In this issue

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

Congratulations Jordyn Cargill
While Jordan’s achievement will be further highlighted in the sports report I wanted to add my congratulations.  At the National Age Swimming Titles recently in Sydney, Jordyn received a gold medal in the Under 13 400m Individual Medley and a bronze in the 200m Individual Medley.  His time of 4:50.02 in the 400 IM was a personal best by 4 seconds and 2 seconds clear of second place. Wow!

Jordyn Cargill.

ANZAC Day
Thank you to our School Captains Rachel Jennings and Tomas Dowler, and their families, for representing our school so well at the recent ANZAC Day service.  The service was a moving tribute to those who have paid the ‘ultimate sacrifice’ in defence of Australia.  The gathering did pause as all of the local school children laid their wreaths as one, receiving a very warm round of applause.  I thought it was a nice touch.

Tomas Dowler, Rachel Jennings, with Junior School students Nicholas Fenech and Alanna Magee at the ANZAC Day Service.

Anyone for Table Tennis Table
An outdoor table tennis table has been installed outside Room 3.  Each Year level is currently being rostered access in turn.  We have also opened the new downball grids for business.

Open Day
Thank you yet again to our Year 9 tour guides for the wonderful service you provided during our Open Day last Wednesday.  Our students are the best advertisement of our school and I thought you all represented our school with great distinction.

Drink Bottles – not glass
Glass drink bottles seem to have become a recent fashion.  However, breakable drink bottles are not ideal in a school environment.  We have had two shatter and break recently.  If students wish to bring drink bottles may I ask that they be the non-breakable style.

Anniversary Service
Our Anniversary Service is coming up on Wednesday 9 May.  This year is especially significant as we will be welcoming our new Principal, Cameron Herbert.  All of our students will visit the Warragul Campus for what is a wonderful occasion.  There are only two times a year when we bring St Paul’s together as a whole and it really is a sight to behold.  After the service our students will participate in activities in year levels with their Warragul counterparts before returning to Traralgon.  While students will have access to the Warragul canteen during recess, I would ask all students to bring a cut lunch.  We are not scheduled to return to Traralgon until 1:50 pm where we will have a short late lunch followed by period 6.

WHAT’S ON IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL

MAY
8 May  SEISA Chess, Debating and Public Speaking Excursion
9 May  da Vinci Decathlon Excursion
Whole School Anniversary Service, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium, 10:30 am
10 May  Cross Country
15 May to 17 May  NAPLAN
17 May  SEISA Winter Sport, Junior, Round 1
DAV Debating Excursion

NAPLAN

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) 2018 for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students will be held on Tuesday 15 May, Wednesday 16 May and Thursday 17 May 2018. NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skills in Writing, Reading, Language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy. The results of the tests provide information for students, parents, teachers and principals which can be used to improve student achievement.

All students are expected to participate in the NAPLAN tests. During test week, catch-up tests will be available for individual students who are absent on test days. These students may undertake catch-up tests on the days in the test week after the scheduled test, up to and including Friday 18 May 2018.

Support can be arranged for students with disabilities, if the student regularly uses similar support for classroom assessment tasks. Large print, braille and black and white versions of the tests are available for students that require them. Exemptions may be granted to students with significant intellectual disabilities and to students who have been learning English for less than one year. If your child is eligible for support due to disability or an exemption, you should discuss this with his/her teacher prior to the tests. Parental consent is required before any support due to disability or exemption is granted.

Students may be withdrawn from NAPLAN by their parent or carer. This is a matter for consideration by parents and carers in consultation with the Principal. If, after consultation, you decide to withdraw your child, you must sign a Student Withdrawal form. These forms are available at the school.

Later in the year you will receive your child’s personal NAPLAN report. The report will describe your child’s particular skills in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy. The report will also show how your child performed in relation to national minimum standards. These describe the minimum acceptable standards for students across Australia.

I am confident that the information you receive as a result of your child’s participation in the NAPLAN tests will be valuable in helping you to assess your child’s progress in literacy and numeracy.

For more information about the tests, please visit the VCAA website at www.vcaa.vic.edu.au or the NAP website at www.nap.edu.au

David Ellis
Director of Studies

MARKET WEEK

As a part of their business studies, Year 10 Commerce students at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School recently hosted ‘Market Week’ to Secondary and Junior students with an array of stalls.

