From the Principal, Mr Cameron Herbert - St Paul's ...
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Warragul Campus NEWSLETTER | SEMESTER 1, 2021
From the Principal, Mr Cameron Herbert
Welcome to 2021
The commencement of the 2021 school year is rapidly approaching, and we look forward to having students commence
on Monday 1 February. In addition to welcoming a large number of new students to St Paul’s in 2021, we also look
forward to welcoming the following new staff members.
New Staff
Traralgon Junior School Cath Paulet – Year 6 Teacher
Rachael Geerts (commenced mid 2020) – Year 6 Teacher Sheree Rees – Early Learning Centre
Samantha Giacobbe – Classroom Assistant Kathryn Spalding – Classroom Assistant
Richelle Harris – Early Learning Centre James Wardell – ELC Co-educator
Wendy Macdougall – Early Learning Centre
William Rilen – Physical Education Teacher Warragul Secondary School
Emma Stanistreet – Classroom Assistant Linda Bossard – French Teacher
Lauren Vercoe – Year 1 Teacher Cooper Burgess – Sports Trainee
Jade Chen – Mathematics/Science Teacher
Traralgon Secondary School Chihiro McConville – Japanese Teacher
Ronny Dent – Food Services Assistant (Canteen) Nyah Makin – Administration Trainee
Kirra Gill – Sports Trainee Sarah Moerke – Physical Education Teacher
Helen Lynn – Food Technology Teacher Relief Jennifer Nguyen – Mathematics Teacher
Deborah Rowley – Food Services Assistant (Canteen) Ellen Rijs – Dance Teacher
Christine Yule – Mathematics/Science Teacher
Warragul Junior School
Stephanie Clements – Dance Teacher Warragul Secondary School returning from leave
Janice Diston – Year 5 Teacher Kat Crow
Mary Hill – Classroom Assistant Tim Charles
Ondine Olsson – Administration Trainee Dane Morley
Mary Patrickson – Classroom Assistant
School Captains 2021
The St Paul’s School Captains for 2021 are Alice Greenall and Liam Lenders. Our Deputy Captains are Jordan Ashley and
Jacob Puddy. We are thrilled with their appointments, from a very competitive field of their peers and wish them
every success in their new roles.
VCE Results 2020 It is with great pleasure that we congratulate the entire class of 2020 on their VCE results. The 2020 Dux of St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School is shared by twins Connor Ibbotson and Luke Ibbotson both receiving an ATAR of 99.6. Close behind were Sage Hyde of Warragul on 99.55, Tatum Cotterrell of Traralgon on 99.25, Jesse Buhagiar of Traralgon on 98.9 and Kieran Lewis of Arawata on 98.9. Other very high achievers included: Jessica Lo of Warragul on 97.85, James Gourley of Warragul on 97.6, Angus Guo of Moe on 97.3, Elyse Gordon from Traralgon South on 97.25, Scarlett Price from Newborough on 97.25, Ruby Zhang of Morwell on 96.95, Isaac Sadek of Pakenham on 96.85, Sophie Vale of Warragul South on 96.25, Claire Birks of Trafalgar on 96.1, Mae Williamson of Warragul on 95.9, Mia Alexander of Warragul on 95.85, Aarushi Pathania of Traralgon on 95.75, Phoebe O’Connor of Mountain View on 95.55, Kristin Skee of Moe on 95.3, Lachlan Hollier of Yarragon on 95.15, Callum van der Meulen of Traralgon on 94.7, Jarra Davis of Drouin on 94.25, Vansh Patel of Warragul on 94.25, Molly Francis of Warragul on 93.95, Jackson Clerks of Warragul on 93.7, Lilly Thomas of Seaview on 92.35, Samantha Edgar of Gormandale on 92.05, Hannah Remyn of Warragul on 91.8, Tomas Dowler of Traralgon on 91.75, Elodie Williamson of Warragul on 91.5, Mia Stevens of Traralgon on 91.35, Nixon Hall of Yinnar on 91.3, Jorja Halsall of Traralgon on 91.15, Bellamy O’Callaghan of Traralgon on 90.95, Emily Jaques of Warragul on 90.4 and Sophie Bennett of Tynong North on 90.35. The School is incredibly proud of the way our class of 2020 managed the complexities of a COVID year. Their focused approach to their studies never wavered and they managed online learning, internet reliability issues and personal circumstances with maturity, good humour and a distinct care for one another throughout the entire year. In all twenty-three per cent of students achieved an ATAR over 95 and forty-one per cent of students achieved an ATAR over 90. The percentage of students who achieved an ATAR of over 80 was an outstanding sixty-seven per cent, placing them in the top twenty per cent of the state. Ninety-seven per cent of students achieved an ATAR over 50. The fact that St Paul’s does not stream students out of Year 12 or offer a VCAL stream, means that these results are truly indicative of the quality environment of learning and teaching that St Paul’s offers. This year’s cohort plan to study a diverse range of courses from medicine and allied health to interior design and commerce. The next few weeks will be an exciting time for students who now await offers of places at a range of university and TAFE institutions, seek employment or GAP year opportunities. From the Acting Deputy Principal, Ms Laura Butterworth I extend a very warm welcome to all families to the 2021 school year. As is customary at this time of year there are several reminders, regarding procedures and compliance matters, that we need to bring to your attention. Each Head of School will communicate with families regarding COVID-19 protocols prior to the commencement of school. Anaphylaxis and Asthma It is timely to remind all school families of our need to be allergy aware when packing school snacks and lunches. We have several students across the school for whom contact with a known allergen can have dire consequences. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is potentially life threatening. Common allergens include (but are not limited to) nuts, eggs and shellfish. Warragul Campus | 150 Bowen Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Page | 2
