOURS

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

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

 

WHOLE SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY EVENT

On Wednesday 6 April, our students managed to dodge the rain whilst competing in the Cross Country event. The students ran the following distances for their age groups: Preps 500m, Years 1 and Years 2 700m, 8/9/10-year-old 2 km, 11 and 12/13-year-old 3 km. The students raced against each other on circuits that included uphills, downhills, flats, gravel, dirt, grass and even some mud. It was great to see students, staff and parents cheering on the students as they raced, in a COVIDSafe outdoor environment.

Final House Point Results
1st  121 points  Burgundy House
2nd  113 points  Gold House
3rd  104 points  Navy House
4th  93 points  Emerald House

Boston Vella. Burgundy House Leader receiving the Cross Country Shield for 2022.

Individual Results

Junior Cross Country
Prep Boys  1st – Ethan Hunt – 2.40 (NSR), 2nd – Bodhi O’Connor 2.44, 3rd – Hendrix Kitson 2:48, 4th – Lewis Burns 2.50, 5th – Mason Wilk 2:51, 6th – Jett Pease 2.52.
Prep Girls  1st – Alba Wilson – 2.56 (NSR), 2nd – Ella Paulet – 2.59, 3rd – Eleanor Meehan – 3.02, 4th – Poppy Walsh – 3.07, 5th – Stevie Uren – 3.08, 6th – Baylea Wilk – 3.23.
Year 1 Boys  1st – Axl Schoer – 3.11 (NSR), 2nd – Travis Poole – 3.21, 3rd – Ari Cane – 3.23, 4th – Caleb Loeschenkohl – 3.30, 5th – Archer Dodd – 3.39, 6th – Aaron Wang – 3.41.
Year 1 Girls  1st – Elsie Brady – 3.35 (NSR), 2nd – Ashley Pease – 3.39, 3rd – Izzy Young – 3.47, 4th – Grace Daley – 3.52, 5th – Vienna Di Cecco – 3.53, 6th – Emily Huet – 3.59.
Year 2 Boys  1st – Jake Kaminski – 2.48 (NSR), 2nd – Lucas Poole – 2.58, 3rd – Benji Szkwarek – 3.07, 4th – Oscar Kaminski – 3.10, 5th – Emmett Hughes – 3.14, 6th – Jackson Whitechurch – 3.17.
Year 2 Girls  1st – Emma Rankin – 3.26 (NSR), 2nd – Isa Issac – 3.28, 3rd – Charli Dalla Valle – 3.31, 4th – Ava Lambert – 3.34, 5th – Lil Zanella – 3.35, 6th – Anna Sievers – 3.36.

Senior Cross Country – These students qualify for the Traralgon District Cross Country on Friday 6 May at Agnes Brereton Reserve, Traralgon.
8/9/10 Boys  1st – William Lambert – 8.51 (NSR), 2nd – Kyle Bugeja – 9.46, 3rd – Ilias Clavarino – 9.55, 4th – Jack Rankin – 10.05, 5th – Frank Kennedy – 10.10, 6th – Harrison Hogan – 10.11.
8/9/10 Girls  1st – Abi Dean – 9.27 (NSR), 2nd – Georgia Hasthorpe – 10.26, 3rd – Ava Burslem – 10.51, 4th – Ruby Demetrios – 10.59, 5th – Ellie Richmond-Smith – 11.02, 6th – Evelyn Brady – 11.30.
11 Boys  1st – Mason Chan – 14.26 (NSR), 2nd – Jayden Tran – 15.18, 3rd – Fraser Rong – 15.34, 4th – Liam Chessum – 15.46, 5th – Mason Nicola – NTR, 6th – Ryan Stockil – NTR.
11 Girls  1st – Gracie Hasthorpe – 13.46 (NSR), 2nd – Angela Guo – 16.43, 3rd – Ashlyn Bugeja – 16.54, 4th – Anna Teuber – NTR, 5th – Sophie Dodd – NTR, 6th – Hayley Loeschenkohl – NTR, 7th (emergency going through) – Melia Sellings – NTR.
12/13 Boys  1st – Anson Law – 13.23 (NSR), 2nd – Jake Szkwarek – 13.29, 3rd – Isaiah Clavarino – 13.38, 4th – Thomas Pendergast – 18.27, 5th – Araan Patel – NTR, 6th – Tokio Miki – NTR.
12/13 Girls  1st – Aeva Haley – 15.50 (NSR), 2nd – Adele Brady – 15.52, 3rd – Stella O’Mara – 16.12, 4th – Sophie Burslem – 17.05, 5th – Violet Dean – 17.55, 6th – Aaliyah Philips – NTR.

NSR = New School Record
NTR = No Time Recorded

Full results will be posted on the PE Office window outside the gym.

Congratulations to all students who tried their best on the day and earned points for their house. Good luck to all students who made it through to the District Cross Country.

Billy Rilen
Physical Education and Sport Teacher
Traralgon Junior School

 

WHOLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS FINAL RESULTS

Final House Point Results
1st  1113 points  Navy House
2nd  1094 points  Gold House
3rd  988 points  Burgundy House
4th  970 points  Emerald House

Gracie Hasthorpe and Jake Szkwarek. Navy House Leaders accepting the House Athletics Shield for 2022.

Individual Age Group Champions
8/9 Boys  1st – Ilias Clavarino – 43 points, 2nd – Leo James – 38 points, 3rd – Kyle Bugeja – 23 points.
8/9 Girls  1st – Abi Dean – 50 points, 2nd – Avaya Mittelmajer – 30 points, 3rd – Mila McMenamin – 28 points.
10 Boys  1st – Rick Swanepoel – 35 points, 2nd – William Lambert – 29 points, 3rd – Shuya Huang – 20 points.
10 Girls  1st – Ava Burslem – 40 points, 2nd – Georgia Hasthorpe – 39 points, 3rd – Glodia Law – 28 points.
11 Boys  1st – David Ogabiela – 43 points, 2nd – Mason Chan – 40 points, 3rd – Jayden Tran – 29 points.
11 Girls  1st – Gracie Hasthorpe – 55 points (NSR), 2nd – Anna Teuber – 38 points, 3rd – Angela Guo – 28 points.
12/13 Boys  1st – Jack Riddle – 52 points, 2nd – Isaiah Clavarino – 46 points, 3rd – Anson Law – 30 points.
12/13 Girls  1st – Phoebe Balcombe – 43 points, 2nd – Aeva Haley – 33 points, 3rd – Sophie Burslem – 31 points.

NSR = New School Record

Congratulations to all of our Age Groups Champions.
Full results will be posted on the PE Office window outside the gym.

Billy Rilen
Physical Education and Sport Teacher
Traralgon Junior School

 

TERM 1 HOUSE POINTS UPDATE

After our House Athletics Carnival and House Cross Country Event our house points leaderboard is as follows.

1st  1217 points  Navy House
2nd  1207 points  Gold House
3rd  1109 points  Burgundy House
4th  1063 points  Emerald House

Billy Rilen
Physical Education and Sport Teacher
Traralgon Junior School

 

SPORTS NEWS

On Monday 4 April, the Traralgon Secondary School had their SEISA Athletics Carnival at Casey Fields and four Year 6 Traralgon Junior School students were invited to compete in the U12 age group to help fill any spots that U12 Year 7 students were unable to do.

Aeva with her first place in Triple Jump.

Araan, Isaiah and Jack coming third in their relay.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Aeva Haley, Isaiah Clavarino, Jack Riddle and Araan Patel for representing St Paul’s and competing well in their respective events. The school came second overall which was a wonderful achievement for us considering our numbers were down.

Sandra Timmer-Arends
Head of Year 9 and 10
Head of Sport – Traralgon Campus
Health and Physical Education

 

ST PAUL’S HAVE A SUCCESSFUL DAY ON THE TRACK AT SEISA ATHLETICS

On Monday 4 April, St Paul’s students competed in the SEISA Athletics Competition at the Casey Fields Regional Athletics Centre in Cranbourne East. Students from all four campuses formed our team for the day. St Paul’s placed second in the overall championship and had four students achieve Age Group Champions.
Well done to the following students:
•  Lachlan Rosato – U/12 Male
•  James Denton – U/13 Male
•  Rogan Rutter – U/16 Male
•  Rhys Galvin – U/21 Male

A number of St Paul’s students also broke records on the day.

Melissa Hoskings
Head of Sport, Warragul

 

ST PAUL’S INTERSCHOOL DRESSAGE DAY AT FARM WORLD!

On Friday 25 March, students of all ages competed in our Interschool Dressage Day, assisting with duties including pencilling and gear checking to run the competition, and showcased their talents in the equestrian field. We would like to congratulate Tahlia (Elementary Competition Champion), Phoebe (Preliminary Competition Champion) and Kate (Reserve Preliminary Champion) on their achievements!

Our students displayed excellent sportsmanship and beautifully presented our school values at Farm World. The organising committee was in awe of our students, exclaiming they were amazing – so helpful, professional and friendly!

