In this issue

From the Head of Traralgon Junior School,
Mr Andy McNabb.

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to Term 4 and a particular welcome to Shalini Chowdhury who has joined us in 3C.  We have had a busy start to the term and hopefully you will have received your ‘important dates’ for Term 4 to help give you a heads up as to when things are happening.

You will notice that our Report Day in the Junior School has altered from the start of the year and is now on Monday 13 November.  This is a pupil free day for students in the Junior School but our ELC, which means Koala and Wombat groups on a Monday will continue to operate as normal.

In our first assembly of the term we heard from Liv Comben who told us about competing in the Equestrian section at the Melbourne Show over the holidays.  We were also able to present Lorraine from Samaritan’s Purse with over eighty boxes containing simple Christmas gifts for children around the world.  There was so much going on at the end of last term that I wondered if it was one ask too many of our families but once again Lorraine was thrilled with our response.  Many thanks to Mrs Ridger and Mrs Walton along with our Year 6 students for organising the collection of the boxes.

This weekend is a huge one for Year 6 as they prepare for Relay for Life.  As with last year it will be held at Tyers and the students will attend on the Saturday into the Sunday.  The good news is they have already raised over $5,000 so we have enough for another research grant to be established under the School’s name.  We look forward to hearing about how they have got on and thank the staff in anticipation for all their efforts.

Talking of sleeping, I actually got some last Friday night!  Our Year 2 students enjoyed their annual Sleepover down in the school gymnasium and despite Kira’s squeaky toys, Mrs Cotterrell, Mrs Tullett and myself managed to get a few hours sleep along with the students.  It was good to be able to compare photos with Warragul Junior School as they held their Sleepover on the same night.  Hopefully we are all ready for camp in Year 3!

In a busy start to the sport calendar Mr Reed has attended Divisional and Regional Athletics events with many of our older students and this had led to Rogan Rutter and Cooper Millar qualifying for State Athletics on 30 October in Triple Jump and 1500m respectively.  It is a great achievement to get this far but huge congratulations go to all our students for representing us so well at every level.

Next week we have two days of activities down at the wetlands as part of our STEM Program with Lisa and the team from Landcare.  Our Year 6s will attend the Kanga 8s competition and we also have Personal Development Sessions for Years 4, 5 and 6.  We also have the little matter of our FOSP Ball coming up on Saturday 28 October.  If you haven’t got your tickets already please see Carlie in the office as soon as you can.

In connection with the wetlands and FOSP, many thanks to Frank and our fantastic team of parents who organised our ‘Carp-A-Thon’ last Sunday.  Under glorious blue skies, over two hundred people turned up to fish, with the biggest catch weighing 3.8 kilograms. It was a great day for the community with over twenty-five non St Paul’s families enjoying the event as well as our own school parents and children.  I didn’t manage to catch anything but tasted the carp on offer and it was really nice!  I had heard many bad things about carp being dirty fish etc but I thought it tasted really good and not “too fishy”.

Our Preps and Year 1s have just completed their swimming sessions down at the Ford Swim Centre and next week Years 2 and 3 will begin their program on Tuesday.  Some of the biggest benefits have been the chance to swim at the end of the day so the children can compete their school work up until lunchtime and then literally walk for a couple of minutes down to the pool.  I have seen a lot of smiling faces at the end of the day and the students appear to be having a great time.

Before our next newsletter an important event will have taken place in the life of one our staff members when Miss Joyce gets married on Sunday 29 October.  The Prep students will arrange a little celebration for her and we may just be able to embarrass her in assembly on Monday but we wish her all the best as she marries Simon next Sunday.  She will be back to school soon afterwards because the Prep classrooms are much more fun than being on honeymoon!  The down side is that the relatively simple name, Joyce is changing to something much longer and I have the feeling she will be known in the future as ‘Mrs V’!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to beat my record for the number of laps I complete at Relay for Life so a bit of preparation is necessary.

WHAT’S ON IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

OCTOBER
24 October  Years 2 and 3 Swimming Program begins
24 October  Years 4 to 6 Girls – Personal Development Session
24 October  Wetland activities
25 October  Wetland activities
28 October  FOSP ‘Birdcage’ Ball
30 October  State Athletics
31 October  Year 6 Girls – Personal Development Session
31 October  ELC Grandparents Day

NOVEMBER
1 November  ELC Grandparents Day
6 November  STUDENT FREE DAY
7 November  MELBOURNE CUP DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Fee Payment Reminder

• Tuition Fees are now overdue for families that do not have a periodical payment arrangement in place.
• Sundry invoices are due for payment by Friday 27 October 2017.

