In this issue

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

ANZAC Day
On Friday 24 April, we held our first online ANZAC Service.  The beautiful words from the organiser, Mrs Leonie Clark, shared the remarkable story of the ANZACs in one of many moving tributes to those who served our country.  At the dawn of Saturday morning, many staff and students stood at the end of their driveways to commemorate together as a community.

“I woke up at 5:30 am on ANZAC Day morning in the tent pitched in the backyard.  My family and I put up this tent to earn a badge for our local scout group.  Our challenge was to sleep overnight in a tent, make an ANZAC lantern and commemorate the dawn service in our driveway.  We all put on our neat uniforms and headed out to the driveway.  This year’s dawn service was slightly different from most.  Instead of everyone joining together at the Cenotaph people gathered at the end of their driveways to commemorate the fallen.  We laid our lanterns gently on the ground and watched the live newsfeed for the event.  We listened to ‘Ode to the Fallen’ and ‘The Last Post’ while we stood still and silent to pay our respects.  Lest we forget.” – Jude Henne, 8A.

Jude and Kate Henne, Year 8, created ANZAC Day lanterns to commemorate the fallen.

Lachlan Wilson, Year 9, playing ‘The Last Post’ at the end of his court at dawn as a representative from the City of Traralgon Band.

Commemoration at the Traralgon Cenotaph.

Multi learning spaces
When students return to school, they will be surprised to see that the Secondary School building has been transformed to create two new multi learning spaces.  The two new learning areas will add space for students to study, work independently, meet as a year level or collaborate in teams.  The staff are very excited for the return of students to school so that these areas can be utilised.

Week 2 – Online Learning

Ms Annette Young creating a brain made from cauliflower and lollies for her Year 7 Science class.

Michael Gali, Year 7, performing CPR on a pillow for his Health and Physical Education class.

Brad McCabe
Head of Traralgon Secondary School

NEW TALENTS REVEALED!

As part of keeping in touch and having some fun together whilst in isolation, our Years 9 and 10 students have been setting themselves some challenges in their Mentor groups and displaying some hidden talents!  10B decided to go for an engineering feat with a card tower challenge.  Sanya Palta won with an impressive tower measuring 66 centimetres, just beating Tabitha Cooper’s tower of talent at 58 centimetres.  This week saw some awesome ANZAC biscuits being baked with the aim to bake the biggest intact biscuit.  Jamilla Marriott, a potential future MasterChef contestant, made an impressive 30 centimetres in diameter golden crunchy biscuit.  9B demonstrated dramatic flair in creating their ‘My Iso life’ mini-movies with Sophie Bray, Annie Burrows and Zoe Dowler as standouts with their performance of ‘My Corona’.  9A undertook a creative cooking challenge and revealed some gourmet gimmicks.  Noah Lancaster and Riley Richardson could potentially make income as future YouTube Comics with their mock cooking shows, while Tiana Bordonaro shared a tasty breakfast tip that I intend to cook.  They are currently undertaking a Duolingo challenge to learn a new language. I look forward to finding out about next week’s new challenges of Mentor groups and I am very proud of our wonderful students for meeting a challenging situation with resilience and creativity.

Jamilla Marriott, Year 10, who cooked a giant ANZAC Biscuit.

Sanya Palta, Year 10, created a house of cards.

LEARNING FROM HOME YEARS 7 AND 8

No doubt it has been an unusual start to Term 2.  As a teacher I spent many hours in the holidays working out what can translate to online and what needed to change in order to still be effective.  I had many sleepless nights wondering how I was to teach practical subjects such as Hard Materials and Physical Education.  My first class, Coding, on the first day of term was highly stressful.  I felt like a new teacher.  I had written my classes with minute accuracy.  Of course, it did not go as planned.  I thought we were at the five minute mark, thirty minutes in.  But it was better than my nightmares told me it would be.  I am constantly very appreciative of the students I teach.  They are attending classes on time and they are submitting work even when asked for in a new, even strange, format.  This week, my Year 7 Health class learnt CPR.  Normally we would practise this with the dummies in class working in pairs.  This week, however, my students practised on their pillows alone and posted a video of them capturing their skills.  This is a big ask of anyone but they embraced the new challenge.  This is not only happening in my class.  Years 7 and 8 students have been setting about their work in a most impressive manner for the past couple of weeks.