Melissa Hoskings
Head of Sport, Warragul

 

BOOK LAUNCH

On Thursday 25 March, the Traralgon Campus library hosted a book launch. Ella May’s Cookbook by Ella May was launched in style to the Year 6 students at Traralgon.

Ella May, along with being a Year 10 student at St Paul’s Traralgon Secondary School is also the school’s Library Captain. During isolation in 2021, Ella planned, wrote and published her own cookbook for her Year 9 Personal Project. With the assistance of the Year 6 Library Leaders Lachlan Gallivan, Amelia Meehan, and Elijah Vercoe, we were able to launch Ella’s book with the fanfare it deserved.

Ella May presenting to Year 6 students.

Ella’s presentation was fascinating, and she engaged the Year 6 students throughout her presentation. Ella shared some of her personal background and her inspiration for the project, before explaining the entire book-making process, from deciding on recipes, to photo editing and publication.

Ella May with Year 6 Library Leaders Lachlan Gallivan, Amelia Meehan and Elijah Vercoe.

The Year 6 students then peppered Ella with some well-thought-out questions, asking her about the challenges she faced in writing her book, the recipes themselves and her plans for future publishing.

“Ella May’s Cookbook” is bound to be popular in our library with an extensive waiting list of students who are looking forward to reading it.

Jannet Taylor
Head of Library/Librarian/Teacher

 

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A ST PAUL’S COMPANY MEMBER OR BOARD DIRECTOR?

Membership of Company
Are you aware parents are able to become members of the St Paul’s School Company?

At present there are over sixty members of the School’s Company. Applying for membership involves completing an application form and submitting a fee of $20.00. Continued membership involves renewing your membership once a year and paying an ongoing annual fee of $20.00.

Company membership entitles the member to attend the School’s Annual General Meeting in May each year and also to cast a vote in the event of an election of Directors to the School Board.

Persons interested in applying for new membership of the Company can obtain an Application for Company Membership form from the School’s website or by contacting Carol Reid via email creid@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au.

New applications should be received by 25 April 2022 for consideration at the April Board Meeting in preparation for this year’s Annual General Meeting.

Becoming a Board Director
In keeping with the Board’s commitment to an inclusive governance approach within the School community, persons interested in potentially filling a Board vacancy are encouraged to become a member of the Company and respond to the nomination/election process prior to the Annual General Meeting on 25 May 2022.

Nomination forms for Board Directorship are required to be forwarded to the Company Secretary no later than Tuesday 26 April 2022 at 5:00 pm.

If you have any questions in relation to the Board vacancies or are seeking a nomination form, please contact Mrs Leah Young, Company Secretary via email companysecretary@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or phone 5623 5833.

Annual General Meeting, Wednesday 25 May 2022
The Annual General Meeting of St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School is to be held on Wednesday 25 May 2022 at the Warragul Campus commencing at 5:30 pm for members of the Company.

 

FINANCE NEWS

Annual Fee Account
Families have recently received via email an annual fee account for 2022. If you have any queries in relation to your annual fee account, please contact Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833. As detailed on the second page of the account, payment options are:

Direct Debit
All families are encouraged to participate in the School’s direct debit payment arrangement.

We offer fortnightly instalments (22 payments) on Wednesdays or Fridays that commenced 4 February and Monthly instalments (10 payments) that commenced 15 February 2022.

Other direct debit payment dates are also available by arrangement.

Should families wish to commence payment by Direct Debit, please contact Mr Peter Lees, accountsreceivable@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au as soon as possible to set up an arrangement.

Please find the direct debit form on the School website at this link, https://stpaulsags.vic.edu.au/enrolment/school-fees/

Instalments (due dates)
Instalment 2 – 8 April 2022
Instalment 3 – 3 June 2022
Instalment 4 – 12 August 2022

Private Car Conveyance Allowance
Families driving students more than 4.8 kilometres to attend St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School may be eligible to receive a conveyance allowance. For further information on the eligibility criteria and application process, please refer to, https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/conveyance-allowance/policy

Eligible families applying for the car conveyance allowance will have funds credited to their fee account during the year. If the fee account has been paid in full, or is on a direct debit arrangement, any allocation will show as a credit on the following year’s invoice.

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides payments directly to the school for the benefit of the eligible student to attend camps, sports and excursions. Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. $125 per year will be paid for eligible primary school students and $225 per year paid for eligible secondary school students. Payments will go directly to the school and be tied to the student. For more information and to download the application form please go to, https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/csef.aspx

Parents are encouraged to lodge the application form immediately. The CSEF program for 2022 closes at the end of Term 2. All forms must be received by 15 June 2022 to be processed.

For parents who received CSEF at the school in 2021 (and the student/s are still enrolled in 2022), the schools will ‘copy’ the application across from 2021 to 2022 on the CSEF system. The CSEF system will automatically validate the parent’s eligibility with Centrelink.

Warragul Secondary School

From the Acting Head of Warragul Secondary School, Mr Gordon Oldham. POSITIVE INTERACTIONS – AND A REMINDER OF SCHOOL ‘NORMS’ Reverend Lowe’s Grammarian piece talks …

view ARTICLE

Warragul Secondary School

From the Acting Head of Warragul Secondary School,
Mr Gordon Oldham.

POSITIVE INTERACTIONS – AND A REMINDER OF SCHOOL ‘NORMS’
Reverend Lowe’s Grammarian piece talks about the ‘bubble soccer’ impact of a return from a discombobulated two years to the traditional site and how much of a change it has been for adolescents. As we reflected on this concept in conversation during the week, Reverend Lowe used another analogy and compared our current status (students, staff and parents) to lacking ‘school fitness’ in the way we might not be ‘match fit’ after an absence from sport.  And, in addition, we have not even had a full pre-season, thrown straight back into one of the longest Term 1s this decade!

The return to face to face learning has been a wonderful reminder of the importance of social interaction. More time together in person, and when masks began to be removed, has also highlighted that reading social cues from other people is a skill which can be honed. Many students have found it easy to return to a traditional setting but for them, and the others who are still developing those skills, we are aiming to continue coaching students in regards to daily interactions. Some of our guidance may seem like obvious or superfluous advice and any message will be one which parents will also be delivering at home. However, a combined approach and a shared expectation of high standards for our students, in regard to manners, respectful communication, kindness to peers and consideration of the environment, is something which will help us foster good people and valuable citizens of the community.

Another key focus for next term, based on observations by teachers and discussions at Parent Student Teacher Interviews (PSTIs), is a return to explicit instruction and coaching for students about the way to approach homework and study.  We have used external speakers for Years 11 and 12 students and used Pastoral Block sessions for younger students but will increase our focus in this area.  We know that healthy homework habits are effective and we also realise that students need clear guidance as to how to approach their studies.

ONLINE SAFETY
It is clear that the time at home over the past two years also led to an increased use of devices and technology by students.  For parents, we understand the paradox of encouraging students to utilise technology for schoolwork yet knowing that your efforts to supervise or observe were curtailed by the need to go about your own work. However, we want to ensure that we continue to provide you with information about online supervision and digital citizenship, as well as the students.

Please see the article later in this newsletter from Mrs Leonie Clark, Head of Traralgon Secondary School and known to many of you from her time at Warragul Secondary School.

Also note that this section of SchoolTV on MyStPauls has a range of short, sharp and informative videos regarding online safety: CyberSafety Series, St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School (schooltv.me)

Our updated Mobile Phones and other Electronic Devices Policy also includes direct references to the fact that any worn device (for example, a smart watch), should be turned to ‘airplane mode’ during a school day and only used to note the time.

PSTIs – THE IMPORTANCE OF FEEDBACK
We had an impressive participation rate in Parent Student Teacher Interviews (PSTIs) in recent weeks. Thank you again to parents who clearly see the value of working in partnership with teachers to ensure that their son/daughter is making progress and enjoying opportunities to learn about new things.

If you are not a regular user of MyStPauls, we encourage you to view our learning platform. You can view the school calendar, your child’s upcoming assessment and read the feedback given to your son/daughter by their teachers.

SERVICES
We enjoyed the opportunity to conclude our term with our Easter Service. It is such a privilege to have Reverend Lynton Allan on our team. His messages are poignant and interesting and the way that he combines that with artwork is a skill we admire; it was such fun to watch his Easter portrait of the Southern Cross above a rural property.  We look forward to beginning Term 2 with the ANZAC Service, an outdoor session (weather permitting) at the lone pine tree near Brooker Park.

UNIFORM
A separate note will be sent to begin Term 2 which will include some of our favourite uniform reminders.  For now, please note the reminder that in Terms 2 and 3, students wear blazers to and from school each day when wearing formal uniform, no nose piercings are permitted and our young men should be clean-shaven (the latter two things well hidden by masks earlier this term!).  All students should have neat and tidy hair, tied back if longer than the collar.

YEAR LEVEL UPDATES
The Pastoral Block calendar has been jampacked this term and the Term 2 outline is equally exciting. Heads of Year and Mentors have planned a range of sessions, designed to give guidance to students in areas such as organisation, wellbeing, study habits or pathways, as well as opportunities to link in with other students.