The School requests that parents, students and members of staff do not provide foods with known allergens for consumption at school. The school canteen will not use, provide, nor prepare foods containing known allergens for consumption or use at school but may stock those labelled “may contain traces of nuts”. Where necessary, the Head of School will inform families of any other foods which may not be brought to school. The School’s policy and procedures for the management of students with anaphylaxis and asthma is available on MyStPauls. Parents of children who have been diagnosed with anaphylaxis or asthma are reminded that they are obligated to provide the School with an accurate and updated Action Plan each year. Students will not be able to attend school unless these documents are up to date. The School has a legal and moral obligation to keep the students safe and parent cooperation is vital to ensure that this duty of care can be fulfilled. Panadol and Nurofen (Analgesics) Administration Change Just a reminder that the School can no longer administer analgesics to students during the school day, despite parental permission. As has been previously communicated, there is concern that doing so may mask underlying symptoms that are then not addressed. When it comes to students being away on school camps or overseas tours, parents are asked to supply analgesics and any other medication to be taken, in a labelled zip lock bag with administration advice from their family doctor included. We apologise for any inconvenience but as always, student safety is our first concern. SMS Absence Notifications Please ensure you notify the School if your child/ren are going to be absent from school. SMS absence notifications to parents or guardians are now being used across all campuses. If there is an unexplained absence, all mobile phone numbers listed on the school database (unless we have been otherwise instructed) will receive an SMS notification. If you have called the School on the morning of the absence, sent a note earlier or your child is on an excursion or camp you should not receive an SMS. We appreciate your assistance in making sure that our attendance data is accurate and also ask that when you notify the School that your child is absent that a reason is provided (for example, illness, appointments and the like). Code Red Fire Danger Rating and School Closure Policy It is that time of year when we need to draw the attention of all school families to our Code Red Fire Danger Rating and School Closure Policy. Although our school is not listed as being at the greatest risk of bushfires, our students and staff travel from many rural areas within Gippsland which could (and have in the past) been significantly impacted by bushfires. Should a Code Red Fire Danger rating be posted by the Emergency Management Commissioner, St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School will close both campuses for the day, in order to keep students and staff off the roads. Families will be provided with as much notice as possible of a planned closure. The final decision to close the School will be confirmed no later than 1:00 pm the day before the planned closure. The School will communicate the details of the closure to our community via SMS, email and Facebook. However, if unexpected weather patterns are experienced, closures may happen at short notice. To avoid confusion, once the decision to close has been confirmed, there will be no change – regardless of improvements to the weather conditions the following afternoon or overnight. Please take some time to read the full policy which can be found under ‘Parent Resources/Policies’ on MyStPauls (https://my.stpaulsags.vic.edu.au/homepage/6586). We certainly hope that it will not be needed again this year but it is always best to be prepared. Warragul Campus | 150 Bowen Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Page | 3
Child Safe School
St Paul’s takes matters of child safety very seriously. In keeping with the requirements of Ministerial Order 870, all adults
(over eighteen) who have contact with our students must undergo Child Safe training (online and takes approximately
forty-five minutes) as well as hold a current Working with Children Check or equivalent.
All teaching and non-teaching staff have completed their training and assessment and any parent or community member who
has or is likely to have direct contact with our students must also undergo the training. This requirement applies to coaches,
classroom helpers, those assisting with excursions, camps, sport, special celebrations and the like. In addition, adults assisting
in Junior School classrooms must also attend a short Parent Helper session and Heads of School will communicate when these
will take place.
Parent volunteers only have to complete these requirements once and, when completed, a record is added to our volunteer
registers. Parents will not be able to volunteer at any school event, nor assist in classrooms or with excursions, until they have
successfully completed these requirements.
We value your involvement with our school and hope that the additional expectation will not deter you. I am sure that you
will agree that in the end, making sure that we are a child safe school is well worth the additional effort. Should you wish to
complete the online modules, please email Carol Reid on creid@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au
Our Child Safety Code of Conduct
We would also like to remind you of the Child Safe Code of Conduct by which all adults in the school community are
bound. This document, and other Child Safety Policies, can be accessed on the parent policies page of MyStPauls.