Leading up to ‘Market Week’ commerce students experience the processes involved in setting up and running a small business, and learn about business planning, cost analysis, obtaining resources, risk assessment (including OH&S), product/service branding and post-performance analysis.

The project is a valuable hands-on learning activity whereby the Year 10s plan and advertise their stalls in groups, overcoming any challenges along the way to ensure their ‘business’ ran smoothly.

Many of the students chose to run food stalls some of which included selling popcorn, toasties, hot apple pies, cupcakes and sausages.

There was also a ‘Bathbombs and Lip Scrubs for Mother’s Day’ stall as well as a fun ‘Water Balloon Throwing’ stall.

Just under $1,350 was raised between the students which will now be donated to a charity of their choice, some of which include World Vision, the Cancer Council, The Smith Family, beyondblue, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and fundraising for East Timor.

Hannah Madeley and Rebecca Johnson.

Calvin Landy with Year 3 students Tobi Hall and Grace Cunningham.

Year 8 student Niki Alexander and Year 10 students Jorja Halsall and Hannah Lipscombe.

Year 7 student Seth King with Year 10 student Rachel Jennings.

Harry Schwarzenberg.

SPIRIT OF ANZAC TOUR

Saying this was an amazing experience is an understatement.  Not only was it a real eye-opener, but a chance to do something I would never have dreamed of.  Whilst preparing for this tour I was excited to travel overseas, but once I was there it became so much more than that.  I realised there is a difference between learning information about our history and really understanding it.  After spending the first three days in Darwin, visiting sights such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Australia’s major army base, the Robertson Barracks, I began to really understand Australia’s involvement in WWII.  The next seven days were spent in Singapore where it was not simply a great learning experience, but a great cultural one as well.  Each meal there was something new to try and there were many amazing sights to see.  Day five consisted of a full day tour of WWII sights in Singapore where we visited the Kranji War Memorial and War Cemetery, Changi Museum and the Battle Box.  However this trip was not all about the history of WWII.  Most mornings were full of learning, though the afternoons were a time to relax and enjoy some fun activities.  The highlights for me consisted of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Chinatown, Gardens by the Bay and my personal favourite, Universal Studios.  Overall this was a once in a life time experience that I will cherish forever.  Not only will I remember the brave Australian soldiers who fought with ANZAC spirit, but it is the friendships and memories made that will last a lifetime.

Hollie Bugeja
Year 10 Student

Hollie attending a Commemoration Service for students.

War Cemetery Singapore.

Hollie and new friends tour Singapore gardens.

WORLD CHALLENGE INDONESIA

Eighteen months of wondering and waiting were over!  Ten St Paul’s students from Years 10 to 12, Mrs Kelly, Mr McCabe and our expedition leader Troy set off on what could only be described as an adventure of a lifetime.  The twenty days spent in country went by quickly and it became hard to believe all the things we had completed in that time.

From observing some cheeky, wild orangutans in the Sumatran Jungle, planting trees to combat deforestation, building a toilet block for a primary school, teaching kids about the environment in Green Class, hiking up volcanoes and observing sulphuric lakes or visiting twelve hundred year old temples at sunrise – it was safe to say we had the ultimate Indonesian experience.

We are so lucky to have had the opportunity to be immersed in the culture of such a beautiful country.  We learnt so much about Indonesia and ourselves.  Not only did we create lifetime friendships with our peers, we made great connections with the locals who helped us break through the language barrier and become connoisseurs of nasi goreng and nanas.

Thank you to everyone involved in helping us get there, it was the best experience ever!

Jenna Wright
Year 11 Student

SPORT NEWS

House Tug Of War
We held our annual House Tug Of War last week during our Pastoral block.  All houses competed against each other over five rounds and concluded with semi-finals and then a grand final.  Some houses had good tussles especially when teachers formed part of the team.  In the end it was Gilmore House against Chisholm House which saw Gilmore win for the second year in a row.  To conclude a great morning, the Year 10s were challenged by the staff to a Tug Of War which again saw the staff victors.

Tug Of War victors – Gilmore House.

Traralgon Staff trying their best to beat the Year 10s.