In Year 11, having seen the benefits of Presentation Ball training for a cohort who missed Year 9 camp, Year 10 Conference and had an interrupted transition from Traralgon Secondary School, Miss Moerke and Mentors put together a series of activities designed to ensure that the students were mixing and interacting with everyone, not just their immediate circle.

Year 12 students heard from former student Dr Luke McNabb (Class of 2012) and then were audience to a ‘Candid Camera’ moment as Dr McNabb’s family arrived and watched as our own Dr Bec Mansfield and Mr Herbert presented Dr McNabb with his PhD. Dr McNabb’s graduation ceremony had been cancelled due to Covid-19 and we loved the opportunity to be involved and hear some words from him. The Physics students spent more time asking questions and Dr McNabb’s wife, Miss Crystal Grima (Class of 2012) was also available to talk about her pathway.  If you know of a past student who can join us at any stage, please don’t hesitate to make contact!

We also enjoyed a special moment from Year 9 students. Fresh from their own ‘cooking in the pre-industrial era’ sessions in their subject Thinking and Learning and perhaps influenced by culinary experiences during recent expeditions to the city, the Year 9 students baked a range of delicious items and delivered them to staff to say thank you for the term! Unfortunately, the assembly pack-up roster meant that their kind deed was rewarded with stacking chairs!

Our Year 10 students are preparing for an exciting Term 2, with Career Wise testing and the Year 10 Conference set to be highlights. Year 7 students are ready to begin receiving grades in the near future, after a term focused on consolidating work patterns and utilising feedback. Year 8 students had a wonderful time on their recent camp and we are thrilled with the comments from our staff and the staff at Halls Outdoor Education regarding the way our students interacted.

FAREWELLS
We wish all the very best to the following staff members who we farewelled at assembly and in our staff briefing this week.  Mrs Melanie Mullins, teacher of English and Foodies, will take a leave of absence until the end of the year and we look forward to seeing her again in 2023.  Ms Christine Yule, teacher of Mathematics, will take up a new post closer to her home in Melbourne and we wish her all the best.  Mrs Sherylee Cleversley, Food Technician, will retire after more than 13 years with St Paul’s and we are very grateful to her for her service to the school.  Mrs Ann Vanderzalm, Canteen Manager, will also conclude her time as a staff member at the end of this term and we are very thankful for her wonderful efforts to provide outstanding catering to our students over a number of years.

Please join us in wishing these staff all the very best.

Gordon Oldham
Acting Head of Warragul Secondary School

 

WHAT’S ON

APRIL
8 April  Sport Aerobics Training, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium/Dance Studio, 7:00 am to 8:30 am
End of Term 1, 2:30 pm finish
26 April  Term 2 Commences
Year 11 Presentation Ball Training, Warragul Junior School Gymnasium, 3:30 pm to 5:20 pm
28 April  SEISA Winter Junior Trials, Traralgon Campus, 11:00 am to 3:30 pm
29 April  Sport Aerobics Training, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium/Dance Studio, 7:00 am to 8:30 am
Year 9 City Experience, Group 1, Day 2, Melbourne CBD, 7:43 am to 4:03 pm
SEISA Surf Carnival, Woolamai Surf Beach, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Year 11 Sport and Recreation, Year 1 First Aid Course, Warragul Secondary Gymnasium, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm

MAY
2 May 
Top Designs Excursion, Melbourne Museum, Years 11 and 12 VCD and Soft Materials students, Year 12 Hard Materials and Theatre Studies students, 9:15 am to 3:30 pm
DAV Debating (online), John McIntyre Centre, 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Year 12 Presentation Ball Training, Warragul Junior School Gymnasium, 3:30 pm to 5:20 pm
3 May  Ice Skating and Indoor Rock Climbing, Melbourne, Year 12 VET Sport and Recreation class, 7:00 am to 5:45 pm
SEISA Music Festival, West Gippsland Arts Centre, 9:45 am to 5:00 pm
Year 11 Presentation Ball Training, Warragul Junior School Gymnasium, 3:30 pm to 5:20 pm
5 May  SEISA Winter Junior Round 1
Career Wise Testing, Year 10, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Women of Troy, Eagle Nest Theatre, Year 12 English students, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
6 May  Sport Aerobics Training, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium/Dance Studio, 7:00 am to 8:30 am
6 to 8 May  Generations in Jazz Festival (TBC)
9 May  Combined SEISA Victorian Sports Association Swimming Championships, MSAC
Year 12 Presentation Ball Training, Warragul Junior School Gymnasium, 3:30 pm to 5:20 pm
10 May  Year 11 Presentation Ball Training, Warragul Junior School Gymnasium, 3:30 pm to 5:20 pm
10 to 12 May  NAPLAN, Years 7 and 9
12 May  House Cross Country, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium
Year 11 Presentation Ball Training, Lardner Park, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Year 12 Presentation Ball Training, Lardner Park, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
13 May  Sport Aerobics Training, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium/Dance Studio, 7:00 am to 8:30 am
Financial Advisers Workshop, Year 9 Centre, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Presentation Ball 1, Year 11 2022, Lardner Park
14 May  Presentation Ball 2, Year 12 2022, Lardner Park
15 May  Sport Aerobics Regional Qualifiers, Rowville Performing Arts Centre, Rowville Secondary College, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm

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

 

WARRAGUL SECONDARY SCHOOL EASTER OFFICE HOURS

Monday 11 April  Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Tuesday 12 April  Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Wednesday 13 April  Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Thursday 14 April  Closed (Maundy Thursday)
Friday 15 April  Closed (Good Friday)
Monday 18 April  Closed (Easter Monday)
Tuesday 19 April  Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Wednesday 20 April  Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Thursday 21 April  Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Friday 22 April  Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Monday 25 April  Closed (ANZAC Day)

 

DOBSONS TRADING HOURS

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

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

 

THE ALPHA GENERATION AND THE CONNECTED CHILD

It’s really tough being a parent in 2022! As educators, we know that in the last two years there was and had to be, a huge shift in technological use as we isolated at home and found ourselves spending far more time online than ever before. I write this from a place of understanding and not a place of judgement, as there was simply no choice. We all had to place devices into our children’s hands, particularly when juggling the demands of our own commitments. If you wanted your child to remain connected to their social group while also maintaining the continuity of learning during the pandemic, an online connection for each family member was the only way.

Our children have been and are still able to access a whole world of online content. As adults, it’s been difficult to stay in front of technology. The world slowed down, but our use of tech rapidly took off! While we grappled with the innovation and connectivity our children also became are far more tech savvy! It is estimated that by the time a ‘Generation Alpha’ child reaches eight years of age, they have already surpassed their parents, guardians and teachers’ technological abilities. However, I need to share with you an honest truth. I need for you to understand what is occurring in schools across Australia and I need to know that you have heard these terrifying statistics.

What if I told you that approximately 95 per cent of adolescent wellbeing concerns that teachers now manage in secondary school are related to mobile device use and online content? What if I also told you that not one of the online troubles that I have managed, as a Head of School, in the last 18 months has occurred during school hours?

That is the honest truth, it’s an incredibly uncomfortable truth and this is certainly not a pleasant detail to write.

Current statistics indicate that ‘one in five children are cyberbullied and girls are cyberbullied more than boys’ (eSafety Commissioner). Our children with their young, brilliant minds are too young and certainly not wise enough to manage the online world on their own. ‘44 per cent of Australian young people report having a negative online experience in the last six months, this includes 15 per cent who received threats or abuse online.” (eSafety Commissioner). As a result, many children in Australia are being exposed to things well beyond their years, they are stressed and not coping socially because mobile devices and the online world have control of their fragile developing values, their sense of self, their developing complex thinking, as well as their perception of reality.

I have heard Susan McLean Australia’s foremost cyber safety expert and former manager of the Victoria Police Cyber safety Project say “We don’t give our children the keys to the car, so why would we give them a mobile phone?” Let’s face it, our children are probably safer behind the wheel of the car! They know the road rules, they have safety bags protecting them in every direction and safety belts to keep them within the boundaries of the vehicle. The lawmakers monitor the road rules and enforce the restrictions. The digital world on the other hand has no rules, no safety bags and certainly, does not have safety belts. Zero to 110 km/h with no safety restrictions in place, can be a very dangerous place for our vulnerable young people.

WHAT SIGNS SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN MY CHILD?
When your child comes home from school and disappears into their room as most teens do, they have the world in their hands; the good parts, as well as the incredibly unsafe and dark corners. If you choose to put mobile devices and unrestricted online access in your child’s hands then you need to be ready to micro-manage and monitor the use, interactions and the content that your child is digesting at all hours of the day and night.