Jennifer Witney
Head of Years 7 and 8, Traralgon Campus

AN UPDATE FROM OUR WELLBEING TEAM

Children and adolescents continue to be exposed to information about COVID-19 in multiple ways.  This includes seeing and experiencing the effects of COVID-19 restrictions first-hand, through conversations with peers and when using social media and mainstream media.  We know that our students are experiencing a wide range of responses to this and that families are after information on how to support their children at this time.  Here are some tips that may assist you in supporting your child:

Limit media exposure:  Much of the information that is presented on social and mainstream media is worded in such a way that fact and opinion are intertwined. Many adults struggle to discern the difference between credible evidence, an “expert’s” opinion and the opinion of the author, so we cannot expect children and adolescents to be able to do this effectively.  Much of this information is designed to elicit emotional responses, including those of anger and sadness.  Limiting your child’s exposure to social and mainstream media is the best way to protect them from this.  If your child does have access, try to limit this to spaces where they are supervised.  They should be encouraged to discuss what they have seen/read/heard in an open and honest way.

Create new routines:  Routine and structure help to create a sense of safety and security for both children and adolescents.  With school now running online, many parents working from home and afterschool activities cancelled, your usual routine may have been thrown out the window.  Make sure you create a new routine for this unprecedented time.  Have standard wake-up, sleep and meal times, and schedule a variety of activities throughout the day that include a mixture of schoolwork, physical activity, creative outlets, play and downtime.  Collaborating with your family when creating this new schedule can help them feel like valued and contributing members of your household.

Maintain connections:  Many people are referring to the current COVID-19 restrictions as ‘social distancing’.  I prefer the term ‘physical distancing’ – we know that maintaining social connections at this time needs to be encouraged!  It is important for mental health.  Children and adolescents (and adults!) need social contact.  Encourage your child to connect with their friends and family members online or over the phone.  This does not have to be limited to a standard phone call or video chat. Find creative ways to stay connected: Encourage them to schedule a game night using Houseparty, have a virtual movie night with Netflix Party or start a virtual book club.

Stay positive:  It is easy for children and adolescents to become caught up in the things that they are missing out on.  Unfortunately, when these negative thoughts take hold, it is easy for them to snowball.  Set aside some time each day to be positive.  Set up a gratitude tree or box where each family member can note down the things they are grateful for.  Seeing all of these positives is a reminder that things are not as bad as they may seem.  Alternatively, each night, ask each family member to identify three good things that have happened that day and one thing they are looking forward to tomorrow.

Exercise daily:  Whilst your child’s after school activities may have been cancelled, it is still important that they exercise each day.  There are thousands of free workout videos available on YouTube and some of these have been highlighted for you on MyStPauls.  If you are stuck for ideas for your children, have a look at Cosmic Kids Yoga, Glen Higgins Fitness, Go Noodle, P.E. with Joe, Saskia Dansschool and Yoga with Adriene.  If your child usually participates in basketball, karate, soccer etc, find videos that provide them with the opportunity to continue to develop these skills.  Allow your adolescent child to explore exercise videos themselves, so that they can choose something that will keep them engaged.

Self-care:  In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, looking after yourselves has never been more important.  The isolation and need to continuously adapt can lead to increased stress, anxiety and distress.  Whilst self-care is something that should be practised daily, it is especially important in times like these.  Encourage your child to spend time doing something pro-active that makes them happy.  This could be exercising, playing an instrument, drawing or reading to name a few.  Make sure you are also making your own self-care and mental health a priority – it is hard to effectively look after your family if you are not looking after yourself!

