From the Head of Warragul Secondary School,
Mrs Debbie Cameron.

Easter Sunshine
It is hard to believe that we are back at school and well into the swing of learning after such a wonderful Easter break. I do hope that students, families and staff were able to enjoy the sunshine and time away from the regular routine of school and work. This term is going to be the longest of the year and we look forward to many exciting learning opportunities taking place combined with a nice balance of co-curricular and special events.

New staff welcome
It is my great pleasure to warmly welcome to our Warragul Secondary School teaching team Mr Wayne Rhodes who will be teaching Japanese. Wayne is passionate about Japanese culture and language, and we wish him well as he commences his professional journey with us. I have no doubt that our families and students will make him feel very welcome.

Spotlight on Careers
This week, our Year 10 students across both campuses will be sitting their Morrisby Assessments. Morrisby is a digital career exploration tool that involves initial profiling of each student to determine strengths, interests and values relating to current and future career options. It also provides significant career information that can be accessed across the student’s career journey to assist with decision-making and further career development and exploration. Upon completion, students will be able to access their results from 5:00 pm to read through with their family. Each Year 10 student will then be invited to a 20-minute one-on-one interview with the Head of Careers or Director of Studies, both having completed specialist training in the Morrisby program, to assist with unpacking the report and clarifying any questions the student may have. Parents are more than welcome to attend these interviews. Interview times will be sent out to students early next week. The interviews will commence the week of 29 April. I think this is such an invaluable and exceptional learning opportunity for students to experience and thank our Head of Careers, Sarah Luck, for providing this for our students.

Open Day 2024
We invite all our current families to share with their friends and families the details of our upcoming Open Day at the Warragul Campus on Saturday 4 May from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for families and community members to speak with our staff and tour the campus.
To register your attendance please click here.

Education in the age of ‘Smart Machines’
During the second week of the holidays, the Head of Secondary at the Traralgon Campus, Mrs Leonie Clark, attended the AHISA (Associated Heads of Independent Schools Australia) Leading, Learning and Caring Conference, ‘Vision in Volatility’ in Sydney. The following is an article she has written for one of the sessions she attended:
It was indeed a privilege to hear from leading Australian educators and academics as they discussed and presented their research in relation to issues and topics facing contemporary students and educators. In this and subsequent Grammarian articles, I would like to share some of the ideas and thinking presented for contemplation at the conference. This week I humbly present for your consideration some of my key takeaways and reflections from the opening Keynote address ‘Mass Personalisation and Entrepreneurial Thinking: Education in the Age of Smart Machines’ by Dr Yong Zhao, PhD Foundation Distinguished Professor School of Education and Human Sciences University of Kansas and Professor in Education Leadership Faculty of Education University of Melbourne.
Dr Zhao commenced his address by suggesting that to improve education for individual students in the future, we must continue to support and encourage students to focus on their unique skills and abilities. He stated that ” … every talent is valued when coupled with entrepreneurial skills’ and that this would be absolutely necessary in the future, to allow students to ‘develop to greatness’ in the age of smart machines.”
Zhao emphasised that “we really have not learned how to be good to each other”, and “that we have not taught people to share their skills and talents in a healthy co-dependence” to ultimately benefit humanity. He suggested that those students in the future who develop their individual gifts and talents, collaborate in a mutually beneficial codependence, and apply their abilities to identify problems that require solving, subsequently resolving those problems for the benefit of humanity; will be successful in the age of smart machines. Furthermore, Zhao acknowledged that the identification of problems “worth solving” is and will continue to be the most challenging step in the process, while acknowledging that we need to explicitly teach children “how to find the problems worth solving”, while asking them to consider “Why does it matter?”  And further interrogating the problem at hand by asking our children and students, “Why do you think you can do it better and why now?”
As a team of parents and educators, we can promote and foster “problem identification” and “problem-solving moments” with our children in precious teachable moments of conversation and discussion. Asking our students and children to identify problems when reading the newspaper, or watching the evening news, while simultaneously encouraging children to think critically, to question everything (particularly in the online world), to be curious about ways in which they might make their community or world a better place, to read widely, to thoroughly interrogate topics and to ponder broadly while considering possible solutions to everyday and global problems. It is in all of the little moments of stretching our thinking together and exploring with our children that we will assist the next generation to develop critical interrogative thinking and the entrepreneurial problem-solving skills that Zhao indicated will be needed to reach “greatness” while advancing and preserving humanity in an age of smart machines.

