Dear Parents,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff, students and families for your support in what has been a very busy and successful Term 3. The inquiry units this term have seen students engaged in investigations and innovations where they have explored Forces and Motion through the lense of Design and Technology. Our SMART Spelling program has continued to support a consistent and cohesive approach to spelling across all year levels. Our NAPLAN data indicates positive growth for a high percentage of students, with outstanding results achieved in Reading and Numeracy.   It has been great to see such a positive response to Seesaw, where families are able to connect to their child’s learning each week. 

On Friday at 10.30am we will be celebrating the end of Term with a Paraliturgy in the Church. We hope that you can join us as we give thanks for the many blessings of the Term 3.

As we prepare for the Fete early next term, I would like to thank and acknowledge the continued hard work of the Parents and Friends Committee and their commitment to raising funds to support the school and providing opportunities for parents to connect socially and support each other. The Parents and Friends meet each Term to organise current and upcoming events and to discuss opportunities to fully engage the support of our whole school community. Our outstanding Co Presidents, Claire Stanley and Libby Dewar, along with Bernadette Hyland, Secretary and Narelle Pesavento, Treasurer, and a small group of extraordinary parents attend these meetings each Term. In between PnF meetings, many sub committee meetings are attended regularly, in particular, the Fete Committee. Night meetings are never easy to attend with our busy lives, and the commitment of these parents is outstanding.

Many thanks to the Parents and Friends for the major events of Term three:

Bingo Disco Night - raising $18,000. An extraordinary effort by Georgie McMahon and Sarah Logan and their fabulous team. The artwork was again a huge hit and made possible by Donna Campbell and Marisa Manakis.

Bunnings BBQ 

Although we struggled to get volunteers, a small band of parents attended and raised an amazing $1600.

Fathers Day Stall

Another huge success for the students and lots of mums were on hand to sell items and help out with the breakfast. 

Fete

Chrisa  Anastasio has once again this year taken on the enormous job of coordinating our major fundraising event. She has been supported by the many parents who have volunteered to coordinate stalls and work at manning the stalls on the day. Your generosity and support is much appreciated.

This year the funds will support additional shade sails, landscaping, seating for passive play areas as well as refurbishing the Library. 

Thank you also to our class Reps who organise social functions and provide opportunities for families to connect.

Thank you to those who have attended Board Meetings, Assemblies, Liturgy celebrations, worked as classroom helpers, attended excursions or supported the parent seminar this term.

The benefits of a school community working together are extraordinary. 

Parental engagement recognises that both parents and teachers play an important role in children’s learning, development and wellbeing, and that children generally do better when there are positive connections between the different spaces they learn in and belong to. A key aspect of parental engagement involves family-school partnerships.There are many ways parents can get involved in schools. Some parents might like to help with classroom reading, whereas others find it easier to do committee work outside of school hours. Many like to come to Liturgies,special days and events or help out with excursions and fetes. 

Next Term we will host an evening to thank and acknowledge the contributions of all parents who make up a vital part of our school community. We are also hoping to cast our net wider as we try to engage more parents to be involved in the life of the school. 

Concert Update

The St. Paul’s 2019 school concert “The Mysterious Dream” is coming together fabulously as our main cast are learning scripts and rehearsing together.  

Classes are learning songs and dances and costumes are being finalised. It is fantastic to see our students working together and producing some class acts.

You will receive a CareMonkey letter today outlining the logistics of our rehearsal on Tuesday October 22nd and the performance on Thursday October 24th.  This letter also contains links to ticket sales, DVD sales and costuming requirements for your child’s class.  

Please make a note of costume requirements in case you have to source any particular items. We have tried to keep costuming needs to a minimum and thank you for your support in supplying these items for your child.

Don’t forget to purchase your tickets soon and also the DVD recording which will be a fabulous memento! 

Last week we had a special morning tea to acknowledge the wonderful work of our Learning Support Officers here at St Paul's.

Last Day of Term

On Friday 20 September we will celebrate the last day of Term with a Liturgy in the Church at 10.30am. All parents are warmly welcomed to attend. This is also our dress up footy day with a sausage sizzle and a play in the park. School will conclude at 2.30 for our Term 3 holidays.

Thank you to the parents who have completed the online CEMSIS data form. This information forms a crucial part of our School Improvement Review for 2020.

Wishing all our families and staff a safe and happy holiday. We look forward to seeing you all for the final Term for 2019 on 7 October. 

Best wishes,

Catherine