Alarmingly, children and young people do not always share that they are in a terrible situation until it is too late, and this is when we have to have the difficult and distressing conversations with distraught children and their parents.  The eSafety Commissioner recommends that parents and guardians watch for the following signs:
•  being upset after using the internet or devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops
•  appearing sad, lonely, angry, worried or upset more than usual
•  feeling or looking sick or tired
•  unexpected changes in friendship groups
•  not wanting to be around people, even friends
•  avoiding school, out of school care, clubs or social activities
•  not doing as well as usual at school
•  changes in personality, such as being more withdrawn or anxious
•  changes in sleep patterns, eating or energy levels
•  becoming secretive about their mobile phone use or what they are doing online.
(eSafety Commissioner)

HOW DO I TALK TO MY CHILD ABOUT RESPECTFUL ONLINE INTERACTIONS?
Cyberbullying is often an extension of face-to-face bullying. Talk regularly to your child about their relationships, including what happens online. Start the chat by asking some key questions:
•  What do you do if you feel frustrated or angry about something happening online?
•  What would you do if you saw someone harassing a friend?
•  What can you do if you feel like someone is trying to make you look bad online?
(eSafetyCommissioner)

HOW DO I PUT PARENTAL CONTROLS IN PLACE?
I highly recommend that families start with the eSafety Commissioner website and research each of the individual social media platforms and apps that your child has downloaded and has access to online. Many platforms offer family pairing or similar services so that you as the parent/guardian control what and when your child has access to content. The following PDF links on the eSafety Commissioner website have further links to different social media parent guides and controls for your reference.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/sites/default/files/202201/eSafety%20parent%20guide%20to%20cyberbullying%20and%20online%20drama.pdf

I know how hard these processes might be to navigate at home with emotionally heightened and possibly resentful adolescents. I know from first-hand experience that it is very hard to stand firmly in your family values and position, particularly when things don’t go quite the way your adolescent children might prefer.

START THE CONVERSATION
Susan McLean in her book “Sexts, Texts and Selfies” suggests that parents and guardians start with the following. Maintaining open and honest conversation is key to minimising many online issues. The longer you wait the harder it will become.

Here are some of Susan’s tips to help make these conversations work:
•  Educate yourself about whatever it is you are going to discuss; knowledge is power
•  Be confident in your knowledge and ability as a parent
•  Start early or as soon as you are aware that you need to change things.
•  Be in a calm mood, not angry, tired or irritable.
•  Be honest with your child
•  Explain the ‘why’ behind the reason in an age-appropriate way. Expect some resistance from older children but stay strong
•  Enlist the support of other family members, grandparents and teachers. Working together makes life easier for us all
•  Start out strict; you can always ease off a bit later This is much better than being a bit slack and then trying to rein things in.
•  Have clear rules, expectations and boundaries and explain why.
•  If at first you don’t succeed, try again; don’t give up.
Remember, it’s not for the now, but for the future.”
(S)

Susan continues to explain that “Cyberbullying, sexting, online grooming by predators, exposure to inappropriate content and damage to their digital reputation are the most common dangers that young people face online. Children can be both victims and perpetrators, so it is important that you understand each issue individually. It is about the risk. If you put yourself in a dangerous situation, then the risk will be greater.”

She suggests the following basic online safety rules to teach children.
•  Never give out your name, address or age to someone who asks for it online.
•  Never give out your email address or account details.
•  Never have your age or year of birth as a screen name or email address.
•  Don’t use sexy, flirty or offensive profile pictures
•  Anyone can be anyone online. People do pretend to be someone that they’re not.
•  Tell Mum or Dad if someone asks you questions that make you feel uncomfortable, or asks for your name and address.
•  Tell Mum or Dad if a person online asks you to take your clothes off on a webcam (Make this conversation appropriate).
•  If you don’t know the person in the real wor’d, no matter how nice they are to you, they are a STRANGER.
•  Be polite online and don’t use bad language or make nasty comments.
•  Don’t visit places online that you are not allowed to go.
•  If you are scared, upset or have seen something you know that you are not allowed to see, leave the device and go and find an adult.
•  Never set up an account or download an app without your parents’ permission and never if you are under the age restriction.
•  Use technology with respect and responsibility and have fun.
(S)

ARE THERE WEBINARS THAT I CAN ATTEND?
Yes, the eSafety website has an online newsletter that you can sign up to and they have also published a fabulous array of parent/guardian webinars for 2022. Please follow the link below to sign up for any of the sessions that are of interest to you. In May they are running a session on Parental Controls. If you sign up to the newsletter it will keep you up to date with all things ‘tech’ in your teen’s world.

SAVE THE DATE – SEX AND SOCIAL MEDIA WEBINAR FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
We are pleased to advise that Elephant Ed will present ‘Sex and Social Media’ a parent Webinar on Thursday 5 May 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. All parents and guardians are invited to attend.

This webinar will cover:
•  Statistics and prevalence of sexting amongst young people, including common distribution platforms.
•  Impact of sexting, including legalities consent and associated peer pressure.
•  Strategies to implement if things go wrong and how to start effective conversations at home.

Registration details will be emailed to parents and guardians closer to the date.

As teachers, parents and guardians we can never put too many ‘air bags and safety seat belts’ around our children in the online space.  We don’t want our children to fear technology but to respect it and to learn to use it with care. This is a difficult reality and not the celebratory Grammarian article that I truly love to write, but with the school holidays just around the corner and children with more time to spend in online spaces, it is timely at Easter to revisit family rules, values and parental controls. As a united team of parents, guardians and educators we can all work together to ensure that we continue to be well ahead of our ‘tech savvy’ adolescent children and guide them to safely use social media with wisdom, compassion and respect for themselves and each other throughout their adolescent and young adult years.

REFERENCES
•  S, M. (n.d.). Sexts, Texts and Selfies. In S. McLean, Sexts, Texts and Selfies. Viking.
•  esafety.gov.au
•  https://www.esafety.gov.au/young-people
•  https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Leonie Clark
Head of Traralgon Secondary School

 

WHAT’S ON IN TERM 2 SPORT

SEISA Trials – Junior, St Paul’s Traralgon Campus, Thursday 28 April, 11:10 am to 3:30 pm
Selection process: Student sign-ups completed in Term 1. Students attend a trials session for team selection.
Event and consent information: Has been distributed to families via Consent2Go. Permission must have been approved by Wednesday 6 April.

SEISA Surfing, Phillip Island, Friday 29 April, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Selection process: Trials and selection day occurred in Term 1.
Event and consent information: Has been distributed and approved by families. This is a postponed event from Term 1.

SEISA Junior Competition
Round 1: Thursday 5 May
Round 2: Thursday 19 May
Round 3: Thursday 26 May
Round 4: Thursday 2 June – BYE
Round 5: Thursday 9 June
Finals: Thursday 16 June
Selection process: Trials will be completed on Thursday 28 April.
Weekly logistics (travel arrangements): Will be published on the MyStPauls Sport page each Friday.
Training information, fixtures and results: Will also be published regularly on the MyStPauls Sport page.
Event and consent information: Will be distributed to families via Consent2Go on Thursday 28 April. This will need to be approved by Tuesday 3 May.

VSAC Swimming, MSAC – Melbourne, Monday 9 May, 12:45 pm to 10:00 pm
Selection process: SEISA Swimming was the primary selection event for VSAC. However, for 2022 only, students can also submit times from the State Championships and Gippsland Championships for the events they competed in at SEISA Swimming. This nomination process closed on Wednesday 30 March.
Event information: Will be distributed to families via Consent2Go in week 10 of Term 1.

House Cross Country, St Paul’s Warragul – Brooker Park, Thursday 12 May, Various times
Selection process: Whole school event.
Period 1: Year 10
Pastoral: Year 9 and Year 12
House Sport: Year 7 and Year 8. Year 11 students will also complete the House Cross Country in period 6.
Event information: This is a qualifying event for the SEISA Cross Country Event. No consent required.

Sport Aerobics Team, Rowville Secondary College, Sunday 15 May and Saturday 18 June***, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm
Selection process: Teams have been selected and are currently training each Friday morning.
Team information: Consent2Go information will be distributed to families early in Term 2. Specific timings for the day will be emailed to families once the event schedule is released.
*** This is a qualifying event for the state finals on Saturday 18 June.

Intermediate and Senior SEISA – Trials, St Paul’s Warragul and Traralgon Campuses, Tuesday 14 June, Lunchtime
Selection process: Two-hour trials event. Students will sign-up for trials during in Mentor Group in Term 2.
The SEISA selection process for some teams is being conducted in Traralgon on Tuesday 14 June. Students will be departing Warragul at 11:30 am and returning at 3:20 pm in time for buses.
•  Intermediate Boys AFL (Years 9 to 10)
•  AFLW (Years 9 to 12)
•  Hockey Boys (Years 9 to 12)
•  Intermediate Boys Soccer (Years 9 to 10)
•  Intermediate Girls Soccer (Years 9 to 10)
•  Intermediate Girls Basketball (Years 9 to 10)
Parent information and permission will be published via Consent2Go during Term 2.
The following teams will trial during a lunchtime late in Term 2 (further details to be published on MyStPauls)
•  Senior Boys Soccer (Years 11 to 12)
•  Senior Girls Soccer (Years 11 to 12)
•  Senior AFL (Years 11 to 12)
•  Senior Girls Basketball (Years 11 to 12)

2022 Victorian All Schools Netball Championships, Monday 20 June
Selection process: Student sign-ups will be completed during Mentor Group in Term 2 Week 1. Trials will run in early Term 2 during lunchtime.
The Netball Victoria School Championships is one of the largest netball tournaments conducted in Australia and attracts Government, Catholic, Independent and Specialist school teams from around the state.
Team information: Consent2Go information will be distributed to families early in Term 2.