Jordyn Cargill and Sophie Waller:  Swimming – Nationals
Jordyn competed at the Nationals for swimming in Sydney last week.  He had a successful meet where he won the 400IM in the U13 age group and recorded a four second personal best and received a bronze in the 200IM.  All the hard work Jordyn has put into his swimming certainly paid off.  He is now looking forward to playing SEISA Football with his mates.  Even though Sophie did not make the final, she was very pleased with the way she swam.  It was a great experience for her and something that she will treasure forever.

Jordyn Cargill.

Molly Van Berkel and Tatum Cotterrell: Victorian Gymnastics Championships
Both Tatum and Molly competed at the Victorian Gymnastics Championships over the weekend.  Both girls competed in the ‘unlimited hours’ section which means they train more than eight hours a week.  Molly, who trains twelve hours a week, competed against girls who do twenty-four hours plus.  Her best result was her floor routine where she placed fifth in the state in Division 1 (Level 7).

Tatum also competed in Division 1 but at National Level 8 (unlimited hours).  Tatum trains around sixteen hours per week compared to her competitors who would do twenty hours plus.  She came fifth overall in the state.  Her best placings were fifth on vault, third on bars, third on beam and third on floor.  This is a tremendous achievement when you are competing against the best in the state.

Both Molly and Tatum will be representing the school next term in the Interschool Gymnastics competition which is held in Box Hill.

Molly Van Berkel.

Tatum Cotterrell.

FROM THE FINANCE OFFICE

Fee Payments – Second Instalment
Families paying tuition fees in four instalments should note that the second instalment was due on Friday 6 April 2018.
Any families wishing to discuss any aspect of their account should contact
Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833 or accountsreceivable@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

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 http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/finance/Pages/conveyance.aspx

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.  These forms need to be handed to the school by 4 May 2018 for claiming in Term 2.

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 www.education.vic.gov.au/csef.  Parents are encouraged to lodge the application form as soon as possible, so that payments can be made from March 2018.  However schools can accept parent applications up until 8 June 2018 for processing in Term 2.

For parents who received CSEF at the school in 2017 (and the student/s are still enrolled in 2018), the school will ‘copy’ the application across from 2017 to 2018 on the CSEF system.  The CSEF system automatically validated the parent’s eligibility with Centrelink on 29 January 2018.

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

BUSY JUNIOR SCHOOL

It sure has been a busy few weeks in the Junior School.  Have you visited MyStPauls lately to see what we have been up to?  There is a lot of general information for families on our Warragul Junior School parent information page and more specific information and updates on Year Level (ELC to Year 6).  This is a great way to keep up to date with what your child/ren are doing at school.   Visit MyStPauls at https://my.stpaulsags.vic.edu.au and log in using your family login details.  If you have misplaced these, please contact IT Support via itsupport@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au and they will issue you with new login details.  These pages are updated each fortnight.

SRC Reps for Term 2: Congratulations to the following students who have been elected as SRC Reps for Term 2,  Year 3 – James Cutler, Isabel Rowe, Quinn Carson and Lucy Coulthard.  Year 4 – Annalise van de Beek, Liam Coulthard, Matthilda Hemphill and Riley Butters.  Year 5 – Vedant Gupta, Ella Smith, Ava Foltin, Mitchell Warren, Thomas Prestidge and Jack De Araugo.  Year 6 – Charlie Pote, Max O’Connor, Cody Coldebella, Makayla Gardner, Kenisha Radford and Lara Kelly.

Year 5 Camp: Our Year 5 students ventured to Lady Northcote Camp in Bacchus Marsh recently.  Students enjoyed camp adventure activities throughout their stay.  The campers also watched ‘Blood on the Southern Cross’ after their day at Sovereign Hill on Thursday and visited The Shrine of Remembrance on their return home.  Thanks to Ms Rapinett, Mrs Berends, Mr Beamish, Miss McGrath, Mrs Leighton, Mrs Davies and Mr Barkla for organising and attending the camp.

ANZAC Service: Last Tuesday, our Prep to Year 6 students attended our Junior School ANZAC Day Service in the Junior School Gymnasium.  My thanks to Mr Barkla who organised the service and shared what ANZAC Day means to him and his family.  Thanks also to Mrs Davies and all of the students who ran the service.  Our Junior School Captains, Ben and Ananya attended the ANZAC Service in the township of Warragul on ANZAC Day and laid a wreath on behalf of the Junior School community.