Digital Devices Health Check
As we head into the cooler months of the year when children spend more time indoors on devices, it is perhaps a good time to undertake a digital device health check. The eSafety commissioner website for parents and our very own St Paul’s/ySafe Safety Hub contain outstanding resources for parents and guardians to be able to manage and secure electronic devices. Unfortunately, pastoral concerns stemming from unsupervised mobile device use after hours, can from time to time, overflow into the school community and we encourage all families to visit the ySafe safety hub. Closely monitoring your child’s use of electronic devices and the setting of parental controls certainly avoids difficult conversations should things get a little out of hand. There is no doubt that it is a collective team effort to guide our children to use technology with care and respect for themselves and others. As always, your kind support is hugely appreciated to keep everyone in our community safe.
The education team at eSafety hosts webinars for parents and guardians each year. I have attached the Term 2 schedule below for your reference.
The Term 2, 2024 ESafety Commissioner Webinars include:

• eSafety 101: How eSafety can help (30 minutes) Suitable for parents and carers of children and young people in primary and secondary school.

• Wellbeing and digital technologies (30 minutes) Suitable for parents and carers of young people in secondary school.

• Consent and online boundaries: How to support your primary-aged child (30 minutes) Suitable for parents and carers of children in primary school.

• Setting your child up for success online (30 minutes) Suitable for parents and carers of children in primary school.

To register for the above eSafety Term 2 webinars visit this link.

Student Absentees
The parent/guardian of any absent student should contact the School to notify us of the student’s absence, preferably by 9:30 am. The absentee phone number is 5622 6103 or families can email Student Services. A note indicating the date/s and reason for absence should be sent with the student to hand to their Mentor when the student returns to school. Parents will receive an SMS on their mobile after 9:30 am if the student is absent with no notification.

Easter Bunny Visits St Paul’s
On the last day of Term 1, we had two special visitors arrive at school. Following a fabulous Easter Service delivered by Reverend Lowe with a message about Sacrifice and Service, Easter Bunnies hopped through the school grounds delivering Easter Eggs and greetings to the staff and students. Egg O Grams delivered by our Prefects raised over $120 towards our East Timor charity. It was a wonderful feeling of excitement on the last day of term and I hope that the students enjoyed a little chocolate treat.

Debbie Cameron
Head of Warragul Secondary School

WHAT’S ON

APRIL
19 April  Year 9 Urban Experience Day 2, Group 1 (9MGT1 and 9MGT3), 7:06 am to 4:48 pm
Mountain Bike Training, Warragul Secondary School, 7:15 am to 8:15 am
Presentation Ball Training, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium, 3:20 pm to 5:15 pm
22 April  Live4Life Year 8 Launch Event, 9:15 am to 11:15 am
Presentation Ball Training, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium, 3:20 pm to 5:15 pm
22 April to 24 April  VET Sport and Recreation Mitchell River Bushwalking Camp
23 April  SEISA Surfing
24 April  Year 9 Faiths Excursion, Greater Dandenong area, 9:00 am to 3:10 pm
25 April  ANZAC Day
26 April  Rocky Trail Academy – Schools MTB Racing, Mt Buller
Presentation Ball Rehearsal, Lardner Park, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
27 April  Presentation Ball, 6:00 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm)

ST PAUL’S PARENT PRAYER GROUP

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

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

Our next gathering is on Monday 6 May, at 9:00 am in the Prideaux Centre, Warragul Junior School
Contact: Sheryn Cutler 0417 158 937 or sheryn.cutler@gmail.com