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

Expression of Interest Board Director

At the 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the School Company, the Board farewelled Directors Paul Davine and Dennis Murray who have both been valued members of the Board since November 2013.

As there was only one nomination received for the two elected Director positions, the Board has chosen to adopt the same procedure to fill this casual vacancy as it did in 2013. This is to call for Expressions of Interest from the school community to fill this vacancy and other vacancies which may arise in the near future.

A strong Board will always include a balance of those with a close connection to the School and others who may not be school parents but who bring expertise and experience on a range of matters essential for good governance.

We recognise that a wide range of skills and experience – including legal, financial, organisational, educational and communication are required in order to deliver the best governance and educational outcomes.

The Board now invites nominations from persons interested in the opportunity to serve the School as a Director of the Board to forward their Expression of Interest in writing, outlining experience, skills, qualifications and personal particulars to the Company Secretary, Leah Young by emailing to companysecretary@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

The Board will accept Expressions of Interest until Monday 30 October 2017.

In the meantime, please contact our Company Secretary, Leah Young for a copy of the information booklet available to consider this opportunity further.

CLASS AWARDS

ELC:  Daniel for sharing detailed information about earthquakes.
Honor for using great problem solving skills.
Jessica for her detailed picture using natural materials.
Bryce for displaying a consistent overall positive attitude in EVERYTHING!
Frank for his helpful attitude and consideration for the needs of others in the Kinder.
Ollie for his positive teamwork when engaging with a wide range of peers.
Sam for an entertaining Magic Show during ‘Show and Share’.
Prep J:  Sae for making a wonderful start to life at St Paul’s.  Well done!
Prep S:  Durshh for thinking carefully when solving Maths problems.
Year 1F:  Bella for carefully sounding out her words when reading, with great success!  Well done!
Aeva for being an avid reader, reading twenty-three books in the holidays!  Well done!
Vanessa for being an attentive, helpful member in literacy groups.  Well done!
Year 1S:  Amaya for working diligently to improve in all areas.
Jasmine for challenging and extending herself in Maths!
Year 2C:  Olivia for being a ‘Team Ant’ and listening to others who have good ideas.
Year 2T:  For a wonderful sleepover experience.  Congratulations everyone!
Year 3C:  Shalini for a wonderful start at St Paul’s!  Welcome Shalini.
Year 3D:  Will for providing an excellent factual Powerpoint presentation on ‘Space’ which included voice recording.
Pragnya for an excellent oral presentation on her Canberra trip, her poster and photo display were well done.
Year 4BH:  Jayla for her efforts and positive attitude towards work given the challenge of having a broken wrist.
Year 4CW:  Ella for being very organised and presenting a great speech on Aboriginal celebrations and festivals.
Abby for being very organised and presenting a great speech on Aboriginal celebrations and festivals.
Michael for making excellent contributions during our discussion of what is transparent, translucent and opaque.
Year 5O:  Ben for his determination and persistence in Maths when working with division.
Year 5H:  Anastacia for taking part in and showing initiative in our conversations about ‘transformational’ thinking!
Alfred for being a true ‘team player’ and genuine friend.
Year 6R:  Ben for being totally involved in all Year 6 work and extra activities.
Year 6H:  Riley for his great scone making for Grandparents Day.
Michaela for her hard work in building her Maths skills.  Well done!

Samaritan’s Purse Collection

For several years now, Traralgon Junior School have been involved in the Samaritan’s Purse scheme.

The SRC helped to coordinate this activity by giving out boxes to other students in the school who volunteered to be involved. By the end of Term 3 we had amassed over eighty boxes of clothing, school supplies and toys, which were collected by Lorraine Piechota on the first day of Term 4. Year 6 students helped to sort and label the boxes so that they were ready for dispatch.

The overwhelming generosity of some families will bring Christmas cheer to children all over the world, who look forward to these little luxuries. We are very proud of our students and parents who get behind this scheme every year.

Michaela, Mia and Hayato helping load the boxes into Lorraine’s car.

Year 6 students with Lorraine Piechota after sending off the gift boxes.

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

Year 9 Urban Camp
Our Year 9 Urban Camp was conducted during the first week of term. I had the pleasure of spending a day with the students. We started out early and it was the students’ task to navigate from our North Melbourne accommodation to the Shrine and meet us by 9:30 am. At the Shrine we participated in a most enlightening tour. Not only did we witness displays and presentations about the history of ANZAC Day, we also were introduced to the history of the Shrine itself. The design of the building is most intriguing. Did you know that the Shrine was opened in 1934 and the two levels of steps leading to the Shrine, equals numbers 19 and 34! If you are a Year 9 parent, ask your child for another ‘Shrine fact’.