SEISA Athletics Carnival: Our congratulations are extended to Year 5 students, Amelia Crossley and Michaella Rosato who competed in the 12 year old age group at the SEISA Athletics Carnival yesterday.  This is a secondary school carnival, so this is a wonderful achievement girls!

Year 6 Camp: At the time of writing my newsletter item, our Year 6s were in the middle of their camp at Coolamatong.  I spent the first two days with them and all of the students actively participated in a range of activities including sailing, tubing, indigenous education with a local elder, canoeing, climbing/abseiling, survivor and raft building.  The camp also included a boat trip to Raymond Island and Ocean Grange.  I always enjoy my time on camp with the students and staff.  I sincerely thank all of the staff who attended the camp and for making it an enjoyable experience for the students.

Anniversary Service: Next Wednesday, our new Principal, Mr Herbert will be formally commissioned as Principal at our Whole School (Prep to Year 12) Anniversary Service.  The service commences at 10:30 am and will be held in the Secondary School Gymnasium, parents are welcome to join us for this occasion.

School Photos: Family and Junior School Photos will be taken next Friday 11 May.  We plan to take the family photos first, beginning at 8:30 am in the Junior School Gymnasium to accommodate students coming from the ELC, Year 9 Centre and Secondary School (forms are available from the Junior School office).  Could I ask that parents let their children know if they are having a family photo so they know to go down to the gym first thing.  Students in Years 3 to 6 will be required to be in full winter uniform (including blazer).  Years 3 to 6 students will change into their sports uniform after their photo ready for the cross country.

Mother’s Day Stall: Our FOSTA parent group will also be holding a Mother’s Day Stall on Friday 11 May.  There will be gifts available from $1.00 to $10.00 and cards for 50c and students should bring a bag to take their gifts home in.  Students should bring their money early next week as there will be no ‘IOUs’.  I would like to thank Mrs Leighton and the parent helpers who have organised the stall.

Car Park: Could I please remind all parents to not double park in Maple Way (particularly the end of the court near the entry to the school) so our neighbours have easy access to their driveway.  All parents and children should be using the zebra crossings when crossing the road and I ask that you are mindful that the 10 kilometre per hour speed limit applies at all times when travelling through our school grounds.

Winter Uniform: A reminder that all students in Years 3 to 6 should be wearing the winter uniform, including blazer.  Boys may wear either long pants or shorts with their winter uniform.  The spray jacket may be worn to and from school when students are wearing their sports uniform, however, it should not be worn with the winter uniform.  A reminder that sports socks should be white (without logos).

Forming part of our School Improvement Plan, a revised report format will go home at the end of Term 2 where you will notice some changes.  In short, student reports will be presented with information now showing the growth of learning over twelve months.  More detailed information will follow closer to the end of term explaining these changes.

Please note that Friday 25 May is a student free day for the Warragul Junior School only.  ELC and Secondary School classes will run as normal.

WHAT’S ON IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

MAY
5 May  Open Day, Warragul Campus, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
9 May  Whole School Anniversary Service and commissioning of our new Principal Mr Cameron Herbert,
Secondary School Gymnasium, 10:30 am
Years 5 and 6 Soirée, Prideaux Centre, 7:00 pm
11 May  Mother’s Day Stall
Warragul Junior School and Family Photos
(Family envelopes available from the Junior School Office)
15 May  Year 2 Billy Cart Incursion
NAPLAN
16 May  NAPLAN
17 May  NAPLAN
Prep 2019 Information Morning
18 May  Prep Community Excursion
Divisional Athletics
23 May  National Simultaneous Storytime
25 May  Report Writing Day STUDENT FREE DAY

Drouin and Warragul public school bus network notice

Please be advised the public school bus network services will not run on the following date in Term 2:
• Friday 8 June 2018, Drouin Bus Network

Please ensure you have alternative travel arrangements for this day.  All St Paul’s buses will run as normal on these days.

NAPLAN

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) 2018 for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students will be held on Tuesday 15 May, Wednesday 16 May and Thursday 17 May 2018.  NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skills in Writing, Reading, Language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy.  The results of the tests provide information for students, parents, teachers and principals which can be used to improve student achievement.