Other Term 2 Sport Information
• All key sporting event information is published regularly on the MyStPauls Sport page. Students and families must be checking this page to keep informed.
• Further information on the St Paul’s Cycling and Equestrian teams will be published on the respective MyStPauls pages throughout the term.

Melissa Hoskings
Head of Sport, Warragul

 

ST PAUL’S HAVE A SUCCESSFUL DAY ON THE TRACK AT SEISA ATHLETICS

On Monday 4 April, St Paul’s students competed in the SEISA Athletics Competition at the Casey Fields Regional Athletics Centre in Cranbourne East. Students from all four campuses formed our team for the day. St Paul’s placed second in the overall championship and had four students achieve Age Group Champions.
Well done to the following students:
•  Lachlan Rosato – U/12 Male
•  James Denton – U/13 Male
•  Rogan Rutter – U/16 Male
•  Rhys Galvin – U/21 Male

A number of St Paul’s students also broke records on the day.

Melissa Hoskings
Head of Sport, Warragul

 

ST PAUL’S INTERSCHOOL DRESSAGE DAY AT FARM WORLD!

On Friday 25 March, students of all ages competed in our Interschool Dressage Day, assisting with duties including pencilling and gear checking to run the competition, and showcased their talents in the equestrian field. We would like to congratulate Tahlia (Elementary Competition Champion), Phoebe (Preliminary Competition Champion) and Kate (Reserve Preliminary Champion) on their achievements!

Our students displayed excellent sportsmanship and beautifully presented our school values at Farm World. The organising committee was in awe of our students, exclaiming they were amazing – so helpful, professional and friendly!

Melissa Hoskings
Head of Sport, Warragul

 

ST PAUL’S PARENT PRAYER GROUP

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

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

Our next gathering is Monday 2 May, 9:00 am in the Prideaux Centre, Warragul Junior School
Contact:  Sheryn Cutler 0417 158 937 or sheryn.cutler@gmail.com

 

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A ST PAUL’S COMPANY MEMBER OR BOARD DIRECTOR?

Membership of Company
Are you aware parents are able to become members of the St Paul’s School Company?

At present there are over sixty members of the School’s Company. Applying for membership involves completing an application form and submitting a fee of $20.00. Continued membership involves renewing your membership once a year and paying an ongoing annual fee of $20.00.

Company membership entitles the member to attend the School’s Annual General Meeting in May each year and also to cast a vote in the event of an election of Directors to the School Board.

Persons interested in applying for new membership of the Company can obtain an Application for Company Membership form from the School’s website or by contacting Carol Reid via email creid@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au.

New applications should be received by 25 April 2022 for consideration at the April Board Meeting in preparation for this year’s Annual General Meeting.

Becoming a Board Director
In keeping with the Board’s commitment to an inclusive governance approach within the School community, persons interested in potentially filling a Board vacancy are encouraged to become a member of the Company and respond to the nomination/election process prior to the Annual General Meeting on 25 May 2022.

Nomination forms for Board Directorship are required to be forwarded to the Company Secretary no later than Tuesday 26 April 2022 at 5:00 pm.

If you have any questions in relation to the Board vacancies or are seeking a nomination form, please contact Mrs Leah Young, Company Secretary via email companysecretary@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or phone 5623 5833.

Annual General Meeting, Wednesday 25 May 2022
The Annual General Meeting of St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School is to be held on Wednesday 25 May 2022 at the Warragul Campus commencing at 5:30 pm for members of the Company.

 

FINANCE NEWS

Annual Fee Account
Families have recently received via email an annual fee account for 2022. If you have any queries in relation to your annual fee account, please contact Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833. As detailed on the second page of the account, payment options are:

Direct Debit
All families are encouraged to participate in the School’s direct debit payment arrangement.

We offer fortnightly instalments (22 payments) on Wednesdays or Fridays that commenced 4 February and Monthly instalments (10 payments) that commenced 15 February 2022.

Other direct debit payment dates are also available by arrangement.

Should families wish to commence payment by Direct Debit, please contact Mr Peter Lees, accountsreceivable@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au as soon as possible to set up an arrangement.

Please find the direct debit form on the School website at this link, https://stpaulsags.vic.edu.au/enrolment/school-fees/

Instalments (due dates)
Instalment 2 – 8 April 2022
Instalment 3 – 3 June 2022
Instalment 4 – 12 August 2022

Private Car Conveyance Allowance
Families driving students more than 4.8 kilometres to attend St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School may be eligible to receive a conveyance allowance. For further information on the eligibility criteria and application process, please refer to, https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/conveyance-allowance/policy

Eligible families applying for the car conveyance allowance will have funds credited to their fee account during the year. If the fee account has been paid in full, or is on a direct debit arrangement, any allocation will show as a credit on the following year’s invoice.

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides payments directly to the school for the benefit of the eligible student to attend camps, sports and excursions. Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. $125 per year will be paid for eligible primary school students and $225 per year paid for eligible secondary school students. Payments will go directly to the school and be tied to the student. For more information and to download the application form please go to, https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/csef.aspx

Parents are encouraged to lodge the application form immediately. The CSEF program for 2022 closes at the end of Term 2. All forms must be received by 15 June 2022 to be processed.

For parents who received CSEF at the school in 2021 (and the student/s are still enrolled in 2022), the schools will ‘copy’ the application across from 2021 to 2022 on the CSEF system. The CSEF system will automatically validate the parent’s eligibility with Centrelink.

Traralgon Secondary School

From the Head of Traralgon Secondary School, Mrs Leonie Clark THE ALPHA GENERATION AND THE CONNECTED CHILD It’s really tough being a parent in 2022! …

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Traralgon Secondary School

From the Head of Traralgon Secondary School,
Mrs Leonie Clark

THE ALPHA GENERATION AND THE CONNECTED CHILD
It’s really tough being a parent in 2022! As educators, we know that in the last two years there was and had to be, a huge shift in technological use as we isolated at home and found ourselves spending far more time online than ever before. I write this from a place of understanding and not a place of judgement, as there was simply no choice. We all had to place devices into our children’s hands, particularly when juggling the demands of our own commitments. If you wanted your child to remain connected to their social group while also maintaining the continuity of learning during the pandemic, an online connection for each family member was the only way.

Our children have been and are still able to access a whole world of online content. As adults, it’s been difficult to stay in front of technology. The world slowed down, but our use of tech rapidly took off! While we grappled with the innovation and connectivity our children also became are far more tech savvy! It is estimated that by the time a ‘Generation Alpha’ child reaches eight years of age, they have already surpassed their parents, guardians and teachers’ technological abilities. However, I need to share with you an honest truth. I need for you to understand what is occurring in schools across Australia and I need to know that you have heard these terrifying statistics.

What if I told you that approximately 95 per cent of adolescent wellbeing concerns that teachers now manage in secondary school are related to mobile device use and online content? What if I also told you that not one of the online troubles that I have managed, as a Head of School, in the last 18 months has occurred during school hours?

That is the honest truth, it’s an incredibly uncomfortable truth and this is certainly not a pleasant detail to write.

Current statistics indicate that ‘one in five children are cyberbullied and girls are cyberbullied more than boys’ (eSafety Commissioner). Our children with their young, brilliant minds are too young and certainly not wise enough to manage the online world on their own. ‘44 per cent of Australian young people report having a negative online experience in the last six months, this includes 15 per cent who received threats or abuse online.” (eSafety Commissioner). As a result, many children in Australia are being exposed to things well beyond their years, they are stressed and not coping socially because mobile devices and the online world have control of their fragile developing values, their sense of self, their developing complex thinking, as well as their perception of reality.

I have heard Susan McLean Australia’s foremost cyber safety expert and former manager of the Victoria Police Cyber safety Project say “We don’t give our children the keys to the car, so why would we give them a mobile phone?” Let’s face it, our children are probably safer behind the wheel of the car! They know the road rules, they have safety bags protecting them in every direction and safety belts to keep them within the boundaries of the vehicle. The lawmakers monitor the road rules and enforce the restrictions. The digital world on the other hand has no rules, no safety bags and certainly, does not have safety belts. Zero to 110 km/h with no safety restrictions in place, can be a very dangerous place for our vulnerable young people.

WHAT SIGNS SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN MY CHILD?
When your child comes home from school and disappears into their room as most teens do, they have the world in their hands; the good parts, as well as the incredibly unsafe and dark corners. If you choose to put mobile devices and unrestricted online access in your child’s hands then you need to be ready to micro-manage and monitor the use, interactions and the content that your child is digesting at all hours of the day and night.