A highlight was the re-enactment of the Remembrance Day Service and witnessing the light pass across the Stone of Remembrance, was an emotional and moving experience.

Our guide could not help but compliment our students on their behaviour, respectfulness and knowledge. She takes school groups every day and remarked that our students were sensational. While I knew that, it was nice to be reminded.

Thank you to Kirsten Enders who did an outstanding job in leading the camp, and to Deb Gatti, Nathan Byrne and Shinya Takusari, who were magnificent support.

Year 12s return
We had a wonderful visit and afternoon tea last Friday with the Year 12 students of 2017 who attended the Traralgon Campus for their earlier schooling. Our staff were very excited to catch up and see how they were going. On behalf of the Traralgon Secondary School I would like to wish all of our Year 12 students the very best for the upcoming exam period.

Year 9 visit the Shrine.

2017 Year 12s return to the Traralgon Campus.

WHAT’S ON IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL

OCTOBER
26 October  SEISA Summer Junior Sport, Round 2
27 October  St James Church Community Lunch
30 October
to 3 November  Year 8 Outdoor Education Camp

NOVEMBER
2 November  SEISA Summer Junior Sport,  Round 3
6 November  STUDENT FREE DAY
7 November  MELBOURNE CUP PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Melbourne Cup Weekend
A reminder that there is no school on Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 November 2017.

Fee Payment Reminder

• Tuition Fees are now overdue for families that do not have a periodical payment arrangement in place.
• Sundry invoices are due for payment by Friday 27 October 2017.

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

MyStPauls upgrade

As we continue to grow and develop as a school we strive to offer the most up-to-date and contemporary technologies available to assist us in the classroom. In order to do this, we continually need to update and enhance our systems and processes in particular our learning management system MyStPauls.

We are excited to announce our upgrade to version 17 of Schoolbox which offers a number of improvements to both the workflow and the user experience. One of these important changes to our system that will affect parents is the ability to filter grades. Filters have been added to the grades pages of all students to more easily and accurately sort through the large amount of assessment data currently available to parents.

You will now be able to filter assessment data by assessment type, terms, weighted assessments and more, making it even easier to find and view grades and feedback. Parents can customise these options, however, for your convenience we have set the default to only include due work, quizzes and formative and reportable assessment. All other options will still be available in the filters panel at the top of the page. To access them, simply click the down arrow as highlighted in the image below.

We are very excited by this and the many other enhancements to our system and know that they will improve how teachers give and parents receive grades and feedback. We will continue to keep you updated on these changes and features throughout the year as we continue to develop and design contemporary systems for future learning.

Dale Ackermann
eLearning Coordinator

Expression of Interest Board Director

At the 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the School Company, the Board farewelled Directors Paul Davine and Dennis Murray who have both been valued members of the Board since November 2013.

As there was only one nomination received for the two elected Director positions, the Board has chosen to adopt the same procedure to fill this casual vacancy as it did in 2013. This is to call for Expressions of Interest from the school community to fill this vacancy and other vacancies which may arise in the near future.

A strong Board will always include a balance of those with a close connection to the School and others who may not be school parents but who bring expertise and experience on a range of matters essential for good governance.

We recognise that a wide range of skills and experience – including legal, financial, organisational, educational and communication are required in order to deliver the best governance and educational outcomes.

The Board now invites nominations from persons interested in the opportunity to serve the School as a Director of the Board to forward their Expression of Interest in writing, outlining experience, skills, qualifications and personal particulars to the Company Secretary, Leah Young by emailing to companysecretary@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

The Board will accept Expressions of Interest until Monday 30 October 2017.

In the meantime, please contact our Company Secretary, Leah Young for a copy of the information booklet available to consider this opportunity further.

Urban Camp

During the first week of Term 4, the Year 9 cohort travelled to Melbourne for our Urban Camp. We left on the Monday and had a jam packed week awaiting us. The first day involved getting our bearings in the city and working on our Geography assignment. This required students to interview Melbournians regarding why they came to Melbourne which allowed the students to gain a better idea of the demographic of tourists in Melbourne.

Throughout the rest of the week, students had tours of some major Melbourne attractions such as the MCG, Melbourne Arts Precinct, Shrine of Remembrance, a tour run by the Council of the Homeless and the Old Melbourne Gaol. Each provided us with valuable information and memories to reflect on.

Overall camp was a fabulous experience and has been described as one of the best camps yet.