Remember your supports:  This is a time of stress, worry and anxiety for many.  Everyone will respond differently and that is okay.  If you or your child need support, reach out.  The school counselling service continues to be available for students and we are offering a mixture of face-to-face and phone sessions.  Our counselling team consists of Shannon Arfaras – School Psychologist (Warragul), Brian Johnson – School Counsellor (Warragul and Traralgon) and Laurie Everaert – School Psychologist (Traralgon).
You or your child are also able to access one of the following services:
•  Beyond Blue Coronavirus Support, Phone 1800 512 348, https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/
•  Beyond Blue or Youth Beyond Blue, Phone 1300 22 4636, https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ or https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/
•  Headspace, Phone 1800 650 890, https://headspace.org.au/
•  Kids Helpline, Phone 1800 55 1800, https://www.kidshelpline.com.au/
•  Lifeline, Phone 13 11 14, https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Shannon Arfaras
School Psychologist

DOBSONS ONLINE

Shop online here:  Dobsons School Uniforms Online

ST PAUL’S PARENT PRAYER GROUP

If you would like to join with other parents of the school to pray, the regular monthly prayer meeting will take place via Zoom this coming Monday 4 May.  We will meet at 2:00 pm in the afternoon and all are welcome.  Please get in touch with Sheryn Cutler 0417 158 937 or sheryn.cutler@gmail.com for a link to join this meeting to the be sent to you on Monday.

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

COFFEE FOR MOTHER’S DAY

Would you like a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee?  A great idea for a Mother’s Day gift!  $3 from every bag sold through the school goes towards our fundraising to build new classrooms for Ponilala Village School.  Growing and exporting coffee beans is also a sustainable and vital part of the Ermera district economy, where Ponilala is situated.  Your purchase will not only taste great but contribute to a worthy cause.
Bags of plunger, filter or beans can be purchased for $12.  Contact Andrea Heard aaheard@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or Kirsten Enders kenders@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au to place an order.

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

We are missing our students here at Warragul Secondary School and certainly making use of Microsoft Teams in order to touch base and connect.  Earlier this week all students took part in a short but targeted Wellbeing Survey, facilitated by our Mentors and designed to give us a snapshot of how our students are feeling.  Mentors and each Head of Year will follow up with students as needed from the outcome of those surveys.  We were pleased to be able to join together on Friday last week to acknowledge ANZAC Day together and I hope that some families were able to use the service PowerPoint that was uploaded to the Warragul Secondary School page on MyStPauls.

A second version of the Frequently Asked Questions was released to students last week and it informed them that Years 9 to 11 examinations would not be conducted in Semester 1 this year.  This will not disadvantage our students and assessment will be adjusted to ensure the skills and knowledge of students are assessed appropriately.  Students will still receive a Statement of Results at the end of this semester along with their Pastoral Report.

We would like to encourage all of our families to please stay in touch with your child or children’s Mentors and Head of Year if you need any support with their online learning or wellbeing.

Year 11 and Year 12 Product Design and Technology ‘Textiles’ Virtual Excursion to TOP DESIGNS at the Melbourne Museum
On Tuesday 21 April our Year 11 and Year 12 Textiles students took part in the planned, annual excursion to Top Designs 2020 at the Melbourne Museum.  It was a glorious autumn day when we ‘imagined’ our train ride together to Melbourne.  Over a Microsoft Teams meeting, the students were encouraged to visualise that we were on the train and as the countryside whizzed past, the buildings seemed to squash themselves closer and closer as we hurtled towards the ‘Big Smoke’.  The website for Top Designs 2020 is constructed in such a fashion that visitors can complete a virtual ‘walk through’ of the show.  However, the Years 11 and 12 students were most interested in the Textiles work and we all thoroughly enjoyed clicking into each work and learning about the intent of the individual student designers as we examined each production piece.  As the computer screen was shared amongst the whole group, at the same time, we were able to read and appreciate the works together.  It was as if we were all standing around an artwork within the museum space because we were able to enlarge the works together and analyse the processes, techniques as well as discuss the social and cultural influences on each student designer.  Much intense discussion took place as students commented and asked questions throughout the virtual excursion.  After we had completed our time at the museum, students were invited to imagine that we had enjoyed a delicious lunch together before embarking on the train home again from Melbourne.  Many students commented that they thoroughly enjoyed the excursion despite never leaving their homes!  All students were encouraged to make something irresistible for lunch to conclude our virtual excursion to Top Designs 2020, in a ‘different way’.