Alarmingly, children and young people do not always share that they are in a terrible situation until it is too late, and this is when we have to have the difficult and distressing conversations with distraught children and their parents.  The eSafety Commissioner recommends that parents and guardians watch for the following signs:
•  being upset after using the internet or devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops
•  appearing sad, lonely, angry, worried or upset more than usual
•  feeling or looking sick or tired
•  unexpected changes in friendship groups
•  not wanting to be around people, even friends
•  avoiding school, out of school care, clubs or social activities
•  not doing as well as usual at school
•  changes in personality, such as being more withdrawn or anxious
•  changes in sleep patterns, eating or energy levels
•  becoming secretive about their mobile phone use or what they are doing online.
(eSafety Commissioner)

HOW DO I TALK TO MY CHILD ABOUT RESPECTFUL ONLINE INTERACTIONS?
Cyberbullying is often an extension of face-to-face bullying. Talk regularly to your child about their relationships, including what happens online. Start the chat by asking some key questions:
•  What do you do if you feel frustrated or angry about something happening online?
•  What would you do if you saw someone harassing a friend?
•  What can you do if you feel like someone is trying to make you look bad online?
(eSafetyCommissioner)

HOW DO I PUT PARENTAL CONTROLS IN PLACE?
I highly recommend that families start with the eSafety Commissioner website and research each of the individual social media platforms and apps that your child has downloaded and has access to online. Many platforms offer family pairing or similar services so that you as the parent/guardian control what and when your child has access to content. The following PDF links on the eSafety Commissioner website have further links to different social media parent guides and controls for your reference.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/sites/default/files/202201/eSafety%20parent%20guide%20to%20cyberbullying%20and%20online%20drama.pdf

I know how hard these processes might be to navigate at home with emotionally heightened and possibly resentful adolescents. I know from first-hand experience that it is very hard to stand firmly in your family values and position, particularly when things don’t go quite the way your adolescent children might prefer.

START THE CONVERSATION
Susan McLean in her book “Sexts, Texts and Selfies” suggests that parents and guardians start with the following. Maintaining open and honest conversation is key to minimising many online issues. The longer you wait the harder it will become.

Here are some of Susan’s tips to help make these conversations work:
•  Educate yourself about whatever it is you are going to discuss; knowledge is power
•  Be confident in your knowledge and ability as a parent
•  Start early or as soon as you are aware that you need to change things.
•  Be in a calm mood, not angry, tired or irritable.
•  Be honest with your child
•  Explain the ‘why’ behind the reason in an age-appropriate way. Expect some resistance from older children but stay strong
•  Enlist the support of other family members, grandparents and teachers. Working together makes life easier for us all
•  Start out strict; you can always ease off a bit later This is much better than being a bit slack and then trying to rein things in.
•  Have clear rules, expectations and boundaries and explain why.
•  If at first you don’t succeed, try again; don’t give up.
Remember, it’s not for the now, but for the future.”
(S)

Susan continues to explain that “Cyberbullying, sexting, online grooming by predators, exposure to inappropriate content and damage to their digital reputation are the most common dangers that young people face online. Children can be both victims and perpetrators, so it is important that you understand each issue individually. It is about the risk. If you put yourself in a dangerous situation, then the risk will be greater.”

She suggests the following basic online safety rules to teach children.
•  Never give out your name, address or age to someone who asks for it online.
•  Never give out your email address or account details.
•  Never have your age or year of birth as a screen name or email address.
•  Don’t use sexy, flirty or offensive profile pictures
•  Anyone can be anyone online. People do pretend to be someone that they’re not.
•  Tell Mum or Dad if someone asks you questions that make you feel uncomfortable, or asks for your name and address.
•  Tell Mum or Dad if a person online asks you to take your clothes off on a webcam (Make this conversation appropriate).
•  If you don’t know the person in the real wor’d, no matter how nice they are to you, they are a STRANGER.
•  Be polite online and don’t use bad language or make nasty comments.
•  Don’t visit places online that you are not allowed to go.
•  If you are scared, upset or have seen something you know that you are not allowed to see, leave the device and go and find an adult.
•  Never set up an account or download an app without your parents’ permission and never if you are under the age restriction.
•  Use technology with respect and responsibility and have fun.
(S)

ARE THERE WEBINARS THAT I CAN ATTEND?
Yes, the eSafety website has an online newsletter that you can sign up to and they have also published a fabulous array of parent/guardian webinars for 2022. Please follow the link below to sign up for any of the sessions that are of interest to you. In May they are running a session on Parental Controls. If you sign up to the newsletter it will keep you up to date with all things ‘tech’ in your teen’s world.

SAVE THE DATE – SEX AND SOCIAL MEDIA WEBINAR FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
We are pleased to advise that Elephant Ed will present ‘Sex and Social Media’ a parent Webinar on Thursday 5 May 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. All parents and guardians are invited to attend.

This webinar will cover:
•  Statistics and prevalence of sexting amongst young people, including common distribution platforms.
•  Impact of sexting, including legalities consent and associated peer pressure.
•  Strategies to implement if things go wrong and how to start effective conversations at home.

Registration details will be emailed to parents and guardians closer to the date.

As teachers, parents and guardians we can never put too many ‘air bags and safety seat belts’ around our children in the online space.  We don’t want our children to fear technology but to respect it and to learn to use it with care. This is a difficult reality and not the celebratory Grammarian article that I truly love to write, but with the school holidays just around the corner and children with more time to spend in online spaces, it is timely at Easter to revisit family rules, values and parental controls. As a united team of parents, guardians and educators we can all work together to ensure that we continue to be well ahead of our ‘tech savvy’ adolescent children and guide them to safely use social media with wisdom, compassion and respect for themselves and each other throughout their adolescent and young adult years.

REFERENCES
•  S, M. (n.d.). Sexts, Texts and Selfies. In S. McLean, Sexts, Texts and Selfies. Viking.
•  esafety.gov.au
•  https://www.esafety.gov.au/young-people
•  https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE
A reminder to all families that our first school day after the Easter holidays is Tuesday 26 April and we will be participating in our very own secondary school ANZAC commemorative service. Students are required to attend in full winter formal uniform with blazers for this formal occasion.

WE WISH EVERYONE A VERY SAFE AND HAPPY EASTER
I wish to take this opportunity to wish all of our families a very happy safe and peaceful break. It has certainly been a whirlwind of activity as all events and commitments for our families have restarted in earnest after the last two years. I know that there are some very tired children and their families who have worked very hard and who all deserve some much-needed downtime away from school and co-curricular commitments. I look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Tuesday 26 April in winter uniform.

Leonie Clark
Head of Traralgon Secondary School

 

WHAT’S ON

8 April  Easter Service, 10:20 am
Friends of St Paul’s Easter Hunt, 10:50 am
End of Term 1, 2:30 pm finish
11 to 22 April  School Holidays
25 April  ANZAC Day
26 April  Term 2 Commences
ANZAC Day Service, 10:30 am

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

 

TRARALGON SECONDARY EASTER OFFICE HOURS

Monday 11 April  Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Tuesday 12 April 
Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Wednesday 13 April  Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Thursday 14 April  Closed (Maundy Thursday)
Friday 15 April  Closed (Good Friday)
Monday 18 April  Closed (Easter Monday)
Tuesday 19 April  Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Wednesday 20 April 
Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Thursday 21 April 
Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Friday 22 April
Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Monday 25 April  Closed (ANZAC Day)
Tuesday 26 April  Regular office hours 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

 

DOBSONS TRADING HOURS

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

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

 

HELLO FROM THE PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELLING TEAM

Hello from the Psychology and Counselling team here at the Traralgon Campus, we hope you have all had a great start to the year.

We feel really privileged in getting to work with, and support, families and students who might be struggling with a range of difficulties and understand what a challenging time it can be to navigate the teenage years and all that comes with that period of time.

Please know that there is a range of support options and resources available for you as parents and your children, online and in your community, in addition to our services available at the school.

The school holidays can be a wonderful time to regenerate and reconnect as a family, but can also provide some space to look into resources if they are needed and what additional supports might be able to help.

Please find below some of our favourite resources for parents and teens in supporting their mental health and wellbeing.
•  Kids helpline 1800 551 800 kidshelp.com.au
•  Headspace 1800 650 890 headspace.org.au
•  Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 youthbeyondblue.com
•  Reachout au.reachout.com
•  Lifeline 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au
•  Raising Children Network raisingchildren.net.au
•  Australian Psychological Society psychology.org.au
•  Smiling Mind smilingmind.com.au Mindfulness app
•  Bite Back biteback.org.au
•  Anxiety Canada anxietycanada.com with Mindshift app available
•  Suicide call back service 1300 659 467 suicidecallbackservice.org.au
•  Youth Support and Advocacy Service 1800 458 685 ysas.org.au
•  The Butterfly Foundation 1800 334 673 thebutterflyfoundation.org.au
•  Head to Health headtohealth.gov.au

We hope you all have a wonderful break. See you in Term 2!