Bellamy O’Callaghan
Year 9 Student

Thinking and Learning

beyondblue is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes good mental health, tackles stigma, discrimination, provides support and education on anxiety, depression and suicide to everyone in Australia.

I aim to raise not only funds for beyondblue, but awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing, as well as awareness on how much work beyondblue does to help those experiencing anxiety, depression or suicide.

Please join me for a High Tea Fundraiser at the Grand Junction Hotel in Traralgon on Sunday 26 November at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $30 each or a table of eight for $210.  There will be delicious, fresh finger foods, prizes and vouchers from local businesses to be won, live music, a guest speaker and of course tea!

email: rjhorses777@gmail.com for more information and ticket purchases.

Rachel Jennings
Year 9 Student

LIBRARY NEWS

Author – Scot Gardner: On Monday 16 October the Traralgon Secondary School was privileged to have local, award-winning author Scot Gardner visit.  He spoke humorously to Years 7, 8 and 9 students about the stories in his life that he has used in his writing.  His anecdotes were met with a great deal of appreciative laughter from all students and staff.  Students were given the opportunity to tell Scot their ‘I remember when…’ stories from their own lives which he encouraged them to use when faced with a writing task at school.  For students in Years 7 to 10 who find writing a pleasure we offered a writing workshop.  There was an enthusiastic response as everyone focused on ‘show don’t tell’ and ‘include real details’ in their work.

SPORT NEWS

ESP Student – Jordyn Cargill: During the school holidays Jordyn swam in thirteen events over two days at the Short Course Victorian State Age Championships. Jordyn medalled in every event he swam in. The list of medals are as follows: Seven gold in 100 fly, 200 fly, 100 breaststroke, 200 breaststroke, 200 individual medley, 400 individual medley, 400 freestyle. Five silver in 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke, 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 100 individual medley. One bronze in 50 freestyle. Jordyn broke one Victorian and Victorian All Comers record along with four Gippsland records.

SEISA Cross Country: Towards the end of last term, we fielded fifteen students in the SEISA Cross Country that was held at Newhaven College. Rachel Jennings was the stand out, placing first in the U15 age group. We even had five of our Junior School students participate in the U12 age group and they thoroughly enjoyed their experience. Alannah Rogalsky came in first place in that age group.

Interschool Secondary Gymnastics: We had seven gymnasts join gymnasts from the Warragul Campus to compete at the ISG competition in Box Hill. Our girls had a great competition with Tatum Cotterrell placing first as an individual and first as part of the Senior A2 team. Molly Van Berkel placed fifth overall. Miriam Warwick and Courtney Witney-Brown’s team placed first also.

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

Jordyn Cargill with his medals.

Rachel running the 3.5 kilometre course at Newhaven.

Some of our gymnasts.

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

Welcome to Term 4

All students have settled well into the final term of 2017 and we welcome Hazel Ganly (Prep M), Tyler King (Prep M), Jacob Obernhumer (5F) and Mia Nippers (5B) and their families to St Paul’s. We also welcome back Mrs Bristowe who returns after having a knee replacement and congratulate Miss Marsh (now Mrs Adamo) who got married recently.

Over the holidays works began on the extension to the Prideaux Centre. The extension will consist of a large classroom and storage areas for Library, Performing Arts and topic tubs with three smaller store rooms underneath.

Public Speaking Regional Final: Our congratulations are extended to Ananya Srihari (Year 5R) who competed in the Regional Public Speaking competition in the holidays. An outstanding effort Ananya, well done!

Australian Champion: Zoe Waller (Year 6E) and her horse, Spot, represented St Paul’s and Victoria at the Interschool Nationals (2017 Marcus Oldham Australian Interschool Championships) in Toowoomba recently. Zoe’s performances were outstanding throughout the three days and she is now the Australian Interschool Primary 90cm Champion. This is an amazing achievement and we all congratulate Zoe on this wonderful result. Great work, Zoe!

Year 2 Sleepover: Last Friday our Year 2s took part in a sleepover at school after an extremely busy week with swimming lessons starting. The aim of the sleepover is for our Year 2s to experience spending a night away from home with all of their school friends in preparation for their Year 3 Camp next year, which is for three days and two nights. The sleepover also allows us to slowly transition the students in a familiar environment and close to home as they begin our camping program in the Junior School. It begins after school with students setting up their beds in the Prideaux Centre and changing into casual clothes.  They then participate in games and activities, prepare their dessert, have a play on the Years 3 to 6 playground and enjoy dinner together, before watching a movie in bed.  As always, it was a very early start the next morning with some gentle exercises followed by a very friendly pillow fight!