The Child Safety Code of Conduct outlines appropriate standards of behaviour for all adults towards students.
The Code serves to protect students, reduce any opportunities for abuse or harm to occur, and promote child safety
in the School environment. It provides guidance on how to best support students and how to avoid or better manage
difficult situations.
St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School has the following expectations of behaviours and boundaries for all adults interacting
with students within our school community. This includes all teaching staff, non-teaching staff, Board Directors,
volunteers (direct and indirect), third party contractors, external education providers and parents/carers.
The School’s Board has endorsed this Child Safety Code of Conduct.
Do:
• Behave as a positive role model to students.
• Promote the safety, welfare and wellbeing of students.
• Be vigilant and proactive with regard to student safety and child protection issues.
• Provide age appropriate supervision for students.
• Comply with guidelines published by the School with respect to child protection.
• Treat all students with respect.
• Promote the safety, participation and empowerment of students with a disability.
• Promote the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of linguistically and culturally diverse students.
• Use positive and affirming language towards students.
• Encourage students to ‘have a say’ and then listen to them with respect.
• Respect cultural, religious and political differences.
• Help provide an open, safe and supportive environment for all students to interact and socialise.
• Intervene when students are engaging in inappropriate bullying behaviour towards others or acting in a
humiliating or vilifying way.
• Report any breaches of this Child Safety Code of Conduct.
• Report concerns about child safety to one of the School’s Child Protection Officers and ensure that your legal
obligations to report allegations externally are met.
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• Where an allegation of child abuse is made, ensure as quickly as possible that the student involved is safe.
• Call the Police on 000 if you have immediate concerns for a student’s safety.
• Respect the privacy of students and their families and only disclose information to people who have a need to
know.
Do not:
• Engage in any form of inappropriate behaviour towards students or expose students to such behaviour.
• Use prejudice, oppressive behaviour or inappropriate language with students.
• Express personal views on cultures, race or sexuality in the presence of students or discriminate against any
student based on culture, race, ethnicity or disability.
• Engage in open discussions of an adult nature in the presence of students.
• Engage in any form of sexual conduct with a student including making sexually suggestive comments and
sharing sexually suggestive material.
• Engage in inappropriate or unnecessary physical conduct or behaviours including doing things of a personal
nature that a student can do for themselves, such as toileting or changing clothes.
• Engage in any form of physical violence towards a student including inappropriate rough physical play.
• Use physical means or corporal punishment to discipline or control a student.
• Engage in any form of behaviour that has the potential to cause a student serious emotional or psychological
harm.
• Develop ‘special’ relationships with students that could be seen as favouritism (for example, the offering of
gifts or special treatment for specific students).
• Engage in undisclosed private meetings with a student that is not your own child.
• Engage in meetings with a child that is not your own, outside of school hours and without permission from the
School and the child’s parent.
• Engage in inappropriate personal communications with a student through any medium, including any online
contact or interactions with a student.
• Take or publish (including online) photos, movies or recordings of a student without parental/carer consent.
• Post online any information about a student that may identify them such as their full name, age, email address,
telephone number, residence, school, or details of a club or group they may attend.
• Ignore or disregard any suspected or disclosed child abuse.
Our Child Protection Program includes a Staff and Student Professional Boundaries Policy that provides detailed
guidance for all staff and volunteers on how to maintain professional boundaries between students and adults at
St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School.
Online Learning Survey Results
By the end of 2020, all Heads of School had conducted a parent survey of online learning at their respective sub-school.
The results across the School were overwhelmingly positive (greater than eighty per cent across all sub-schools), with
parents acknowledging the efforts of students and staff and very pleased with the outcomes achieved.
However, we do acknowledge that the experience was particularly challenging for some families, with the age of the
children and parents’ work commitments playing a significant role in the degree of challenge experienced. We have
certainly taken on board the feedback provided by our parent community and are most grateful for the time many took
to write suggestions for the future.
Whilst we would no doubt all prefer not to experience such protracted periods of online learning again, should that
become necessary, we are well prepared to again respond rapidly to ensure the educational progress of our students.
We are very proud of the way our parents, students and staff weathered the challenges of 2020 together.