Virtual Guest Speaker
On Friday Caitlin Powell invited Gabrielle Powell to present a lecture to the Year 11 Studio Arts students about  “Inspiration, Perspective and Asian Art”.  Gabrielle Powell holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Art Histories and Ancient World Studies.  The lecture took place live over Microsoft Teams; the students found the lecture extremely helpful and insightful as it relates to their next topic where the students will discuss the artistic practice of artists from different times and cultures, their sources of inspiration, materials and techniques.

Virtual Guest Speaker Gabrielle Powell.

Year 10 Product Design and Technology – an interview with Mr Coombs

Ms Butterworth:  “I hear you have found an ingenious way to engage your Year 10 Product Design and Technology class Mr Coombs.  Can you tell me how this came about?

Mr Coombs:  “I was watching the news one night and I saw a gentleman speaking about teaching his own children through remote learning.  He had hit an issue because he did not have enough desks for all of his children to sit at.  He just happened to be a product design engineer so he decided he would make a desk out of cardboard and that way they could move it anywhere they wanted around the house.  His design did not contain any glue either so it could be easily dismantled and packed away in storage.”

Ms Butterworth:  “I can just imagine how that got your mind thinking.”

Mr Coombs:  “I love to think!  Yes that got my mind racing and I thought my students can do that at home.  It will get them off their screens, allow them to do some practical work and will also mean that I am not putting them at risk if they were trying to use power tools without supervision.  I got very keen and went online and saw other people make furniture out of cardboard.  They all recommended that you use cardboard with at least two ply corrugation, I had hit my first snag.”

Ms Butterworth:  “I am quite sure that did not get in your way.  Am I right?”

Mr Coombs:  “You are right.  I went to Bunnings and three or four other places looking for leftover boxes that I could upcycle for the purpose.  Eventually a very helpful company in Dandenong was able to provide me with thirty-two sheets of 7 millimetre double corrugated cardboard.”

Ms Butterworth:  “What were your students doing while you were doing all of this?”

Mr Coombs:  “While I sourced the materials the students were set to work on the design process.  I created a customer request scenario and the students had to create a design based on that brief.  They then had to answer all of the questions in the brief to ensure they had thought about the real needs of the customer.  From there they had to produce a working drawing and make a 1:5 scale model out of thin card.

They are now evaluating what they have found difficult in making the 1:5 model and refining their designs in preparation for starting on their final product.”

Ms Butterworth:  “Where is all the cardboard now?”

Mr Coombs:  “Well… while the students were busily working on their designs I packed a cut lunch, a thermos of coffee and started on my delivery run.  I headed to Traralgon first and made my way back down the highway, dropping off along the way and finishing in Drouin.”

Stay tuned for a further update on this project in a coming edition of the Grammarian.  A big thank you to Mr Coombs for continuing to go above and beyond for his students.

Year 12 Jackets
One of the special traditions that our Year 12 students enjoy at St Paul’s is their Year 12 jacket.  Each cohort spends considerable time creating and negotiating their design together before they are ordered.  These jackets form part of our winter uniform and students eagerly await the arrival of Term 2 to finally slip them on.  As staff we really enjoy watching the excitement of students receiving their jackets and watching them proudly head home with them on the day they are distributed. This year it will be a little different but we are allowing students to collect their jackets so they can wear them for their remote learning classes.  We asked the School Captains what they thought the Year 12 jacket meant to them.

Nixon Hall – Deputy School Captain:  “To me the Year 12 jackets are a cherished right of passage, symbolic of completing our journey towards the final year of school.  Something to be worn with pride, not only bonding us together as a cohort but recognising and celebrating our commitment to St Paul’s.”

Rachel Jennings – School Captain:  “I feel that the Year 12 jackets are what brings us together as a cohort more so now than ever.  With each of our names on that jacket, it embodies what Year 12 is all about; appreciating the people who have made these past thirteen years of schooling memories what they are.”

Eliza Greenall – Deputy School Captain:  “The jacket to me is a celebration of all of our hard work throughout the years.  As a year level we are united and get to present ourselves with pride in our achievements.  The jackets are a way to identify the Year 12s and thereby the leaders of the school.”

