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Dear Families,
Our school year has kicked off with a wonderful sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm. It's truly heartening to observe how seamlessly our students have settled into their classes, creating an atmosphere of comfort and familiarity. The positive vibes resonating from each classroom not only reflect the resilience of our students but also set an inspiring tone for the entire academic year. Teachers and students have established a warm and inclusive environment, laying the groundwork for a year of collaborative learning and meaningful connections. This early sense of belonging and adaptability bodes well for a successful and fulfilling year ahead, filled with shared accomplishments and a strong sense of community.
Prep Information Night
Just a reminder that the Prep Information Night for current Prep families is tomorrow Tuesday 13 February at 7pm in the junior building, which will run for approximately one hour. Only one parent needs to attend; children do not attend (if possible we ask that younger siblings do not attend). The purpose of the evening is to give you an overview of what to expect throughout your child's first year of school.
School Photos
School photos are scheduled for Friday 22 March. The calendar on SZApp has been updated to reflect this. Full school uniform is to be worn.
Staffing Update
It is with mixed emotions that we announce that Danni Molino has accepted the role of Learning Diversity Leader at St. Patrick’s Murrumbeena, marking an exciting chapter in her professional journey. Over the years, Danni has made invaluable contributions to St. Paul's, leaving an indelible mark as a dedicated classroom teacher, Literacy Leader, and Reading Discovery champion. Her commitment and hard work have truly enriched our school community. As Danni embarks on this new adventure, we express our heartfelt gratitude for her years of service and wish her continued success in her important role at St. Patrick’s. While we are excited for Danni as she takes on this new and promising opportunity, we cannot help but feel a sense of loss knowing that her presence will be missed at St. Paul's. St. Pat's is gaining an exceptional educator, and we have no doubt that Danni's passion for education will greatly benefit their community.
Parent Teacher Interviews
As we gear up for the upcoming Parent-Teacher Interviews on Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th March, we want to ensure a smooth process for all involved. Please note that students will need to be picked up at 2:30 pm on both days. For those who usually ride or walk to school, dismissal will also be at 2:30 pm, which is the same arrangement that we have for the last day of each term. (OSh Club will also open earlier on these days) It is essential to emphasize that students who walk or ride to school independently will not be permitted to leave early on these days. Additionally, Parent Support Group Meetings (PSGs) are also parent-teacher interviews. Therefore, if you attend a PSG meeting, there is no need to make a separate booking or attend another interview during these dates. We appreciate your cooperation in making these Parent-Teacher Interviews a valuable opportunity for open communication and collaboration between parents and teachers. Bookings for these interviews will be made available in the coming weeks, and more detailed information regarding the booking process will follow soon.
Playground
Exciting transformations are underway at our school as we can see with the refreshing of our yard with vibrant new line markings. This revitalization delivers not only a visually appealing outdoor space but also a safer and more engaging environment for our students. The fresh markings bring life to our play areas, providing opportunities for creative games and activities. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact this upgrade will have on our school community, fostering a sense of pride and enjoyment in our shared spaces.
Western Port Community Support
On behalf of Western Port Community Support, I would like to thank the staff at St Paul's for getting behind the collection of toys and Christmas items for families doing it tough in the Hastings area. The team at Western Port was overwhelmed with the contribution (as was I). The Christmas hampers provided to families made such a difference to families who already have so much on their plate to deal with. Whilst it is understood that the families at St Paul’s donated the items, it would not have happened without the teachers championing this and pulling it all together – so thank you! An extra big thank you to Margy D’Rozario and Merryn Morrissey.
Meagan Skehill (Alma's Mum in 3A)
Sector Development Manager
Upcoming Events
Tuesday 13 February - Prep Information Night 7pm for current Prep families
Friday 23 February - Parent Welcome Night
Thursday 29 February - Whole School Picnic
Tuesday and Wednesday 5 and 6 March - Parent Teacher interviews 2.30 finish both days
Monday 11 March - Labour Day Public Holiday
Monday 18 to Wednesday 20 March - Grade 6 camp
Thursday 21 March - Harmony Day
Friday 22 March - School photos
Wishing you all a fantastic week.
Kind regards,
Freda
LENT
This week, we're commemorating Ash Wednesday, marking the most important season in the Church calendar - Lent. It's all about getting closer to God, and the children are urged to think about actions such as talking to God, doing good deeds, and contributing to Project Compassion. These endeavors are commonly understood by adults as FASTING, PRAYER, and ALMSGIVING.
FASTING: is an ancient, sacred practice connected to Lent. It's a way to remind ourselves of our hunger for God. The combination of prayer and fasting leads us to the essence of Lent - a strengthening of our relationship with God.
PRAYER: Fasting and almsgiving are merely actions we do out of tradition if they are not connected to prayer. Prayer is our conversation with God. In these conversations we find the strength to fast, to develop a closer and more intimate relationship with God. This relationship makes us grateful for our many blessings and motivates us to give to those less fortunate.
ALMSGIVING is more than just being generous. It's our response to God after; a response nurtured through prayer and fasting. It becomes an expression of gratitude for the abundance we have received. When we realize we're all part of the Body of Christ, we realize that we have a responsibility to each other. That means being kind, doing good deeds, and fighting for what's fair, because that's what being a good Christian is all about.
Caritas - Project Compassion.
We are also launching Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion for 2024. We will be raising funds for people living in poverty. Your child may be introduced to the following stories: Ronita from The Philippines, Leaia from Samoa, Memory from Malawi. Their stories help paint a stark picture of the tremendous challenges people face in other parts of the world where extreme poverty is the norm for their community. Even in Australia, we have large numbers of our population who are disadvantaged and who cannot access mainstream society because they are experiencing economic hardship. Please consider giving generously this year and show your ‘ COMPASSION IN ACTION’.