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Year 7 Coding Classes with CS in Schools move into Year 8 in 2021 Last year, St Paul’s joined RMIT University’s CS in Schools program to develop student and teacher digital technology skills. By 2022, an additional 81,000 workers will be required in the Australian IT sector. By working with CS in Schools, we are committed to building a world-class digital technology program that develops these skills in our students. CS in Schools offers a unique model that pairs an industry professional with secondary teachers and brings an industry professional into the classroom. Throughout 2020, all Year 7 classes undertook coding lessons for a weekly double period for one term. During this time they learnt the basics of coding and wrote their own code with continuous feedback and support. In 2021 these coding classes will be extended into Year 8 at both the Traralgon and Warragul Campuses. Over three hundred Years 7 and 8 students will be taught coding as part of the CS in Schools program at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School this year. Developing digital technology skills in our teachers and students is an important part of a well-rounded education at St Paul’s and we are excited to be continuing our partnership with RMIT University, CS in Schools, and embedding industry professionals in our classrooms. We are looking forward to working closely with the program in 2021 and expanding it into our Years 9 and 10 elective program in 2022. From the Business Manager, Mrs Leah Young Building and Facility Developments The 2021 Budget is focused on providing funding for major capital works, ICT, infrastructure, as well as maintenance, landscaping and minor capital improvements. New classroom furniture and musical instruments will feature across the campuses. Warragul Junior School Late in 2019 we received advice from the Minister of Education, The Hon James Merlino MP, that our application for a grant under the 2019–2020 Non-Government Schools Capital Fund had been successful for an amount of $2M. This grant, along with a contribution from the School’s Building Fund (Total cost $2.64M), will be used to construct this new building incorporating an Administration/Reception area, student services, toilet amenities, five classrooms and smaller breakout rooms as well as a staffroom. This project was deferred for a period this year due to COVID-19 but commenced late 2020 and will continue throughout 2021. Warragul Campus | 150 Bowen Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Page | 6
Warragul Junior School – Early Learning Centre Expansion Further to this, the School has also received advice of its successful application for a Capital Grant of $600K (total cost $754K) from the Victorian State Government to expand the Early Learning facilities at the Warragul Junior School. A ‘Bush Kinder’ kitchen garden is also being established for our students in 2021. Traralgon Campus – Performing Arts Improvement works have been taking place during the holiday period to refurbish the Performing Arts Music Rooms. Modifications have also been made to the stage of the gymnasium to create a suitable space for Dance. Also, a rehearsal space for the new Academy of Music is being developed along with a new grand piano being a welcome addition to Performing Arts! Warragul Campus | 150 Bowen Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Page | 7
Traralgon Junior School – Wellbeing Space The open plan space within the Year 5 building has been redesigned as the Junior School’s wellbeing hub. This space has been refurbished with furniture and equipment designed to provide groups of students with an opportunity to engage in sensory activities, to develop strategies for regulating emotions and to participate in wellbeing and mindfulness programs, enhancing mental health and social skills. Couches, tables, bean bag chairs, tents and a range of sensory equipment will be installed with careful consideration to make this space an enjoyable and well used addition to the Junior School. Years 5 and 6 classrooms have also been refurbished with new furniture. Future Building Planned for Traralgon Campus St Paul’s will embark on a staged building program of state-of-the art secondary facilities commencing in 2022 with the construction of the Futures Centre: a striking double-storied building with a welcoming entry and reception area, outstanding performing arts facilities, general learning areas, a modern secondary library adjoining a large spacious open cafeteria, a community hub and a range of student gathering spaces – both large and small. St Paul’s strong focus on academic excellence will expand and diversify the curriculum to include a broad range of VCE subjects and co-curricular activities, creating opportunities for every student to work toward their potential. From the Director of Information Services, Mr David Cope The Information Services teams have been busy setting up for the new school year. The IT Services team have worked through a large program of infrastructure and system improvements over the break. As well as configuring the new fleet of student laptops, upgrades to all the server systems have been completed. This will improve our printing and storage capacity, and further ensure improved reliability of all school systems and services. Trolley sets of laptops have been upgraded for use in both Junior Schools. Improvements to both the wired and wireless components of our network have been undertaken at all campuses. Further improvements will occur early in Term 2 as the School increases its broadband capacity to provide all students and staff with multimedia rich educational resources. Warragul Campus | 150 Bowen Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Page | 8
The Library team is looking forward to building upon the developments of last year. The Library team continue to
expand their offerings with access to audio and eBooks through the Wheelers platform. This platform is accessed
through student laptops, as well as iPads available for use within each Library. Teaching staff have been introduced
to the new features of the ClickView Media Library system. The Warragul Secondary Library team is also aiming to
undertake a minor refresh to improve the accommodation for students as they undertake collaborative research tasks.
The Curriculum Services team is continuing the transition to Continuous Online Reporting. All families including parents
of Junior School students, are able access their son or daughter’s formal assessment documents from MyStPauls at their
convenience. The MyStPauls system has further developed its capability as a Learning Management System. It now
has a fully integrated ‘Similarity Check’ function as part of its assessment submission process for secondary students.
This function quickly scans all submitted files for plagiarism against other submissions and the wider internet. Not only
does this system assist in making grading fairer, it provides students with the opportunity to re-work their submissions
and continue developing their writing skills.