Laurie Everaert, Psychologist
Brian Johnson, Counsellor

 

REGISTRATION FOR ICAS IS NOW OPEN!

We are delighted to inform you that Traralgon Secondary School will be participating in the world-renowned International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) AssessmentsTM this year. Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development.  Learn more about ICAS here: https://www.icasassessments.com/products-icas

Our school has signed up for the ICAS Assessments parent payment system (PPS) for Mathematics, English, Science, Spelling Bee, Writing and Digital Technologies. Tests are available to students in Years 7 to 10, with the exception of Spelling Bee which is only available to Year 7 students. Through this system, parents can pay for ICAS directly online while tests will still be held at our school. Please use the following details to register your child no later than Monday 1 August. Also, complete and return the permission form to the school once you have registered.  This form has been emailed home and is available on each year level page on MyStPauls.

Access details for parents
Your school access code is: JPU261
Your parent page link is: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps

These assessments will generally take place during the day at school.  Should a student enrol in all tests, some tests may need to be completed after school and families will be contacted.

 

C-GRADERS DEBATE TO VICTORY

On Monday 4 April, the Traralgon Secondary School C-Grade debaters argued and reasoned their way to victory in Round 2.  Asserting that parliamentarians should be allowed to hold citizenship other than Australian citizenship, Nicholas Fenech, Hunter Leahy and Tarj Fitzpatrick debated their way to victory over the team from John Monash Science School in the online competition.

The victorious C-Grade debating team.

Debating Captain, Ananya Philips, supported the team on the evening with a keen eye for rebuttal preparation, while all our debaters spoke eloquently and convincingly, with some special commendations from the adjudicator.  The next round is on Monday 2 May, and only time will tell if they can repeat their outstanding performance.  Good luck to all!

Donna Byrne
English and Humanities Teacher
Director of Learning and Teaching, Traralgon Secondary School

 

WHAT’S ON IN TERM 2 SPORT

SEISA Trials – Junior, St Paul’s Traralgon Campus, Thursday 28 April, 11:10 am to 3:30 pm
Selection process: Student sign-ups completed in Term 1. Students attend a trials session for team selection.
Event and consent information: Has been distributed to families via Consent2Go. Permission must have been approved by Wednesday 6 April.

SEISA Surfing, Phillip Island, Friday 29 April, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Selection process: Trials and selection day occurred in Term 1.
Event and consent information: Has been distributed and approved by families. This is a postponed event from Term 1.

SEISA Junior Competition
Round 1: Thursday 5 May
Round 2: Thursday 19 May
Round 3: Thursday 26 May
Round 4: Thursday 2 June – BYE
Round 5: Thursday 9 June
Finals: Thursday 16 June
Selection process: Trials will be completed on Thursday 28 April.
Weekly logistics (travel arrangements): Will be published on the MyStPauls Sport page each Friday.
Training information, fixtures and results: Will also be published regularly on the MyStPauls Sport page.
Event and consent information: Will be distributed to families via Consent2Go on Thursday 28 April. This will need to be approved by Tuesday 3 May.

VSAC Swimming, MSAC – Melbourne, Monday 9 May, 12:45 pm to 10:00 pm
Selection process: SEISA Swimming was the primary selection event for VSAC. However, for 2022 only, students can also submit times from the State Championships and Gippsland Championships for the events they competed in at SEISA Swimming. This nomination process closed on Wednesday 30 March.
Event information: Will be distributed to families via Consent2Go in week 10 of Term 1.

House Cross Country, St Paul’s Warragul – Brooker Park, Thursday 12 May, Various times
Selection process: Whole school event.
Period 1: Year 10
Pastoral: Year 9 and Year 12
House Sport: Year 7 and Year 8. Year 11 students will also complete the House Cross Country in period 6.
Event information: This is a qualifying event for the SEISA Cross Country Event. No consent required.

Sport Aerobics Team, Rowville Secondary College, Sunday 15 May and Saturday 18 June***, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm
Selection process: Teams have been selected and are currently training each Friday morning.
Team information: Consent2Go information will be distributed to families early in Term 2. Specific timings for the day will be emailed to families once the event schedule is released.
*** This is a qualifying event for the state finals on Saturday 18 June.

Intermediate and Senior SEISA – Trials, St Paul’s Warragul and Traralgon Campuses, Tuesday 14 June, Lunchtime
Selection process: Two-hour trials event. Students will sign-up for trials during in Mentor Group in Term 2.
The SEISA selection process for some teams is being conducted in Traralgon on Tuesday 14 June. Students will be departing Warragul at 11:30 am and returning at 3:20 pm in time for buses.
•  Intermediate Boys AFL (Years 9 to 10)
•  AFLW (Years 9 to 12)
•  Hockey Boys (Years 9 to 12)
•  Intermediate Boys Soccer (Years 9 to 10)
•  Intermediate Girls Soccer (Years 9 to 10)
•  Intermediate Girls Basketball (Years 9 to 10)
Parent information and permission will be published via Consent2Go during Term 2.
The following teams will trial during a lunchtime late in Term 2 (further details to be published on MyStPauls)
•  Senior Boys Soccer (Years 11 to 12)
•  Senior Girls Soccer (Years 11 to 12)
•  Senior AFL (Years 11 to 12)
•  Senior Girls Basketball (Years 11 to 12)

2022 Victorian All Schools Netball Championships, Monday 20 June
Selection process: Student sign-ups will be completed during Mentor Group in Term 2 Week 1. Trials will run in early Term 2 during lunchtime.
The Netball Victoria School Championships is one of the largest netball tournaments conducted in Australia and attracts Government, Catholic, Independent and Specialist school teams from around the state.
Team information: Consent2Go information will be distributed to families early in Term 2.

Other Term 2 Sport Information
• All key sporting event information is published regularly on the MyStPauls Sport page. Students and families must be checking this page to keep informed.
• Further information on the St Paul’s Cycling and Equestrian teams will be published on the respective MyStPauls pages throughout the term.

Melissa Hoskings
Head of Sport, Warragul

 

SPORTS NEWS

Our Traralgon Campus held its annual House Tug of War last week in the school gymnasium due to the drizzly weather. Each House competes against each other, followed by semi-finals and a grand final. After two rounds, each house won one and lost one. It was a close competition all morning but our finalists were Gilmore House and Chisholm House. The stakes were high, but our eventual winner was Gilmore House. They have been the dominant House over the past few years. In 2021 Franklin House took out the trophy but Gilmore House was determined to take back the mantle. Congratulations to our Deputy House Leaders who ensured the House Spirit was truly evident.

Paterson vs Franklin

Gilmore House our eventual winners.

Franklin House.

Our St Paul’s U16 Tigers team played in the basketball grand final on Monday evening at the Traralgon Regional Indoor Sports Stadium. They have been undefeated all season. They played an amazing game and worked well as a team. I would like to take the opportunity to thank their coach Bruce Vroegop for his time coaching the girls over the past couple of years. They have certainly come a long way. Also, to the girls who I am very proud of.  Looking forward to seeing how you

Sandra Timmer-Arends
Head of Year 9 and 10
Head of Sport – Traralgon Campus
Health and Physical Education

 

ST PAUL’S HAVE A SUCCESSFUL DAY ON THE TRACK AT SEISA ATHLETICS

On Monday 4 April, St Paul’s students competed in the SEISA Athletics Competition at the Casey Fields Regional Athletics Centre in Cranbourne East. Students from all four campuses formed our team for the day. St Paul’s placed second in the overall championship and had four students achieve Age Group Champions.
Well done to the following students:
•  Lachlan Rosato – U/12 Male
•  James Denton – U/13 Male
•  Rogan Rutter – U/16 Male
•  Rhys Galvin – U/21 Male

A number of St Paul’s students also broke records on the day.

Melissa Hoskings
Head of Sport, Warragul

 

ST PAUL’S INTERSCHOOL DRESSAGE DAY AT FARM WORLD!

On Friday 25 March, students of all ages competed in our Interschool Dressage Day, assisting with duties including pencilling and gear checking to run the competition, and showcased their talents in the equestrian field. We would like to congratulate Tahlia (Elementary Competition Champion), Phoebe (Preliminary Competition Champion) and Kate (Reserve Preliminary Champion) on their achievements!

Our students displayed excellent sportsmanship and beautifully presented our school values at Farm World. The organising committee was in awe of our students, exclaiming they were amazing – so helpful, professional and friendly!

Melissa Hoskings
Head of Sport, Warragul

 

BOOK LAUNCH

On Thursday 25 March, the Traralgon Campus library hosted a book launch. Ella May’s Cookbook by Ella May was launched in style to the Year 6 students at Traralgon.

Ella May, along with being a Year 10 student at St Paul’s Traralgon Secondary School is also the school’s Library Captain. During isolation in 2021, Ella planned, wrote and published her own cookbook for her Year 9 Personal Project. With the assistance of the Year 6 Library Leaders Lachlan Gallivan, Amelia Meehan, and Elijah Vercoe, we were able to launch Ella’s book with the fanfare it deserved.