Year 12s: Yesterday we held a special afternoon tea for the students in Year 12 who attended the Junior School. It is a wonderful time for students to catch up with staff and to reminisce about their time in our Junior School. On Wednesday 25 October our Year 12s will have their last day of school and I include a message from Mrs Butterworth (Head of Warragul Secondary School);

It is tradition for Year 12 students to collect coin donations for a charity of their choice as students are dropped at school on their Celebration Day. This year will be different as students are supporting our Valedictorian Hilary Pammer-Green who is currently holding a bra drive in support of not-for-profit organisation the Uplift Project.  Bras of any shape, size, form or style can be donated. Further information regarding this cause can be found at: http://www.upliftbras.org/drop_off_bras.html

There is also a collection box located at Warragul Secondary School Student Services for those parents who may wish to donate at another time or in a less public fashion.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all Year 12s well as they enter their final weeks of school and during their exam period.

Prep to Year 2 Swimming Program: I am pleased to report that we have completed our first four lessons of the program during Week 1. Our final lesson for each class will be held on either Monday or Tuesday next week with our Prep to Year 2 Carnival rounding out our swimming program next Wednesday 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Parents are welcome to attend to support their child/ren but could I ask that you do not supply them with ‘goodies’ from the canteen during the carnival.

Tournament of Minds (TOM): Our Mathematics and Engineering team (Sandy Norlyng, Asher Norlyng, Anna Tsuchida, Braeden van de Beek, Benjamin Denton, Charlie Blackburn and Idris Mofakhami) and coaches, Mr Barkla and Ms Ellis who will represent Victoria and compete in the Australasian Pacific Finals in Adelaide at the end of next week. Good luck team!

State Athletics: Congratulations to Benjamin Denton, William Brewer, Braeden van de Beek, Harry Vanschyndel, Zach Bambridge and Adrian French who all made it through to the State Athletics Championships to be held on Monday 30 October

Grandparents and Special Guests Day: A notice was sent home at the beginning of the term asking parents to return a reply slip to school with the names and addresses of the special guests that will be attending Grandparents and Special Guests Day. Please assist us by ensuring all details are returned as soon as possible as the students will be writing the invites to their guests and we need to get them in the post. Due to the large number of guests that attend we will again divide the day into two sessions (Prep to Year 2 and Years 3 to 6). A full program for the day is included in this newsletter to share with grandparents in case some invites do not make it to their destinations.

Summer Uniform: I remind students that they are expected to wear hats at all times when they are outside, including during PE and Sport. Students should also remember that the wearing of blazers is optional during Term 4 as the weather turns warmer, apart from formal occasions. They will be notified by their teacher if it is required for such an occasion. Could I also remind the Year 3 to Year 6 boys that they should only be wearing navy socks with their summer uniform and plain white or navy socks with their Sports/PE uniform. Students are also encouraged to bring water bottles to school as the weather warms up.

PLEASE NOTE THAT MONDAY 13 NOVEMBER IS A STUDENT FREE DAY FOR JUNIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY – ELC AND SECONDARY SCHOOL CLASSES WILL RUN AS NORMAL.

Parents parking in Maple Way/Cedar Place:  Could I please remind parents to not block the access to the property of residents if you are using this area. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

School Dates 2018: We have received some queries about the school dates for next year, so please find these dates listed below:
Term 1: Thursday 1 February to Thursday 29 March 2018
Term 2: Monday 16 April to Friday 22 June 2018
Term 3: Tuesday 17 July to Friday 21 September 2018
Term 4: Monday 8 October to Wednesday 12 December 2018

WARRAGUL JUNIOR SCHOOL GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL GUESTS DAY
Thursday 9 November 2017

Prep to Year 2
9:00 am – 9:15 am       Guests arrive
9:15 am – 10:00 am     Prep to Year 2 Concert/Chapel (Junior School Gymnasium)
10:00 am – 11:00 am   Visit classrooms and Kitchen Garden
11:00 am – 11:30 am    Recess (morning tea for Prep to Year 2 guests in Prideaux Centre)
11:30 am                         Guests depart or move on to Years 3 to 6 session

Years 3 to 6
10:45 am – 11.00 am     Guests arrive
11:00 am – 11:30 am     Recess (morning tea for Years 3 to 6 guests in Junior School Gymnasium)
11:30 am – 12:15 pm     Years 3 to 6 Concert/Chapel (Junior School Gymnasium)
12:15 pm – 1:30 pm       Visit classrooms and Kitchen Garden
1:30 pm                            Guests depart

We are expecting around 500 guests to visit throughout the day and we will have Maintenance on hand to assist with parking, but could I ask that everyone is patient and park where they are directed.