DOBSONS UNIFORM SHOP

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

Negative News in the Media

The tragic events in Bondi over the weekend have been confronting for many children, adolescents and adults to watch and hear about. As parents, you may be wondering how to approach not only this event, but the constant stream of negative news portrayed in the media, with your children.
Limit exposure: As adults, we are often able to identify when we have reached our threshold of negative news for the day and know to engage in self-care at this stage. Children and adolescents may not have this insight and they may not fully understand all that they are seeing/hearing. As such, limiting their exposure to news media can be beneficial. It is generally advised that news media access be actively supervised and never used as background noise. If you are watching or listening to the news as a family and hear a warning about distressing content, or a warning that something may not be appropriate for younger audiences, change to something suitable for the whole family.
Have a discussion: Even if you avoid the news, children and adolescents are likely to hear about recent events from their peers. To avoid confusion or misunderstandings about events, it is important to be proactive. If possible, prepare for any discussions and make sure that these occur at a time when you feel calm and regulated. Remember that children and adolescents often watch their parents for cues about how they should feel about situations. Ask your child what they have heard about recent events and correct any misinformation. Deliver age-appropriate information in a clear and honest manner. Sometimes programs like Behind the News can provide age-appropriate information to use as a springboard for further discussion. Remind your child that they can come to you with any questions they may have.
Ask your child how they are feeling: Seeing violent events on a screen can be as traumatic as witnessing them in real life, particularly for children and adolescents. It is important that you check in with your child about how they are feeling about recent events. Avoid statements that dismiss their feelings, and instead validate and normalise these. Offer appropriate reassurance, perhaps by reminding your child that such events are rare, that professionals/experts are managing the situation, or by providing context that helps them to understand that they are not at risk.
Watch out for signs of distress: Children and adolescents may not be able to verbally articulate if they are feeling distressed by what they have seen or heard in the media. It is important to maintain open communication with your child, as well as to watch for changes in their behaviour. Behavioural changes may include an increase in nightmares, sudden sleep reluctance, appetite changes, separation anxiety, withdrawal, emotional dysregulation or feeling unwell.
Maintain routines: Routines provide a sense of safety and security to children and adolescents. Keeping your family routine as consistent as possible is likely to be helpful during distressing times. Increasing connection and engaging with friends and family can also be beneficial.
Seek support: If your child seems distressed by something they have seen or heard, reach out for support. The St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Counselling team is available to provide support to students in need. To arrange a session, speak to your child’s classroom teacher, Head of Year, or Deputy Head of School. Remember that services like Kids Help Line (1800 55 1800), Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636) and Headspace (1800 650 890) are available to provide telephone and online support outside of school hours.