Ella May presenting to Year 6 students.

Ella’s presentation was fascinating, and she engaged the Year 6 students throughout her presentation. Ella shared some of her personal background and her inspiration for the project, before explaining the entire book-making process, from deciding on recipes, to photo editing and publication.

Ella May with Year 6 Library Leaders Lachlan Gallivan, Amelia Meehan and Elijah Vercoe.

The Year 6 students then peppered Ella with some well-thought-out questions, asking her about the challenges she faced in writing her book, the recipes themselves and her plans for future publishing.

“Ella May’s Cookbook” is bound to be popular in our library with an extensive waiting list of students who are looking forward to reading it.

Jannet Taylor
Head of Library/Librarian/Teacher

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A ST PAUL’S COMPANY MEMBER OR BOARD DIRECTOR?

Membership of Company
Are you aware parents are able to become members of the St Paul’s School Company?

At present there are over sixty members of the School’s Company. Applying for membership involves completing an application form and submitting a fee of $20.00. Continued membership involves renewing your membership once a year and paying an ongoing annual fee of $20.00.

Company membership entitles the member to attend the School’s Annual General Meeting in May each year and also to cast a vote in the event of an election of Directors to the School Board.

Persons interested in applying for new membership of the Company can obtain an Application for Company Membership form from the School’s website or by contacting Carol Reid via email creid@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au.

New applications should be received by 25 April 2022 for consideration at the April Board Meeting in preparation for this year’s Annual General Meeting.

Becoming a Board Director
In keeping with the Board’s commitment to an inclusive governance approach within the School community, persons interested in potentially filling a Board vacancy are encouraged to become a member of the Company and respond to the nomination/election process prior to the Annual General Meeting on 25 May 2022.

Nomination forms for Board Directorship are required to be forwarded to the Company Secretary no later than Tuesday 26 April 2022 at 5:00 pm.

If you have any questions in relation to the Board vacancies or are seeking a nomination form, please contact Mrs Leah Young, Company Secretary via email companysecretary@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or phone 5623 5833.

Annual General Meeting, Wednesday 25 May 2022
The Annual General Meeting of St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School is to be held on Wednesday 25 May 2022 at the Warragul Campus commencing at 5:30 pm for members of the Company.

 

FINANCE NEWS

Annual Fee Account
Families have recently received via email an annual fee account for 2022. If you have any queries in relation to your annual fee account, please contact Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833. As detailed on the second page of the account, payment options are:

Direct Debit
All families are encouraged to participate in the School’s direct debit payment arrangement.

We offer fortnightly instalments (22 payments) on Wednesdays or Fridays that commenced 4 February and Monthly instalments (10 payments) that commenced 15 February 2022.

Other direct debit payment dates are also available by arrangement.

Should families wish to commence payment by Direct Debit, please contact Mr Peter Lees, accountsreceivable@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au as soon as possible to set up an arrangement.

Please find the direct debit form on the School website at this link, https://stpaulsags.vic.edu.au/enrolment/school-fees/

Instalments (due dates)
Instalment 2 – 8 April 2022
Instalment 3 – 3 June 2022
Instalment 4 – 12 August 2022

Private Car Conveyance Allowance
Families driving students more than 4.8 kilometres to attend St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School may be eligible to receive a conveyance allowance. For further information on the eligibility criteria and application process, please refer to, https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/conveyance-allowance/policy

Eligible families applying for the car conveyance allowance will have funds credited to their fee account during the year. If the fee account has been paid in full, or is on a direct debit arrangement, any allocation will show as a credit on the following year’s invoice.

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides payments directly to the school for the benefit of the eligible student to attend camps, sports and excursions. Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. $125 per year will be paid for eligible primary school students and $225 per year paid for eligible secondary school students. Payments will go directly to the school and be tied to the student. For more information and to download the application form please go to, https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/csef.aspx

Parents are encouraged to lodge the application form immediately. The CSEF program for 2022 closes at the end of Term 2. All forms must be received by 15 June 2022 to be processed.

For parents who received CSEF at the school in 2021 (and the student/s are still enrolled in 2022), the schools will ‘copy’ the application across from 2021 to 2022 on the CSEF system. The CSEF system will automatically validate the parent’s eligibility with Centrelink.

From the Chaplain

LOOPYBALL AND LEARNING TO BE TOGETHER AGAIN The Germans call it Loopyball. We call it Bubble Soccer. Ostensibly, the aim of the game is to …

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From the Chaplain

LOOPYBALL AND LEARNING TO BE TOGETHER AGAIN

The Germans call it Loopyball. We call it Bubble Soccer. Ostensibly, the aim of the game is to kick the ball into the opposition’s goal. With each player cocooned in their own plastic bubble, the real fun lies in charging around knocking as many others out of the way as possible in the process. It makes for an entertaining game to both play and watch. It also bears some resemblance to the way many of us, and young people, in particular, have returned to life after multiple lockdowns.

Our personal worlds have shrunk during Covid-19 pandemic despite the blessing of modern communication technology that has kept us in some way connected to the world around us. Our workspaces have been reduced to a desk, a chair, our devices and whatever snacks we keep in arm’s reach. We joined conversations with the click of a button and left them just as easily. Kids would leave school and shift to be hanging out with friends socially without even leaving their seats. Conversations could be muted without the other participants even knowing you weren’t listening and if you wanted to get up and leave a class or meeting you just switched off your camera and walked away. All this has been particularly formative for young people who are still developing the skills of social interaction. It has also made the transition from a remote learning ‘classroom’ to an actual classroom of people very challenging.

As we come to the end of term, for many this has been the longest stint of in-person school attendance they have had in a few years. It has been wonderful to have people gathered once again, to be enjoying camps, sporting competitions, concerts, excursions and just hanging out together at lunchtime. These are the things which online platforms such as Zoom, and Microsoft Teams could not replace. But we have also observed that the social interactions that young people have hungered for are also suffering from a lack of practice. Leaving the classroom is no longer a matter of simply switching off your camera (assuming it was ever on!). Now you must wait for a suitable moment, ask permission, and possibly be told to wait! When a conversation between friends gets annoying you can’t simply press mute and stop listening. Now they are in your ear whether you like it or not. It turns out that other people can make us uncomfortable.

So how are we responding? For some young people (and I suspect some adults as well), the challenge of social engagement feels too stressful, and they have sought to retreat into the familiar world of apparent safety behind screens and headphones. For some students, this has led to an increase in social anxiety and even panic attacks, and for a small number, the result has been regular school refusal. These cases are usually complex and rarely have a simple solution. We probably can’t blame Covid-19 for everything. But I can’t help wondering whether many of these young people are victims of an insidious aspect of the comfort culture that I wrote about in my last article. Social psychologist Jonathan Haight describes it this way. “A culture that allows the concept of “safety” to creep so far that it equates emotional discomfort with physical danger is a culture that encourages people to systematically protect one another from the very experiences embedded in daily life that they need in order to become strong and healthy.” (from “The Coddling of the American Mind”).

Whether it is simply the result of Covid-19 lockdowns or a broader social trend, it is critical that we help our young people discover a positive vision of being together. We need to help them regain ‘match fitness’ when it comes to social interactions within and outside the classroom. We need to model for them what it looks like to be gracious and gentle in our dealings with each other. While it flies in the face of our individualistic Western culture, we must show them what it means to put others’ needs before our own. Saint Thomas Aquinas once said, “To love is to will the good of the other”.  In short, we must teach our young people to love.

I read a great description recently of what this looks like in an article by a young man named Jayden Battey who manages a residential building for at-risk men in Melbourne’s inner suburbs. He put it like this. “I’ve realised the way we connect with most challenges in life is similar: we hold people at arm’s length and keep difficult relationships in neat boxes. But in reality, it’s the deep relationships with diverse people that allow us to become compassionate. It’s difference that forges community.” (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-30/5050-project-the-power-of-connection-publish-15-january/100739580)

I have long said that my favourite chapter of the Bible is Romans 12. For me, it captures in practical terms so much of what it means to live as a Christian. I would suggest that this is a worthy vision of community to put before our young people as together we return from the strangeness of the last few years.

“Your love must be real. Hate what is evil. Do only what is good. Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters. And give each other more honour than you give yourself. As you serve the Lord, work hard and don’t be lazy. Be excited about serving him! Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time. Share with God’s people who need help. Look for people who need help and welcome them into your homes. Wish only good for those who treat you badly. Ask God to bless them, not curse them. When others are happy, you should be happy with them. And when others are sad, you should be sad too. Live together in peace with each other. Don’t be proud, but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others. Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else. If someone does you wrong, don’t try to pay them back by hurting them. Try to do what everyone thinks is right. Do the best you can to live in peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:9-18)

This Easter, may you share in the love that God calls us to in the community, modelled perfectly in his death for all on the cross and made complete in his resurrection.

Reverend Daniel Lowe
Senior Chaplain