WHAT’S ON IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

OCTOBER
23 and 24 October  Prep to Year 2 Swimming Program
25 October  Prep to Year 2 Swimming Carnival, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
26 October  Years 3 and 4 Hoop Time Finals (selected students only)
26 October  Year 5 Excursion to Melbourne Museum
31 October  T20 Cricket Blast (selected students only)

NOVEMBER
1 November  Years 5 and 6 Girls Hoop Time Finals (selected students only)
6 November  STUDENT FREE DAY
7 November  CUP DAY HOLIDAY
9 November  Grandparents Day
13 November  STUDENT FREE DAY
14 November  ELC and Junior School Photo, 9:15 am
15 November  Prep to Year 2 Soiree, Prideaux Centre, 7:00 pm
16 November  Walk to School Morning

Fee Payment Reminder

• Tuition Fees are now overdue for families that do not have a periodical payment arrangement in place.
• Sundry invoices are due for payment by Friday 27 October 2017.

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

Expression of Interest Board Director

At the 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the School Company, the Board farewelled Directors Paul Davine and Dennis Murray who have both been valued members of the Board since November 2013.

As there was only one nomination received for the two elected Director positions, the Board has chosen to adopt the same procedure to fill this casual vacancy as it did in 2013. This is to call for Expressions of Interest from the school community to fill this vacancy and other vacancies which may arise in the near future.

A strong Board will always include a balance of those with a close connection to the School and others who may not be school parents but who bring expertise and experience on a range of matters essential for good governance.

We recognise that a wide range of skills and experience – including legal, financial, organisational, educational and communication are required in order to deliver the best governance and educational outcomes.

The Board now invites nominations from persons interested in the opportunity to serve the School as a Director of the Board to forward their Expression of Interest in writing, outlining experience, skills, qualifications and personal particulars to the Company Secretary, Leah Young by emailing to companysecretary@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au.

The Board will accept Expressions of Interest until Monday 30 October 2017.

In the meantime, please contact our Company Secretary, Leah Young for a copy of the information booklet available to consider this opportunity further.

Year 2 Sleepover

Last week Year 2 hosted the annual Year 2 Sleepover/Camp at the Junior School. It was so much fun!

After school, students attended a briefing and then quickly changed into casual clothes so that camp could begin. We started with some fun activities hosted by the teachers and Year 2 parents in small groups, including dessert construction, a photo booth, games and group-based problem solving, green screen animated movies and more.

After a yummy dinner, we changed into our pyjamas and settled down for a movie (in bed!) before sleeping. Breakfast was enjoyed as students shared stories about teacher snoring and noises in the night.

Most students agree, the best part was the pillow fight!

Yummy ice cream!

Afternoon tea.

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

Year 12 Farewell

Next week we will say goodbye to our Year 12 students as they commence their study period prior to exams. There are a number of events which officially farewell them including their final assembly and Celebration Day on Wednesday and their Valedictory Dinner in November. I started with those students who were at the Traralgon Campus when they were fresh faced Year 9s and we all transferred to Warragul together at the beginning of 2016. They seamlessly joined the Warragul cohort and all blended together as a unit of determined, spirited and inspiring students. I feel so fortunate to have been able to work alongside this group and to have finished their final year with them. They have developed into genuine and caring young adults and I know they will contribute positively to this world. I wish them all the best for their final examinations and their lives beyond St Paul’s.

It is tradition for Year 12 students to collect coin donations for a charity of their choice as students are dropped at school on their Celebration Day. This year will be different as students are supporting our Valedictorian, Hilary Pammer-Green, who is currently holding a bra drive in support of not-for-profit organisation the Uplift Project. Bras of any shape, size, form or style can be donated. Further information regarding this cause can be found at: http://www.upliftbras.org/drop_off_bras.html

There is also a collection box located at Student Services for those parents who may wish to donate at another time or in a less public fashion.

2018 Subject Selections

All students in Years 7 to 11 have now received their subject selections for 2018. If a parent or student has a query with the subjects allocated they should see Mr Testa, Director of Studies, immediately. He can be emailed at brtesta@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au or please speak with him on 5623 5833.

