Dear Parents,

On Ash Wednesday the students attended Mass to mark the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter. Lent is a time when we stop and assess how we’re doing in our walk with God. Lent helps us identify spiritual areas in which we can grow and sinful areas that we need to avoid. To repent, put simply, means to turn away from sin and turn toward God. We use ashes as an outward expression of our need to begin again. During Lent we encourage the students to be people of action as they try each day to live out the Gospel values. Our Federated theme for 2020, ‘Treat others as you wish to be treated’ is a fitting theme for the Lenten period.

Today the Year 3 students attended their shared reflection day as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As a school community we pray for these students and their families. 

Last week the Year 5 students had their first camp experience at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. Many hours of preparation by Katie Lachal and Stephanie Ovakimyan went into ensuring that all students had a fabulous time. Thank you also to Katherine Zachest and Ed Dooley who also attended the camp. A favourite activity was the many hours spent panning for gold, all hoping to strike it lucky and many believed they did!  On arriving back at school we were greeted by a beautiful meal organised by the Parents and Friends. Many thanks, it was much appreciated. 

Birthday treats

There has been a very positive response from families in supporting issues around sharing food and birthday treats. The matter was discussed at the Board meeting last Monday night. We are in the process of developing a policy around ‘food sharing’. The policy will be reviewed at a staff meeting before coming back to the Board. The Board members were also treated to a Virtual Reality experience using the new VR devices purchased by the generosity of the Parents and Friends fundraising last year. 

Child Safety

A number of children have after school activities including music lessons, tennis lessons and sport training sessions. We have found that some of these children are being left unsupervised after school waiting for their lesson to begin. A teacher is on duty until 3:45pm in the school yard but it is then expected that children are supervised by a parent from this time onwards. Thank you for your support.

Information Evenings

Thank you to the Prep and Year 6 families who attended the Information evenings last Tuesday night. Both sessions were well attended, giving teachers the opportunity to outline important expectations and curriculum information. Congratulations to the Prep students who have had a wonderful start to the year. This week they will be full time.

School Fees

Just a reminder that school fee statements have been sent out via email, if you haven't received yours please contact the office.

District Swimming

Congratulations to the students who participated in the District Swimming Carnival last week. All students participated with a great team spirit as they worked together to take out the Small Schools shield.  Thank you to Danny Maher, Jess Walker, Liz Heath and the many parents who were there to cheer on the St Paul’s team.

Parents and Friends Meeting

This Wednesday, at 7pm in the Library, will be the first meeting for the year. The parents and Friends is a great opportunity for parents to be involved in the many events planned for the year ahead. We especially welcome new families to participate as we continue to build a strong and connected St Paul’s community spirit. The broader involvement of the community reduces individual workloads and promotes positive relationships across the school.  I look forward to seeing you there. 

Prep Enrolments for 2021

Our Open Day for Prep 2021 is being held on Wednesday 11th March at 9:30am.

Current families that have siblings starting in Prep next year can collect an enrolment form from Anna at the office from tomorrow. You are also most welcome to attend the Open Day.

Have a great week,

Catherine