James Gourley – School Captain:  “For me, the Year 12 jackets indicate not only the age and year level of the individual wearing them; they are also a marker of the last leg of one’s journey at St Paul’s.  The jackets demonstrate how far we have come as a cohort and serve as a reminder of the years we have shared at St Paul’s that we will take with us wherever we go.”

Ms Laura Butterworth
Head of Warragul Secondary School

ASSESSMENTS DURING THE ONLINE LEARNING PERIOD

We are getting to a point in time when teachers are preparing to do assessments in their classes. When the idea of remote learning was first raised, we began thinking about and planning for how assessments would be conducted. Now, several weeks in, we have made significant progress with our planning and online protocols. The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority has recently released details regarding remote online assessments and the policies and protocols that we have developed about assessments fit perfectly around the parameters given.

In the next few weeks teachers will be working with the students in their classes to sort out the best form of assessment. This may be project based, online quizzes, oral presentations, videos or even a traditional test that will be sent to the students at the start of the lesson and returned at the end for marking. Teachers may also use Microsoft Teams video conferencing to view students as they complete assessments.

In order for assessment to be meaningful, fair and consistent, we will be asking our students to complete these assessments in the spirit in which they are intended.  Teachers will be, in some cases (especially VCE), asking students to sign a declaration that the work is solely theirs and that they are doing the assessment under the conditions set out by the teacher and not passing any information on to other students or cheating in any way.

We do ask for your support as parents and guardians, and ask that you have a discussion with your children about honesty, integrity and doing their best, and also make sure that it is your child’s best and that they are not looking to unfairly gain advantage. This will certainly help our teachers and ensure that students continue to live by the values of our school.

By working together we can maintain the integrity of the assessments and give a true gauge of our students’ learning.

Mr Bruno Testa
Director of Studies

AN UPDATE FROM OUR WELLBEING TEAM

Children and adolescents continue to be exposed to information about COVID-19 in multiple ways.  This includes seeing and experiencing the effects of COVID-19 restrictions first-hand, through conversations with peers and when using social media and mainstream media.  We know that our students are experiencing a wide range of responses to this and that families are after information on how to support their children at this time.  Here are some tips that may assist you in supporting your child:

Limit media exposure:  Much of the information that is presented on social and mainstream media is worded in such a way that fact and opinion are intertwined. Many adults struggle to discern the difference between credible evidence, an “expert’s” opinion and the opinion of the author, so we cannot expect children and adolescents to be able to do this effectively.  Much of this information is designed to elicit emotional responses, including those of anger and sadness.  Limiting your child’s exposure to social and mainstream media is the best way to protect them from this.  If your child does have access, try to limit this to spaces where they are supervised.  They should be encouraged to discuss what they have seen/read/heard in an open and honest way.

Create new routines:  Routine and structure help to create a sense of safety and security for both children and adolescents.  With school now running online, many parents working from home and afterschool activities cancelled, your usual routine may have been thrown out the window.  Make sure you create a new routine for this unprecedented time.  Have standard wake-up, sleep and meal times, and schedule a variety of activities throughout the day that include a mixture of schoolwork, physical activity, creative outlets, play and downtime.  Collaborating with your family when creating this new schedule can help them feel like valued and contributing members of your household.

Maintain connections:  Many people are referring to the current COVID-19 restrictions as ‘social distancing’.  I prefer the term ‘physical distancing’ – we know that maintaining social connections at this time needs to be encouraged!  It is important for mental health.  Children and adolescents (and adults!) need social contact.  Encourage your child to connect with their friends and family members online or over the phone.  This does not have to be limited to a standard phone call or video chat. Find creative ways to stay connected: Encourage them to schedule a game night using Houseparty, have a virtual movie night with Netflix Party or start a virtual book club.

Stay positive:  It is easy for children and adolescents to become caught up in the things that they are missing out on.  Unfortunately, when these negative thoughts take hold, it is easy for them to snowball.  Set aside some time each day to be positive.  Set up a gratitude tree or box where each family member can note down the things they are grateful for.  Seeing all of these positives is a reminder that things are not as bad as they may seem.  Alternatively, each night, ask each family member to identify three good things that have happened that day and one thing they are looking forward to tomorrow.