All students are expected to participate in the NAPLAN tests.  During test week, catch-up tests will be available for individual students who are absent on test days.  These students may undertake catch-up tests on the days in the test week after the scheduled test, up to and including Friday 18 May 2018.

Support can be arranged for students with disabilities, if the student regularly uses similar support for classroom assessment tasks.  Large print, braille and black and white versions of the tests are available for students that require them.  Exemptions may be granted to students with significant intellectual disabilities and to students who have been learning English for less than one year.  If your child is eligible for support due to disability or an exemption, you should discuss this with his/her teacher prior to the tests.  Parental consent is required before any support due to disability or exemption is granted.

Students may be withdrawn from NAPLAN by their parent or carer.  This is a matter for consideration by parents and carers in consultation with the Principal.  If, after consultation, you decide to withdraw your child, you must sign a Student Withdrawal form.  These forms are available at the school.

Later in the year you will receive your child’s personal NAPLAN report.   The report will describe your child’s particular skills in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy.   The report will also show how your child performed in relation to national minimum standards.   These describe the minimum acceptable standards for students across Australia.

I am confident that the information you receive as a result of your child’s participation in the NAPLAN tests will be valuable in helping you to assess your child’s progress in literacy and numeracy.

For more information about the tests, please visit the VCAA website at www.vcaa.vic.edu.au or the NAP website at www.nap.edu.au

Bruno Testa
Director of Studies

FROM THE FINANCE OFFICE

Fee Payments – Second Instalment
Families paying tuition fees in four instalments should note that the second instalment was due on Friday 6 April 2018.
Any families wishing to discuss any aspect of their account should contact
Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833 or accountsreceivable@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

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 http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/finance/Pages/conveyance.aspx

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.  These forms need to be handed to the school by 4 May 2018 for claiming in Term 2.

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 www.education.vic.gov.au/csef.  Parents are encouraged to lodge the application form as soon as possible, so that payments can be made from March 2018.  However schools can accept parent applications up until 8 June 2018 for processing in Term 2.

For parents who received CSEF at the school in 2017 (and the student/s are still enrolled in 2018), the school will ‘copy’ the application across from 2017 to 2018 on the CSEF system.  The CSEF system automatically validated the parent’s eligibility with Centrelink on 29 January 2018.

STAGE FRIGHT

I was listening to a fascinating interview with Rob Hirst (drummer from Midnight Oil) recently and in the course of the interview he made a comment that got me thinking.  Reflecting on some of the challenges that face musicians he spoke about how hard it can be to actually perform in front of an audience.  In his words, “…there is a lot more to being a professional musician than simply the skill on your instrument.” (http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/conversations/conversations-rob-hirst/9628630)

Having recently dusted off an old instrument and joined one of the School bands, I have been reminded of the courage it takes at times to play in front of others.  The moment of panic in a rehearsal when the conductor points at your section and says, “I want to hear just you!” can be paralysing.  Do I really want all these students to hear just how out of practice I am?  Well actually I do, of course, because if I am not brave enough to risk ‘failure’ in front of them, how can I expect them to take risks with their own learning?  Besides, the alternative is to put the instrument back in its case and let the dust gather on it once more.  And if it is hard for me to take that risk then it must be even harder for some of the students around me!  Whether it is just a small group in rehearsal or in front of a big crowd at a performance, much of our fear comes from how we think the audience will judge us and how much importance we place on that.  There is no denying that what others think of us has an impact on our own self-esteem and that is perfectly natural.  Humans are created as relational beings in the image of a relational God after all.  As a Christian, I try to remind myself that while I value the approval of others, the most important audience member – the one whose view of me carries the most weight – is God.  And God has made it abundantly clear that He loves me despite all of my imperfections (including those wrong notes I play!).  I still get nervous when I play and I still do not like making mistakes in front of others.  It still takes a certain amount of courage to turn up and have a go.  Some of that courage comes from the understanding that my ‘failures’ are actually just part of learning and improving; some courage comes from the knowledge that I can either make mistakes and be a part of something great, or pack up, avoid the ‘failures’ and miss out; but mostly that courage comes from the secure knowledge that I am loved regardless of my failings and that my value as a person is not dependent on the number of notes I play in tune!

Whatever it is we are trying to master, there is great freedom in knowing that our creator already thinks we are pretty special.