If you have any thoughts, questions or issues regarding the Information Services Department, or any of the above
initiatives, I can be reached via email at dcope@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au
From the Acting Head of Warragul Secondary School, Mrs Leonie Clark
Welcome
Welcome to the 2021 academic year at St Paul’s. It comes with some relief to be able to write that sentence and to
have 2020 safely recorded in history for now. It is exciting to begin this year and we are hopeful that many of the
regular activities and events that we enjoy in a school year will run as they have in the past. We have certainly planned
for this and look forward to our Swim Trials, House Swimming Carnival and first round of SEISA in the first few weeks.
We are thrilled with the success of the Class of 2020, considering the challenging year they faced, and wish them well
as they start their post St Paul’s journey and follow their chosen pathway beyond secondary schooling. This year we
welcome a number of new students and their families to St Paul’s and a small number of new staff will also be joining
our team. All of the Teaching and Education Support Staff are excited to welcome our students back to school and to
get 2021 underway.
First day of school – Monday 1 February 2021
The first day for our students is Monday 1 February. We run an alternative program on this day, which includes school
photos. It is imperative that students are wearing the correct school uniform or they will not be able to take part in
either class or individual school photos.
Please note the following to ensure that your student/s are appropriately attired for their first day and school photos:
• All students must wear their blazers. (Blazers which have been embroidered over the summer will be available
from Student Services).
• All boys will require their tie on the first day for school photo.
Hairstyle and Grooming
• Girls must tie their hair back with a plain dark blue, burgundy or white ribbon, or a plain band in one of these
colours.
• Neither girls nor boys may have hair styles which are extremes of fashion in terms of length, style or colour.
Boys’ hair must be above the collar at all times or tied back neatly.
• Beards and moustaches are not permitted. Boys MUST be cleanly shaven.
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Jewellery and Makeup • No visible jewellery may be worn except for wrist watches. Girls only may wear one small, plain sleeper (gold or silver) or stud (gold or silver) in the lobe of each ear. A small, discreet plain crucifix pendant on a thin chain necklace is accepted but this must hang lower than the collar opening of the dress or shirt. Nose piercings and ear piercings which are not in the lobe are NOT PERMITTED. • Boys are not to wear piercings or jewellery (including bracelets, necklaces and rings) of any kind. • Other than clear nail polish, cosmetics may not be worn at school. There should be no visible make-up. This includes blush, lipstick/gloss, eyeliner, mascara and foundation. The uniform policy is very familiar to our students and we insist that it is adhered to at all times. A copy can be found on the website for both student and parent reference. We also suggest that all uniform is clearly labelled prior to the school year for easy identification if it is lost. School Photos Our School photos will be taken by Arthur Reed Photos once again in 2021. There is no need to return any forms or money to school prior to the school photos being taken. Unique image codes will be issued to all students on photo day so families can register online to view images when they become available in their online store. Registration is simple, just follow the three simple steps on your child’s personalised flyer once you receive it and remember to add the codes for all your children attending St Paul’s. Even if you registered last year, it is important that you do again this year using your child’s 2021 image code to link their images for the current year with your contact details. When images are ready to view and in their online store, all parents who have registered will be notified by SMS and email. Once registered, please wait for notification that 2021 images are online to view before making your purchase. Mobile Phone Policy change A reminder to families and students that our Mobile Phone and Other Electronic Devices Policy must be adhered to by all students. All students in Years 7 to 12 must lock their phones, on silent, in their lockers for the duration of the day. Any phones sighted between a student’s arrival at school and 3:30 pm will be confiscated. On the first day of 2021 all students will read, discuss and eventually sign the Digital Technologies Acceptable User Agreement. They are not permitted to bring their mobile phone to school until this has been completed and signed. St Paul’s does not tolerate bullying in any form and students must use all devices in an ethical and safe manner. We expect that our parents and guardians are also monitoring their child/ren’s use of their digital technologies. We expect that we will not see mobile phones, electronic devices or associated accessories such as earbuds or headphones until after 3:30 pm. As always, we do understand that some students will have a mobile phone as they are often required as a safety mechanism for our students who travel a great distance. We would also like to reiterate to parents that the appropriate way to contact their child or children during the day is via Students Services. Student Services staff can get an urgent message to a student within a couple of minutes or for less pressing matters messages can be passed on before school, after school or during student breaks. The direct line to Student Services is 5622 6103. Warragul Campus | 150 Bowen Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Page | 10