Exercise daily:  Whilst your child’s after school activities may have been cancelled, it is still important that they exercise each day.  There are thousands of free workout videos available on YouTube and some of these have been highlighted for you on MyStPauls.  If you are stuck for ideas for your children, have a look at Cosmic Kids Yoga, Glen Higgins Fitness, Go Noodle, P.E. with Joe, Saskia Dansschool and Yoga with Adriene.  If your child usually participates in basketball, karate, soccer etc, find videos that provide them with the opportunity to continue to develop these skills.  Allow your adolescent child to explore exercise videos themselves, so that they can choose something that will keep them engaged.

Self-care:  In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, looking after yourselves has never been more important.  The isolation and need to continuously adapt can lead to increased stress, anxiety and distress.  Whilst self-care is something that should be practised daily, it is especially important in times like these.  Encourage your child to spend time doing something pro-active that makes them happy.  This could be exercising, playing an instrument, drawing or reading to name a few.  Make sure you are also making your own self-care and mental health a priority – it is hard to effectively look after your family if you are not looking after yourself!

Remember your supports:  This is a time of stress, worry and anxiety for many.  Everyone will respond differently and that is okay.  If you or your child need support, reach out.  The school counselling service continues to be available for students and we are offering a mixture of face-to-face and phone sessions.  Our counselling team consists of Shannon Arfaras – School Psychologist (Warragul), Brian Johnson – School Counsellor (Warragul and Traralgon) and Laurie Everaert – School Psychologist (Traralgon).
You or your child are also able to access one of the following services:
•  Beyond Blue Coronavirus Support, Phone 1800 512 348, https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/
•  Beyond Blue or Youth Beyond Blue, Phone 1300 22 4636, https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ or https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/
•  Headspace, Phone 1800 650 890, https://headspace.org.au/
•  Kids Helpline, Phone 1800 55 1800, https://www.kidshelpline.com.au/
•  Lifeline, Phone 13 11 14, https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Shannon Arfaras
School Psychologist

DOBSONS ONLINE

Shop online here:  Dobsons School Uniforms Online

ST PAUL’S PARENT PRAYER GROUP

If you would like to join with other parents of the school to pray, the regular monthly prayer meeting will take place via Zoom this coming Monday 4 May.  We will meet at 2:00 pm in the afternoon and all are welcome.  Please get in touch with Sheryn Cutler 0417 158 937 or sheryn.cutler@gmail.com for a link to join this meeting to the be sent to you on Monday.

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

COFFEE FOR MOTHER’S DAY

Would you like a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee?  A great idea for a Mother’s Day gift!  $3 from every bag sold through the school goes towards our fundraising to build new classrooms for Ponilala Village School.  Growing and exporting coffee beans is also a sustainable and vital part of the Ermera district economy, where Ponilala is situated.  Your purchase will not only taste great but contribute to a worthy cause.
Bags of plunger, filter or beans can be purchased for $12.  Contact Andrea Heard aaheard@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or Kirsten Enders kenders@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au to place an order.

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

Congratulations on making it through another week of remote and online learning together.  It has been wonderful to hear that our Years 3 to 6 students have been catching up via Microsoft Teams this week and we look forward to our Prep to Year 2 students doing the same next week.  We are pleased that the students are now able to have some face-to-face time online together and with their teachers.  We know one thing and that is how much the students have been missing their friends.

I wanted to update families on some events that were planned for this term.

All interschool sporting events: Cross Country, Years 5 and 6 Winter Round Robin  Cancelled
Mother’s Day Stall  Cancelled
Years 5 and 6 Soirée  Postponed
Family and School Photos  Rescheduled to Term 3
Open Day  Postponed
Prep to Year 12 Anniversary Service  Cancelled
Years 3 and 5 NAPLAN  Cancelled
2021 Prep Information Session and ELC Discovery Morning  Postponed
RoboCup Competition  Cancelled
Performing Arts Concert  Cancelled

Staying connected
My sincere thanks to Mrs Davies who has been organising some virtual events of late to keep us all connected.  So far we have had a virtual movie night and storytime.  This Saturday, families are invited to have a picnic at their homes.  A reminder to post your pictures on Parents Matter.