Shannon Staples
Head of Counselling Services

Senior Student Trip to East Timor – Ponilala

A recent senior student trip to the Ermera District of East Timor provided a glimpse into the life and traditions of the Timorese people, leaving a lasting impression of friendship and cultural richness. “The people I’ve made friends with, the Timorese and Aussies [fellow participants], will always be treasured.” (Asmi)
From the moment our group arrived, we were greeted with open arms by the friendly Timorese locals, “[they] remind you what it means to be grateful and happy” (India). Their warm smiles and genuine curiosity about our journey made us feel instantly welcomed and at home.
One of the highlights of our trip was our visit to Ponilala Secondary School (partly funded by St Paul’s in 2007). Ponilala is situated in the hills of Ermera, overlooking the large town of Gleno and its isolation excludes it from regular visitors. After a traditional welcome with open arms and warm hearts, we stepped into the Ponilala secondary classroom, a room in stark contrast to what our students were expecting; we were greeted with a sea of smiling eager students squeezed into old wooden desks, a chalkboard and sadly, a lack of resources.
The day kicked off with vibrant displays of traditional Timorese dancing and singing, showcasing the rich heritage and artistic talent of the community. In the spirit of cultural exchange and in somewhat of a contrast, our students reciprocated by sharing the familiar dance moves of Timber and the iconic Nutbush dance. The laughter and shared moments on the dance floor brought us together and created memories that will last a lifetime.
The delivery of the English/Tetun dictionaries kindly donated by so many generous St Paul’s families was met with overwhelming appreciation as you can see in the students’ faces! This simple act will have a profound impact on their English learning journey and was truly appreciated by the teaching staff as well, who were quick to ask for their own copies too.
Another special moment was the gifting of a beautiful guitar in a brand-new case, a pre-trip call-out responded to by a parent and our Performing Arts faculty. It brought so much joy not only to the very talented music teacher at Ponilala but also to the students and staff. In true Timorese fashion, the best way to show appreciation was to celebrate with a traditional and beautiful song.
Amidst the festivities, a Timorese luncheon was laid out to honour our visit and to show appreciation for the ongoing support and friendship extended by St Paul’s. This delicious gesture of gratitude and hospitality came with an apology they had nothing else to gift us in return for years of connection. However, being able to help and support such a warm, inclusive and resilient community is more valuable than any tangible gift.
As the day progressed, the senior Ponilala students showcased their creativity and scientific knowledge through experiments using basic items like old bottles, tin cans, candles and steel wool, to name a few.  From homemade models, they demonstrated an understanding of scientific concepts, serving as a reminder of the power of education and the potential that lies within every young mind, regardless of their circumstances.
As our day at Ponilala drew to a close, our hearts were full and bonds were strengthened. As a group, we learned much about resilience, gratitude and the importance of friendship and connections, and how much our support means. “Getting to know children at the schools we have supported has allowed me to put into perspective the reason we fundraise for these communities.” (Ella).

The gift of a guitar means so much to this community.

Senior students proudly showing us their science experiments using basic items.

Ella giving out the much-appreciated gift of a dictionary.

A traditional warm welcome.

A traditional dance performance.

Bella Sellers, Sophia Hastie, Asmi Pathania, Chloe Davidson, Sienna Smith, Alice den Houting, India Van Berkel, Ella May.

Our students connecting some of the Ponilala locals.

Teachers: Kirsten Enders, Andrea Heard, Jan Park.
Students: Ella May, Asmi Pathania and India Van Berkel

WARRAGUL CAMPUS ENSEMBLE SCHEDULE

New members, including students receiving tuition outside of school, are most welcome. Please contact Mrs Heather Mason, and/or the listed ensemble director for further information hjmason@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au .

Heather Mason
Head of Performing Arts – Co-Curricular

ALUMNI REUNIONS

Saturday 4 May 2024
Year 9 Centre, St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School, 150 Bowen Street Warragul
• Class of 2019 – 5 Year Reunion
• Class of 2014 – 10 Year Reunion
• Class of 2004 – 20 Year Reunion

This year we have brought forward the timing of our Alumni Reunions to coincide with the school’s annual Open Day. Moving the reunions earlier provides us with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and tour the school in action, see how it has changed and meet some of the current St Paul’s students and staff. Please join us at any stage between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, chat with our Alumni representatives and reminisce over the range of memorabilia on display. You might also like to join the Alumni school tour which will take place at 12:30 pm, before continuing your celebrations with some drinks, nibbles and catch-ups at Bandolier Brewing, 28 Mason Street Warragul, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Please RSVP by completing the registration here.

Michelle Ireland
Community Coordinator
alumni@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

FROM THE FINANCE OFFICE

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

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

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides payments directly to the school for the benefit of the eligible student to attend camps, sports and excursions. Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. $125 per year will be paid for eligible primary school students and $225 per year paid for eligible secondary school students. Payments will go directly to the school and be tied to the student. For more information and to download the application form please go to https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund/resources

Parents are encouraged to lodge the application form immediately. The CSEF program for 2024 closes at the end of Term 2. All forms must be received by 24 June 2024 to be processed.

For parents who received CSEF at the school in 2023 (and the student/s are still enrolled in 2024), the schools will ‘copy’ the application across from 2023 to 2024 on the CSEF system. The CSEF system will automatically validate the parent’s eligibility with Centrelink.