Welcome Evening 2021 I would like to invite all parents to attend the 2021 Welcome Evening on Tuesday 16 February at 7:00 pm in the Science Centre. This evening is an opportunity for parents to introduce themselves to their child’s teachers. An information session will be held for Year 7 parents starting at 7:00 pm in the Science Centre Lecture Theatre and for Year 12 parents starting at 7:45 pm. Students are welcome to attend but must do so in full school uniform. Welcome and Leaders Induction Assembly On Wednesday 3 February 2021 we will be holding a Welcome and Leaders Induction Assembly at Warragul Secondary School. All of our 2021 School Leaders, including School Captains, Prefects, House Captains and Co-Curricular Captains will be inducted at this assembly. Please note that we had originally planned two assemblies that have now been merged into one due to a change in COVID-19 protocols. This will allow parents to attend and invitations will be sent out shortly to families of students who are being inducted. School Start Time The first warning bell sounds at 8:50 am and students are required to be in Mentor Group by 8:55 am. School finishes at 3:30 pm. SMS Absence Notifications Please ensure you notify the School if your child/ren are going to be absent from school. SMS absence notifications to parents or guardians are now being used across all campuses. If there is an unexplained absence, all mobile phone numbers listed on the school database (unless we have been otherwise instructed) will receive an SMS notification. If you have called the School on the morning of the absence, sent a note earlier or your child is on an excursion or camp you should not receive an SMS. We appreciate your assistance in making sure that our attendance data is accurate and also ask that when you notify the School that your child is absent that a reason is provided (for example, illness, appointments and the like). Reception Hours Reception will open the following hours as we transition back for 2021: Monday 25 January open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday 26 January 2021 – Closed Wednesday 27 January 2021 normal hours resume 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Dobsons Opening Hours (uniform shop) JANUARY 2021 Friday 22, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday 23, 9:00 am to 12 noon Monday 25, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Tuesday 26, CLOSED - Australia Day Public Holiday Wednesday 27, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Thursday 28, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Friday 29, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday 30, 9:00 am to 12 noon FEBRUARY 2021 Monday 1, School commences, 8:00 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Tuesday 2, 8:00 am to 11:00 am Warragul Campus | 150 Bowen Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Page | 11
Heads of Year 2021
In 2021, the following dedicated Heads of Year will be guiding and supporting your students through the academic year.
Your student will also have a Mentor who they will have contact with every day at school and will be your first point
of contact for questions or concerns. You will have already received a letter from the applicable Head of Year shortly,
which will provide you with relevant information pertaining to your child’s year level. Please note that you can email
Mentors, Heads of Year or your child’s teachers directly through MyStPauls.
Mr Matthew Shearing Mr Scott Armour Ms Kelly Bailey
Head of Year 7 Head of Year 8 Head of Year 9
Mrs Age Percy Mr David Ellis Mr Ben Zanella
Head of Year 10 Head of Year 11 Head of Year 12
School Captains 2021
I am very pleased to recognise and congratulate our School Captains for 2021.
I look forward to working with all of our student leaders and witnessing their growth and development in 2021.
School Captain School Captain Deputy School Captain Deputy School Captain
Alice Greenall Liam Lenders Jordan Ashley Jacob Puddy
Warragul Campus | 150 Bowen Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Page | 12From the Head of Warragul Junior School, Mr Rowan van Raay I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas and New Year break. I extend a warm welcome to all Junior School families, especially new families to our school, to the 2021 school year. Ms Cath Paulet (Year 6), Mrs Janice Diston (Year 5) and Ms Stephanie Clements (Dance) join our teaching staff while Mrs Browne (Drama) returns from leave. Mrs Mary Hill, Mrs Mary Patrickson and Mrs Kathryn Spalding join our classroom education support staff while Mrs Sheree Rees and Mr James Wardell join our ELC team. We also welcome Ms Ondine Olsson as our Administration Trainee for 2021. 2021 brings much excitement in the Junior School with many projects underway. The new building that commenced at the end of last year is coming along nicely. We have also seen works completed to the bottom area of the Kitchen Garden over the break. This will allow us to expand our ELC program to provide the opportunity for our Pre-Preps to experience ‘bush kinder’ as part of their program. Younger students in the Junior School will also benefit from using this area. 2021 will also see the refurbishment of the current administration building. This space will include a new learning area, staff offices, community room and spaces for allied health professionals to access. Warragul Campus | 150 Bowen Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Page | 13
Term 1 begins for all Junior School students on Monday 1 February at 9:00 am. The first morning is always very busy, so please leave yourself plenty of time to arrive and find a carpark. Could I please remind all parents to park only in designated parking spots. As always, please SLOW DOWN and take extra care when driving through our school. Preps will be dismissed at 3:00 pm during the first week of school and a reminder that for Wednesdays (starting Wednesday 3 February), our Preps will enjoy a ‘rest day’. They will be asked to attend for a short time on one of these Wednesdays to complete the Early Years Entry task with their teacher. Times will be arranged at the beginning of the year. Whilst our ELC students also begin on Monday 1 February, they will participate in shorter sessions for the first few weeks as they settle into their new environment. ELC parents should have been advised by ELC staff of the transition process for the ELC. Our Meet the Teachers Evenings for parents/guardians will be held over two nights, Years 3 to 6 Monday 8 February and Prep to Year 2 Monday 