Reverend Daniel Lowe
Senior Chaplain

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

Presentation Ball
On Saturday 21 April, we held our annual Presentation Ball at Lardner Park.  It was a beautiful evening and one thoroughly enjoyed by the students who participated and their families.  Our school and community are always on show at this evening and it is certainly one where we do ourselves proud.  On behalf of the School and the students I would like to thank Ms Christie Bransgrove for organising the event from start to finish.  It is an incredible undertaking and Christie’s ability to coordinate its every aspect is quite astounding.  Thanks must also go to the parent committee whose tireless work during the lead up and on the Friday prior to the Ball ensured that the venue looked spectacular.  To Mr Brad Kooloos, Mr Chris Staben, Ms Casey Hall, the Year 11 Mentors and the staff who assisted during the final rehearsal and on the night a very warm thank you as well.  We had many special visitors on the night and they were all impressed by our students and the way in which they represented our school.  Please continue reading for Year 11 student Alysha Puddy’s reflection on the event.

ANZAC Day
On Tuesday 24 April, all of our students and staff gathered around the flagpoles for our ANZAC Service.  Run entirely by student leaders it was a reflective and reverent service to mark this occasion.  The following day our School Captains Isabel Thomas and Cameron Wong marched with Mr Herbert at the Warragul ANZAC Service.

WHAT’S ON IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL

MAY
4 May to 6 May Generations in Jazz Festival
5 May Open Day, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
7 May  HPV Training, 7:00 am
8 May Year 11 Federation University Taster Day
SEISA Chess/Debating/Public Speaking
9 May Whole School Anniversary Service and commissioning of our new Principal Mr Cameron Herbert,
Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium, 10:30 am
10 May  SEISA Winter Sport, Junior, Round 1
Psychology Lecture, 2:45 pm
11 May  VEIS: Interschool Show Jumping
Family Photos
Team Timor Movie Night, 6:00 pm
14 May  Year 12 Physical Education Lab (Incursion)
15 May  Year 11 Federation University Taster Day
15 May to 17 May  NAPLAN (Years 7 and 9)
16 May to 18 May  VET Sport and Recreation Bush Walk
17 May  DAV Debating
House Cross Country
Year 12 Legal Studies, Court Excursion
18 May  da Vinci Decathlon
Year 9 City Experience Day
HPV Training, 4:00 pm
19 May  Performing Arts Scholarship Auditions
VEIS:  Interschool Dressage
 

Drouin and Warragul public school bus network notice

Please be advised the public school bus network services will not run on the following date in Term 2:
• Friday 8 June 2018, Drouin Bus Network

Please ensure you have alternative travel arrangements for this day.  All St Paul’s buses will run as normal on these days.

PRESENTATION BALL 2018

Enthusiastic and glamorous Presentation Ball participants took their place on the dance floor and in formal society on Saturday 21 April.  The evening was highly anticipated, with students commencing dance rehearsals at the beginning of the year.  At these dance rehearsals, many laughs we shared as our talented choreographer, Rhonda, transformed us into elegant and confident dancers.  We spent countless hours together in preparation for the evening, which enabled us to establish and further develop our friendships with one another, thus strengthening our bonds as a cohort.  The Ball provided us with the exciting opportunity to not only dress up, but to learn the formalities associated with such a presentation.

The night was a huge success thanks to Ms Bransgrove and the wonderful ladies on the committee, who kindly donated their time in order to create a memorable event for the participants, as well as their family and friends.  Without the hard work and support of these women the Ball would not have been the great success that it was.

Although it was disappointing for the Ball to come to an end, I know I speak on behalf of my peers when I say that it was an experience that will be fondly remembered for years to come.

Alysha Puddy
Year 11 Student

NAPLAN

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) 2018 for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students will be held on Tuesday 15 May, Wednesday 16 May and Thursday 17 May 2018.  NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skills in Writing, Reading, Language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy.  The results of the tests provide information for students, parents, teachers and principals which can be used to improve student achievement.

All students are expected to participate in the NAPLAN tests.  During test week, catch-up tests will be available for individual students who are absent on test days.  These students may undertake catch-up tests on the days in the test week after the scheduled test, up to and including Friday 18 May 2018.