Sleep

There is no better job than mine and working with young adults every day is a delight. The conversations, the laughter and the questions keep us on our toes as teachers and school leaders. Just before the last holidays whilst teaching my Year 10 Commerce class a student said to me “sleep is overrated don’t you think Ms Butterworth?” Unfortunately, despite hoping otherwise, this student was asking with some seriousness and it led to a bigger discussion about the merits of sleep and bed times in general. The reality is that a lot of research has been conducted to suggest that teenagers need nine to ten hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. The effects ongoing sleep deprivation can include:

• Concentration difficulties
• Mentally ‘drifting off’ in class
• Shortened attention span
• Memory impairment
• Poor decision making
• Lack of enthusiasm
• Moodiness and aggression
• Depression
• Risk-taking behaviour
• Slower physical reflexes
• Clumsiness, which may result in physical injuries
• Reduced sporting performance
• Reduced academic performance
• Increased number of ‘sick days’ from school because of tiredness

I fear many of our students see sleep as discretionary and yet it should be prioritised alongside hydration and a balanced diet. This discussion reminded me of an article I read in The Age Good Weekend Magazine back in April. Mobile phones, iPads and other electronic devices are a major culprit of sleep disruption but there are other factors too. On the Warragul Secondary School page on MyStPauls I have placed a link to the article I am referring to. It is an interesting read regarding the effect of sleep on the teenage mind, memory and academic ability. Sleep isn’t overrated, it is vital for healthy development and function of the human body and we will work toward to educating our students further about its importance. I’m not sure we will implement later school start times any time soon, as suggested in the article, but we will continue to educate our students about the importance of sleep.

WHAT’S ON IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL

OCTOBER
21 October         Equestrian: SE Zone Round 4 of the Interschool Dressage series
23 October         VCE Theatre Studies Performance Exam
25 October         Year 12 Celebration Day
25 October         Year 12 Final Assembly, 12:00 noon
26 October         Studio Concert, 7:00 pm
26 October         SEISA Summer Sport, Round 2
30 October         Commerce on Show Incursion, 1:00 pm
30 October         
to 3 November  Year 8 Outdoor Education Camp

NOVEMBER
1 November        Unit 4 Exams begin
1 November        Year 11 Literature, Pop-up Globe Theatre Excursion
1 November        French Exchange Meeting, 7:00 pm
2 November        SEISA Summer Sport, Round 3
3 November        Year 10 Geography Forest Excursion

Fee Payment Reminder

• Tuition Fees are now overdue for families that do not have a periodical payment arrangement in place.
• Sundry invoices are due for payment by Friday 27 October 2017.

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

MyStPauls upgrade

As we continue to grow and develop as a school we strive to offer the most up-to-date and contemporary technologies available to assist us in the classroom. In order to do this, we continually need to update and enhance our systems and processes in particular our learning management system MyStPauls.

We are excited to announce our upgrade to version 17 of Schoolbox which offers a number of improvements to both the workflow and the user experience. One of these important changes to our system that will affect parents is the ability to filter grades. Filters have been added to the grades pages of all students to more easily and accurately sort through the large amount of assessment data currently available to parents.

You will now be able to filter assessment data by assessment type, terms, weighted assessments and more, making it even easier to find and view grades and feedback. Parents can customise these options, however, for your convenience we have set the default to only include due work, quizzes and formative and reportable assessment. All other options will still be available in the filters panel at the top of the page. To access them, simply click the down arrow as highlighted in the image below.

We are very excited by this and the many other enhancements to our system and know that they will improve how teachers give and parents receive grades and feedback. We will continue to keep you updated on these changes and features throughout the year as we continue to develop and design contemporary systems for future learning.

Dale Ackermann
eLearning Coordinator

Expression of Interest Board Director

At the 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the School Company, the Board farewelled Directors Paul Davine and Dennis Murray who have both been valued members of the Board since November 2013.

As there was only one nomination received for the two elected Director positions, the Board has chosen to adopt the same procedure to fill this casual vacancy as it did in 2013. This is to call for Expressions of Interest from the school community to fill this vacancy and other vacancies which may arise in the near future.

A strong Board will always include a balance of those with a close connection to the School and others who may not be chool parents but who bring expertise and experience on a range of matters essential for good governance.

We recognise that a wide range of skills and experience – including legal, financial, organisational, educational and communication are required in order to deliver the best governance and educational outcomes.

The Board now invites nominations from persons interested in the opportunity to serve the School as a Director of the Board to forward their Expression of Interest in writing, outlining experience, skills, qualifications and personal particulars to the Company Secretary, Leah Young by emailing to companysecretary@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

The Board will accept Expressions of Interest until Monday 30 October 2017.

In the meantime, please contact our Company Secretary, Leah Young for a copy of the information booklet available to consider this opportunity further.

Uniform

Second hand uniform for sale from Warragul Secondary School Student Services: $5.00 a piece, ties and belts gold coin donation. All proceeds to support St Paul’s Friends of Ermera, for East Timor.