15 February. The evenings will begin in our Junior School Gymnasium, commencing at 7:00 pm, with the sharing of ‘common general Junior School information’ and brief information about the year ahead. Parents then move to classrooms where teachers will outline classroom routines and will provide parents with specific information regarding the year level. These are really important sessions for parents to attend. If you have students in both areas of our school (Prep to Year 2 and Years 3 to 6), the information shared in the gym at the beginning will be the same for both sessions, so you only need to attend one of them. We expect classroom sessions to begin around 7:45 pm. Parents wishing to share specific information about their child with their classroom teacher at the beginning on the year, should contact the Junior School office or the classroom teacher directly to book in a time. Family Welcome Barbeque: All ELC and Junior School families are also invited to attend our Family Welcome Barbeque evening on Friday 26 February (5:30 pm to 7:30 pm) at the Junior School. This will be a wonderful opportunity for you to meet with staff and families. We will be holding our ever-popular Prep Grand Prix and 100m St Paul’s Gift throughout the night. Families can bring their own picnic to enjoy together or a sausage sizzle will be available. Our SRC will be selling juice and soft drinks. Junior School Captains 2021: I wish to congratulate our Warragul Junior School Captains for 2021, Isabel Rowe and Eli Raymond. Both Isabel and Eli were very worthy candidates who we are sure will make a significant contribution to our Junior School this year. They will be formally inducted into their positions at the Welcome Assembly on Monday 1 February. All of our Year 6 students will be inducted into their positions of leadership at the Warragul Junior School Leadership Induction Assembly on Monday 8 February. I ask all families to please note the following events that will take place in the first few weeks of term and hope you are able to join with us on these occasions when possible (depending on current regulations). Details of these, and other events, will be outlined in the weekly ‘What’s On’ (pink hard copy notice) and fortnightly Junior School Newsletter (link emailed to families). Monday 1 February Students commence Parent Prayer Group, Prideaux Centre, 9:00 am Welcome Assembly, Junior School Gymnasium, 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm Wednesday 3 February No Preps Friday 5 February Swim trials (all Years 3 and new Years 4 to 6 students only) Monday 8 February Warragul Junior School Leaders’ Induction Service, Junior School Gymnasium, 2:20 pm to 3:15 pm Welcome and Information Evening (Years 3 to 6), Junior School Gymnasium, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Wednesday 10 February No Preps Friday 12 February Years 3 to 6 Swimming Carnival, 11:30 am to 3:00 pm Monday 15 February Welcome and Information Evening (Prep to Year 2), Junior School Gymnasium, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Wednesday 17 February No Preps Wednesday 24 February No Preps Friday 26 February Family Welcome Barbeque Evening (ELC and Junior School), 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm Monday 1 March Parent Prayer Group, Prideaux Centre, 9:00 am Warragul Campus | 150 Bowen Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Page | 14
Communication occurs in many ways at St Paul’s with our main form being via email. Could I please ask if your email address or any other contact details, have changed over the break that you contact the Junior School office so we can update our system. It is important that the preferred email address that you have provided us with is checked regularly to ensure you do not miss any important information. Parents are also encouraged to regularly visit MyStPauls to keep updated with what is happening at school. The Student Diary will also continue to be a major communication tool between home and school. Consent2Go: In 2020 the School started to use Consent2Go to collect and keep up to date each student’s medical records. Prep to Year 2 families will be invited to update their child/ren records at the beginning of the year while our Years 3 to 6 families will be prompted before each year level camp. Of course, at any time, if your child has a change in any medical circumstances that the School should know about, please call us and we will send you a link to update immediately. In 2021 the School will also be using Consent2Go for excursion permissions. We hope that all families will find this a much more convenient way to receive this information and to give consent if it is required. For families new to St Paul’s, Consent2Go is a digital solution that easily enables you to keep your child’s health records accurate and provide consent for school events, excursions and camps in a secure and timely manner. Consent2Go has now replaced our previous paper process and will allow you to update photo/video permissions, dietary requirements, and parent education and occupation details required by the government. Parents or guardians will be prompted by an email with a secure link from which you can check and update your child’s medical information and other details. The email will be from St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School. After School Care is available for all families (including Pre-Prep) and I ask parents interested in using this service to visit the Camp Australia website www.campaustralia.com or contact their Customer Service Team on 1300 105 343 to register their child/ren. I ask all parents to assist their children in ensuring that they have the correct uniform for the start of school. ELC to Year 2 students wear sports uniform all year. Students in Years 3 to 6 wear summer uniform during Term 1. There will be no formal PE or sport classes on the first day of school, therefore students should wear their summer uniform on Monday 1 February, Class teachers will inform your child/ren of the days in which sports uniform is to be worn to school. Years 3 to 6 students wear their coloured house top for both PE and Sport. (In Terms 1 and 4 during the warmer weather, students