Support can be arranged for students with disabilities, if the student regularly uses similar support for classroom assessment tasks.  Large print, braille and black and white versions of the tests are available for students that require them.  Exemptions may be granted to students with significant intellectual disabilities and to students who have been learning English for less than one year.  If your child is eligible for support due to disability or an exemption, you should discuss this with his/her teacher prior to the tests.  Parental consent is required before any support due to disability or exemption is granted.

Students may be withdrawn from NAPLAN by their parent or carer.  This is a matter for consideration by parents and carers in consultation with the Principal.  If, after consultation, you decide to withdraw your child, you must sign a Student Withdrawal form.  These forms are available at the school.

Later in the year you will receive your child’s personal NAPLAN report.   The report will describe your child’s particular skills in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy.   The report will also show how your child performed in relation to national minimum standards.   These describe the minimum acceptable standards for students across Australia.

I am confident that the information you receive as a result of your child’s participation in the NAPLAN tests will be valuable in helping you to assess your child’s progress in literacy and numeracy.

For more information about the tests, please visit the VCAA website at www.vcaa.vic.edu.au or the NAP website at www.nap.edu.au

Bruno Testa
Director of Studies

WORLD CHALLENGE INDONESIA

Eighteen months of wondering and waiting were over!  Ten St Paul’s students from Years 10 to 12, Mrs Kelly, Mr McCabe and our expedition leader Troy set off on what could only be described as an adventure of a lifetime.  The twenty days spent in country went by quickly and it became hard to believe all the things we had completed in that time.

From observing some cheeky, wild orangutans in the Sumatran Jungle, planting trees to combat deforestation, building a toilet block for a primary school, teaching kids about the environment in Green Class, hiking up volcanoes and observing sulphuric lakes or visiting twelve hundred year old temples at sunrise – it was safe to say we had the ultimate Indonesian experience.

We are so lucky to have had the opportunity to be immersed in the culture of such a beautiful country.  We learnt so much about Indonesia and ourselves.  Not only did we create lifetime friendships with our peers, we made great connections with the locals who helped us break through the language barrier and become connoisseurs of nasi goreng and nanas.

Thank you to everyone involved in helping us get there, it was the best experience ever!

Jenna Wright
Year 11 Student

DEBATING NEWS, ROUND 1

On Thursday 8 March our team of fresh-faced debaters completed their final preparations before heading off to the first round of DAV Debating in Berwick.  The new Year 8 Debaters were introduced to the long standing tradition of the ‘Maccas run’, something I am sure they will look forward to in future rounds.

The night was full of highs and lows for our teams, with six wins and plenty of new tips and tricks provided by the adjudicators to ensure continued success.

It was a great start to the year for our Year 12s, with both the A Grade teams winning their debates.  Congratulations also to James Gourley and Tristan Clark, who achieved a high score of 77 in Round 1!  Thank you to everyone for a great start to the year.

Hannah Jantos,
Debating Team

HPV REPORT

On Sunday 30 April, two teams of sixteen students travelled with Mr Ambrozy and Mrs Byrne to Wantirna South to compete in a 6-hour race on a tight 800 metre track.  Everyone agreed this was one of the most enjoyable events yet with great weather, a fun track, a birthday celebration and a real sense of enthusiasm from all involved.  As always, our students conducted themselves impressively and we wish to thank Paul Bordonaro, Fiona and Antony Wong, and Robyn Grigoleit for their support at the track.  Jaffa 1 placed seventh and Jaffa 2 sixteenth in their class.  Thank you to all parents who support their students to participate in HPV and to Select Office Supplies for their ongoing support of our teams.  HPV now turns its focus to training, fundraising and some housekeeping until the next event in Casey.

SPORT NEWS

SEISA SURF
On the morning of Tuesday 24 April, our surf team ventured to Phillip Island to compete in the annual SEISA Surfing Carnival.  Our team of ten very excited students competed exceptionally well with Kyle Hannath, Sienna Foltin and Zoe Phillips making it through to their respective finals.  Overall the team finished a successful day in third place (Newhaven were the winners, again).

I would like to thank our Surf Captain Demi Durrand for all your help and dedication to the sport.  Also a big thanks to Kevin Andrews and Chris O’Brien for taking the team to the competition day.

Sienna.

Nixon.

Surf Captain Demi.