At the start of each term we change the display in our Junior School foyer.  This term is an unusual one, so we thought that we might brighten things up a bit for when the students return to school.

Therefore we are going to create a ‘St Paul’s Happy Snaps’ display to show how we as a community are sticking together through such unprecedented times.  We would love for families to send through a photo of any fun, crazy or inventive family activities from this isolation period that you would be happy for us to show.  If you would like to contribute please email the photo through to Bec at rcreed@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au  Please note: these photos are for display in the foyer only and will not to be used for any other source.  We look forward to creating this fun display.

Be kind to yourself
Please continue to be kind to yourselves and work through the online tasks and support your children the best you can.  Everyone continues to do a wonderful job given the circumstances and there is no problems with not completing every task each week.  If possible, please continue to submit any tasks that are completed or save them in a folder or book for when students return to school.  Feel free to take regular breaks and do some incidental learning activities with your children away from screens and worksheets, this is completely fine.  If you feel a ‘rest day’ is required to recharge, a quick email to your child’s teacher indicating this will be fine.

Keep up the great and we cannot wait to see everyone back at school.

Please find below some information from our School Psychologist, Shannon Arfaras.

Children and adolescents continue to be exposed to information about COVID-19 in multiple ways.  This includes seeing and experiencing the effects of COVID-19 restrictions first-hand, through conversations with peers and when using social media and mainstream media.  We know that our students are experiencing a wide range of responses to this and that families are after information on how to support their children at this time.  Here are some tips that may assist you in supporting your child:

Limit media exposure:  Much of the information that is presented on social and mainstream media is worded in such a way that fact and opinion are intertwined. Many adults struggle to discern the difference between credible evidence, an “expert’s” opinion and the opinion of the author, so we cannot expect children and adolescents to be able to do this effectively.  Much of this information is designed to elicit emotional responses, including those of anger and sadness.  Limiting your child’s exposure to social and mainstream media is the best way to protect them from this.  If your child does have access, try to limit this to spaces where they are supervised.  They should be encouraged to discuss what they have seen/read/heard in an open and honest way.

Create new routines:  Routine and structure help to create a sense of safety and security for both children and adolescents.  With school now running online, many parents working from home and afterschool activities cancelled, your usual routine may have been thrown out the window.  Make sure you create a new routine for this unprecedented time.  Have standard wake-up, sleep and meal times, and schedule a variety of activities throughout the day that include a mixture of schoolwork, physical activity, creative outlets, play and downtime.  Collaborating with your family when creating this new schedule can help them feel like valued and contributing members of your household.

Maintain connections:  Many people are referring to the current COVID-19 restrictions as ‘social distancing’.  I prefer the term ‘physical distancing’ – we know that maintaining social connections at this time needs to be encouraged!  It is important for mental health.  Children and adolescents (and adults!) need social contact.  Encourage your child to connect with their friends and family members online or over the phone.  This does not have to be limited to a standard phone call or video chat. Find creative ways to stay connected: Encourage them to schedule a game night using Houseparty, have a virtual movie night with Netflix Party or start a virtual book club.

Stay positive:  It is easy for children and adolescents to become caught up in the things that they are missing out on.  Unfortunately, when these negative thoughts take hold, it is easy for them to snowball.  Set aside some time each day to be positive.  Set up a gratitude tree or box where each family member can note down the things they are grateful for.  Seeing all of these positives is a reminder that things are not as bad as they may seem.  Alternatively, each night, ask each family member to identify three good things that have happened that day and one thing they are looking forward to tomorrow.

Exercise daily:  Whilst your child’s after school activities may have been cancelled, it is still important that they exercise each day.  There are thousands of free workout videos available on YouTube and some of these have been highlighted for you on MyStPauls.  If you are stuck for ideas for your children, have a look at Cosmic Kids Yoga, Glen Higgins Fitness, Go Noodle, P.E. with Joe, Saskia Dansschool and Yoga with Adriene.  If your child usually participates in basketball, karate, soccer etc, find videos that provide them with the opportunity to continue to develop these skills.  Allow your adolescent child to explore exercise videos themselves, so that they can choose something that will keep them engaged.