in Years 3 to 6 are not required to wear blazers to School. However, blazers must be worn to all formal assemblies and staff will inform students when the blazer is required. The jumper is not to be worn as the outer garment in public.) Please ensure that all school and sports uniform are ‘St Paul’s issue’ and are clearly named, including school shoes (it is a good idea to show your child where you have named their uniform). All students should have a school hat from day one and I ask that you please contact Dobsons Uniform Shop (5622 6152) should you need to purchase any items. Please ensure your child/ren also bring a named Art smock and Library bag and Prep to Year 2 students have one of the new satchels. All stationery and school books are supplied by the school. (Could parents please have a quick look at home for any Junior School library books or library Bags that may be in bedrooms and return any to Mrs Davies in the Library.) We have a very active Parent Group – FOSP (Friends of St Paul’s) which meets in the Junior School staffroom throughout the year to discuss ideas and support functions or organise and run events in the Junior School. At times, there are some minor fundraising activities conducted with all money raised going back into the Junior School (recently the new outdoor table tennis tables have been purchased using these funds). The group organise and run our Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls and other special events. FOSP would love more parents to become involved and anyone is welcome to join them. You may only be able to help out from time-to-time but the more the merrier so they can share the load. Please keep an eye out in upcoming newsletters for further information about FOSP. Please keep an eye out for further information from Louise Leighton who coordinates FOSP for us. Warragul Campus | 150 Bowen Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Page | 15
Warragul Junior School Leadership Team
Mr Rowan van Raay Mr Phil Barkla Mrs Lois Smethurst Mrs Anne Davies
Head of Junior School Deputy Head of Junior School Director of Learning Pastoral Care Coordinator
and Teaching
Mrs Joanne Farr Mrs Kim Steendam Ms Denelle Calafiore
PLC Coordinator Curriculum Coordinator Curriculum Coordinator
I look forward to starting an exciting 2021 school year with you. Should you have any questions or if I can assist you or
your child with the commencement of the school year or throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact me at
school on 5622 6131.
We are looking forward to seeing you all on Monday 1 February.
From the Senior Chaplain, Reverend Daniel Lowe
Spiritual Life of the School
There are a few questions which we are often asked regarding Chaplaincy and Religious Education at St Paul’s and the
start of the year seemed like a good time to briefly answer some of them as we welcome new and returning families.
What does it mean to be an Anglican School?
There are many ways this question could be answered in terms of history, governance and affiliation but probably
the most important thing for students and parents to understand is the way in which the life of the School is marked
particularly by its Anglican ethos. Firstly, we affirm and value people as individuals, recognising the equal value of each
person, regardless of racial, ethnic, faith or cultural differences. Secondly, we seek to build in our students a desire to
seek justice, to respond to others in need and to be wise stewards of our natural resources.
What is the role of the School Chaplain?
Our Chaplains serve a number of functions within the life of the School. As part of the pastoral team, the Chaplain is
someone that students and staff can approach for support, advice or encouragement. As well as being a listening ear,
the Chaplain may also be a stepping stone towards accessing other support services such as a School counsellor or an
external service.
Warragul Campus | 150 Bowen Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Page | 16Chaplains are also responsible for the spiritual life of the School and, as part of this, oversee regular chapel services
along with elements of our School assemblies and formal gatherings. Our Chaplains are also educators and teach
Christian Studies classes at various year levels as part of the Christian Studies teaching team. Some of our Chaplains
have quite a heavy teaching load and much of their engagement with students happens in the context of classroom
teaching.
What is taught in Christian Studies?
Our Christian Studies classes have two main areas of focus. The first is an exploration and understanding of the Bible
(one of the most influential texts in Western history and thinking) and of the person of Jesus (one of the most influential
people in history). The second is an exploration of the values and beliefs of Christianity and opportunities for students
to consider and critique the range of values and beliefs that surround them in a pluralistic culture. Recognising that
students come with a whole range of views and backgrounds we respect each person’s right to their own belief system.
There are plenty of opportunities to learn about what Christians believe (as well as exploring a range of other beliefs)
and each student is encouraged to make their own well informed decisions about life and faith as part of their spiritual
growth and development.
Who are the School Chaplains?
Reverend Daniel Lowe Mr Glen Treble Ms Deana Board
Senior Chaplain Traralgon Chaplain Warragul Junior School Chaplain
(Primarily responsible for Warragul (Responsible for both (Responsible for Warragul
Secondary School and assists with Junior and Secondary Schools Junior School)
Warragul Junior School) at the Traralgon Campus)
We are also very pleased to be retaining the services of Mr Lynton Allan. Lynton will be operating in a pastoral role at
Warragul Secondary School alongside the Chaplaincy team.
Mr Lynton Allan
Are there opportunities for parent involvement?
We have a parent prayer group which meets monthly. Details of time and place will be announced in school bulletins
and any interested parents are welcome to come along.
Warragul Campus | 150 Bowen Street, Warragul VIC 3820 Page | 17You can also read