ST PAUL’S SPORTS AEROBICS TEAM SHINE!
On Saturday 28 April St Paul’s sent two teams to Berwick to compete in the Regional Sports Aerobics competition.  First up were the senior girls team who took to the stage with poise and confidence.  They executed their performance well and have qualified in second place for the state title.  Next were the Saintly Dolls, who were simply brilliant and have qualified for the state finals in first place.

We also had three students qualify for the individual competition as well, Bella Fraser, Harri Parkinson and Holly Norris.

All teams will now compete in the state titles on Saturday 2 June and are realistic medal chances.  We wish them all the best of luck.

Lastly, a big thank you to our team manager Mrs Jo Fraser and our coach Emily Jeffrey on your work so far.  Keep up the great work!

TEAM TIMOR MOVIE NIGHT

Team Timor is a small, but active group of students who fundraise to support students’ education in East Timor.  On Friday 11 May, Team Timor is holding a movie night in the Year 12 Common Room from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  Cost is $10.  Students will be asked to sign in on arrival and a parent will need to pick their student up and sign out from the Common Room at the end.  We encourage everyone to come along and have a fun night out.

THE GREAT BOOK SWAP

The Great Book Swap is a fantastic way to celebrate reading in our school community and raise much needed funds for remote Indigenous communities.

The idea is to bring along a favourite book and swap it for another for a gold coin donation.

Last year, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation raised over $190,000 from the Great Book Swap and this year their goal is to raise $300,000 to gift 30,000 new books to remote communities who have few to none.  After all, how can you learn to read without books?

We will hold the event during National Reconciliation Week: 28 May to 1 June, at the Warragul Secondary School Library.  Help us to help close the literacy gap.

For information on the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, the Great Book Swap and how you can help visit https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au

MATHS TUTORIAL CLASSES

Monday – Year 9, 1:20 pm, Year 9 Centre
Wednesday – Years 7 and 8, lunchtime, YS2
Thursday – Years 10 to 12, lunchtime, JM4

Thursday – VCE classes, after school, JM3

FROM THE FINANCE OFFICE

Fee Payments – Second Instalment
Families paying tuition fees in four instalments should note that the second instalment was due on Friday 6 April 2018.
Any families wishing to discuss any aspect of their account should contact
Mr Peter Lees on 5623 5833 or accountsreceivable@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

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 http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/finance/Pages/conveyance.aspx

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.  These forms need to be handed to the school by 4 May 2018 for claiming in Term 2.

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 www.education.vic.gov.au/csef.  Parents are encouraged to lodge the application form as soon as possible, so that payments can be made from March 2018.  However schools can accept parent applications up until 8 June 2018 for processing in Term 2.

For parents who received CSEF at the school in 2017 (and the student/s are still enrolled in 2018), the school will ‘copy’ the application across from 2017 to 2018 on the CSEF system.  The CSEF system automatically validated the parent’s eligibility with Centrelink on 29 January 2018.

Thank you to the staff, students and others who have made me feel very welcome at St Paul’s.  It has been a pleasure to begin to meet people at both the Traralgon and Warragul campuses in my first weeks at this delightful school.  It has also been satisfying to experience a sample of the wide range of activities on offer at St Paul’s.  I had the pleasure of attending the Year 9 City Experience in Melbourne on Friday last week.  Our Year 9s and their teachers were very impressive and deserve to be congratulated for an excellent day.  I also had the opportunity to watch twelve of our students compete with great success in the Australian School Aerobics Competition on Saturday evening in Berwick.  What an outstanding job they did!  These are just two of the enormous variety of activities that our students participate in to make St Paul’s the special place that it is.

As I write this article, we are about to welcome visitors to Open Day at the Traralgon Campus.  On Saturday, we have Open Day at the Warragul Campus.  These occasions are a marvellous opportunity for us to share our people, programs, facilities and resources with interested members of the community.  I thank our staff and students sincerely for giving their time to make it all possible.

In many ways, I still feel like a visitor myself.  While I have met a good number of people, I have only begun to scratch the surface.  There are still many people to meet and it will be some time yet before familiarity will settle in, I am sure.  The school’s layout and facilities are still largely new to me too, as are the structure and routines of the school day.  Indeed, like the visitors at Open Day, I am viewing St Paul’s with a fresh set of eyes, and I am enjoying the experience enormously.

Cameron Herbert
Principal