Self-care:  In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, looking after yourselves has never been more important.  The isolation and need to continuously adapt can lead to increased stress, anxiety and distress.  Whilst self-care is something that should be practised daily, it is especially important in times like these.  Encourage your child to spend time doing something pro-active that makes them happy.  This could be exercising, playing an instrument, drawing or reading to name a few.  Make sure you are also making your own self-care and mental health a priority – it is hard to effectively look after your family if you are not looking after yourself!

Remember your supports:  This is a time of stress, worry and anxiety for many.  Everyone will respond differently and that is okay.  If you or your child need support, reach out.  The school counselling service continues to be available for students and we are offering a mixture of face-to-face and phone sessions.  Our counselling team consists of Shannon Arfaras – School Psychologist (Warragul), Brian Johnson – School Counsellor (Warragul and Traralgon) and Laurie Everaert – School Psychologist (Traralgon).
You or your child are also able to access one of the following services:
•  Beyond Blue Coronavirus Support, Phone 1800 512 348, https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/
•  Beyond Blue or Youth Beyond Blue, Phone 1300 22 4636, https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ or https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/
•  Headspace, Phone 1800 650 890, https://headspace.org.au/
•  Kids Helpline, Phone 1800 55 1800, https://www.kidshelpline.com.au/
•  Lifeline, Phone 13 11 14, https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Rowan van Raay
Head of Warragul Junior School

DOBSONS ONLINE

Shop online here:  Dobsons School Uniforms Online

ST PAUL’S PARENT PRAYER GROUP

If you would like to join with other parents of the school to pray, the regular monthly prayer meeting will take place via Zoom this coming Monday 4 May.  We will meet at 2:00 pm in the afternoon and all are welcome.  Please get in touch with Sheryn Cutler 0417 158 937 or sheryn.cutler@gmail.com for a link to join this meeting to the be sent to you on Monday.

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

COFFEE FOR MOTHER’S DAY

Would you like a bag of rich, smooth East Timor Coffee?  A great idea for a Mother’s Day gift!  $3 from every bag sold through the school goes towards our fundraising to build new classrooms for Ponilala Village School.  Growing and exporting coffee beans is also a sustainable and vital part of the Ermera district economy, where Ponilala is situated.  Your purchase will not only taste great but contribute to a worthy cause.
Bags of plunger, filter or beans can be purchased for $12.  Contact Andrea Heard aaheard@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or Kirsten Enders kenders@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au to place an order.

MOVING FORWARD, THINKING BACK.

It is amazing how quickly most of us adapt and work out new ways to do things.  I have been pushed to learn new technologies, think creatively and encourage remotely.  As much as we push forward into the unknown, I, like many people, have also had to deal with the reality that ‘life is not just about me’.  I have enjoyed seeing the transition from toilet paper hoarding to genuine concern for our fellow neighbour, even those whom we do not even know.  People giving of themselves freely for the greater good.  I realise there are anomalies to this, there always will be, but it is great to witness and be part of this change of mindset.  As a chaplain it warms my heart to see a culture grapple with this and think beyond themselves.  As a school I hope that this attitude remains and even progresses to the point where we can honestly live the words of Jesus when he says to, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind… Love others as much as you love yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

Glen Treble
Chaplain

St Paul’s has had two school histories written, and their titles both struck me this week as being especially pertinent.  “Ever Onward” was published in 1992 in acknowledgment of the School’s tenth anniversary and “No Ordinary Days” in 2007 to celebrate the first twenty-five years.  The current days are indeed extraordinary, and we must remain true to the ‘ever onward’ motto that has been an essential element of the establishment, success and growth of St Paul’s since the earliest years.

As Principal, I feel humbled and extremely grateful for the way in which our school community has responded to the current situation.  The response has predominantly been one of sincere determination, hard work, adaptability and mutual support.  After 11 May, we should have greater certainty about a safe date for a return to on-site schooling for most students and staff.  In the meantime, thank you again to everyone in these far-from-ordinary days and ever onward!

Cameron Herbert
Principal