Excursion to ‘The House of Dior’

On 12 October, the Years 10 and 11 Textiles classes were delighted to participate in the celebration of the seventieth anniversary of ‘The House of Dior’, exclusively exhibited at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). We started our journey at 7:45 am into the city where we had an introductory talk about Christian Dior himself, his background and childhood home, how his sister was a French resistance fighter during WWII and how Dior had to make dresses for the Nazi’s wives. We learnt about the styles of the House of Dior and best of all, that every dress on display was handmade Couture Dior painstakingly hand sewn by highly skilled Dior Ateliers. This left us amazed as we walked through eight gallery spaces that showcased the final products: dresses, shoes and hats, with infinite immaculate breathtaking detail, as well as practice pieces and newspaper articles. Lastly we participated in a workshop using the four protocols of Dior (Line, New Look, 18^th Century and Flower) to create our own beautiful and personalised Dior designs.

Triona Lang
Year 10 Student

Preparing for 2018: Booklists

Booklists were distributed to students last week, along with their subject allocations for 2018, and can also be accessed online at http://www.lamontbooks.com.au/. Orders that are placed online by Wednesday 1 November will be eligible for free postage (for orders $70 or more), or free packing and handling.

The final date to place school collection orders is Wednesday 15 November so that textbooks and stationery items will be available for students to collect from school in the week prior to Early Commencement. This means that students across all year levels will have their textbooks and resources delivered before our Early Commencement program begins. The benefits of this are clearly apparent; our students will be able to utilise these resources during class and will also be able to prepare more efficiently for the year ahead during the summer break.

The Lamont pop-up store will be open in the Library at the Warragul Secondary School from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm on Wednesday 22 November. Parents can also elect to collect their orders from the Traralgon Secondary School Campus between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm on the same day if that is more convenient. Any books that are not collected on that day can be collected from Student Services in the following week.

Second hand books can also be listed for sale and purchased from the Sustainable Schools Bookshop at http://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/. Parents who are selling textbooks are encouraged to list their books on the website as soon as possible to maximise their chances of making a sale.

Nutrition Week

The Warragul Secondary School Canteen Tastebuds celebrated National Nutrition Week this week and it was a huge success. The students enjoyed healthy and delicious choices such as fruit salad, sushi, yoghurt and smoothies.

Your ATAR is not who you are.

As our Year 12s prepare for their final days of classes, I would like to acknowledge and thank them for their contribution to St Paul’s. Whether it be in the classroom, on the sporting field or through their involvement in the Performing and Visual Arts, this year’s cohort have approached their time at school with boundless energy and enthusiasm, and we will miss them greatly. I hope very much that their excitement and anticipation won’t be tainted by stress and concern over their performance in the exams and worrying about whether they will receive an offer for the course of preference.

ATAR results, university offers and other external measures of performance can come to define the value of an education and unfortunately, even the value of a person. The focus on results by the media, friends and family (and yes, schools) can unintentionally cause unnecessary stress and devalue other strengths and capabilities.

As respected Child Psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg says, “The key message is ‘you are not your ATAR’ and that there are millions of different ways to get to where you need to go in life,” “Parents need to remind their kids that this is an important year but it’s not the most important year of their life and it’s just another phase of their education.”

As I read his words in the press this week, I was reminded of a lesson that I learnt from Dame Helen Shipley, past New Zealand Prime Minister. Dame Helen spoke at a conference that I attended over the most recent term break. In her presentation ‘Fit for The Future’, Dame Helen asked each of us to get to know the person sitting next to us by telling them “who we are”. Like others, I had started my introduction, talking about my role at St Paul’s, when she interrupted us, “You are not what you have done and achieved, I asked you to talk about who you are, not what you’ve done”. It was a one of those ‘ah-ha’ moments for me. Like everyone else in the room, I had described myself through my achievements, using them to define who I am. When I posted this on MyStPauls for staff and students to consider, I had a number of people comment that they too had difficulty describing ‘who they are’ without talking about what they’ve done or do.

So, as our Year 12s prepare for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead, my wish for them is that they come to understand who they truly really are; what they care about and what they believe. St Paul’s has given them a wonderful foundation, opportunities to think about what they believe and to act for the good of others. They have worked hard and stepped out of their comfort zone in a range of settings. We hope very much that they have developed a growth mindset and understand that in the end it is the ability to overcome challenges and learn from them that will help them achieve their best.

Farewell Year 12s. While achieving your best is important, who you are is so much more important than your results, which do not define you.

Lisa Moloney
Principal