Exploring St Paul’s Behaviour Purpose Statement and School Expectations
We are delighted to share with you the wonderful efforts of our dedicated teachers here at St. Paul's in instilling the values of our Behaviour Purpose Statement and school expectations in our students. This endeavor is crucial in maintaining a consistent and harmonious learning environment throughout the school.
At St. Paul's, we emphasise the importance of building and nurturing trusting relationships by demonstrating respect for ourselves, for others, and for our learning. To ensure that these values are upheld, we have outlined five clear expectations for our students:
- We listen and follow directions
- We speak appropriately
- We take responsibility for our learning and the choices we make
- We move and act safely
- We take care of all property and the environment
These expectations have been explicitly taught to all students from Prep to Year Six, laying a solid foundation for their personal, social and academic growth. See below for some of the fabulous work around the school, showcasing the achievements and efforts of our students.
Kassy Wira
Student Wellbeing Leader
The Compass Parent Portal is an online portal that allows you to access up-to-date information about our school and your child’s progress.
The portal is accessible via the web and also via the Compass School Manager App (available for download via the App store on your device).
Search for Compass School Manager
Once downloaded search for Bentleigh, then see St Paul’s in the drop-down menu.
Please refer to pages 5 - 10 of the guide attached for initial information regarding how to add an attendance note for an upcoming absence. Please refer to your email from Compass or the paper document sent home from school with temporary Login details. You are still more than welcome to email or call the office / teacher or use the Absentee tab on SZApp whilst we all get used to our new system.
Please note, many processes detailed in this guide are not applicable (or in use) at our school at this stage. We are purely concentrating on Attendance and Marking the Roll for now. More functions will be rolled out over the course of the year.
If you have any questions regarding your Compass parent portal, please contact the school for assistance: office@spbentleigh.catholic.edu.au.
St. Paul’s Swimming Carnival 2024
On Friday 9th February the children in Grades 3 – 6 competed in the St. Paul’s House Swimming Carnival at the Doug Ellis Pool at Monash University.
The results were: 1st – Waratah (Red House) - 319 points
2nd – Eucalyptus (Green House) – 283 points
3rd – Jacaranda (Blue House) - 279 points
4th – Wattle (Gold House) - 268 points
I would like to congratulate all the children on their outstanding efforts and I commend them for their excellent behaviour and sportsmanship. I would also like to thank all the wonderful parents and staff who assisted with making it such a successful day. A special thanks to Russell Wiley, Renee Smith, Kellie Schembri, Zoe Holland and Kat Maraventano who were our finish line officials.
The timed results of the carnival will be used in the selection process for our St. Paul’s Swim Team which is made up of approximately 50 children across the three age groups (12/13y,11y and 9/10y). These children will be informed soon and will then go on to compete at the Bentleigh District Swimming Carnival on Tuesday 27th February. This event will be held at the Oakleigh Pool (Mel 69 H6).
Information regarding events etc. will be sent home with the Swimming Team.
Danny Maher
Phys. Ed / Sport Coordinator
Get ready for an exciting Term ahead with our theme "Through the Decades," where each week explores activities from a different era. This week, the 1950's!
What else is on at OSH Club in Term 1?
This Term we are very excited to be inviting a qualified basketball coach for an Extended Learning Activity every Tuesday at 4-5pm from the 20th of February until the 12th of March. These sessions book out quick so get in early!
Our "Fun Fridays" will be filled with extra excitement as we unveil a new theme every week with corresponding activities. The next two Friday’s we will be delving into the theme of the Nerf Battle and Circus Extravaganza.
Additionally, we're thrilled to introduce our new Wednesday morning program, where students will join to cook meals for the homeless through the organisation Emerald Hill.
It's a term full of learning, engagement, and community service. We look forward to seeing you there! Please find attached our flyers with further information. For all booking or sign up enquiries please visit our website https://www.oshclub.com.au/
Is your Lollipop person the sweetest?
As part of our commitment to the ongoing safety of your students, School Crossing’s Victoria, together with your local council, is looking for the ‘Supervisor of the Year’ 2023/2024.
We were very proud to have the winner of our region for the 2021/2022 Supervisor of the Year Awards representing us, Glen Eira City Council
It is our goal to reach as many parents, residents and school staff as possible and by involving them in the nomination process and encouraging all road users to think about and reward the active role the Supervisors play in the safety of their children.
Your support of this program will help ensure your Crossing Supervisor is shown the appreciation they deserve.
Nominations are open now, and close on Friday 31st May 2024. Go to the School Crossings Victoria website www.schoolcrossingsvictoria.com.au and complete an online nomination.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and we hope you will be able to support this initiative.
Please also take the time to view this short video on Road Safety.
https://vimeo.com/795049475/
Glen Eira Council
Moongala
Moongala Women’s Community House is now located at Moorleigh Community Village, Bignell Road East Bentleigh. We are a not-for-profit organisation and invite you to check out our website to view our programs as we have opportunities for members of the community to connect, make friends, feel less isolated, be involved and learn a new skill, all in a nurturing and supportive environment. We offer free Wi-Fi and laptop usage, a free walking group, sewing and knitting for charity, Chatty Café, a community library and Jigsaw lending service and low-cost classes/activities including crochet, knitting, creating postcards, scrabble, cardmaking, mobile phones for seniors, mindfulness & meditation and social sewing.
We also have a low-cost Carers Program offering workshops in Cooking, Lino-Printing and Ceramics starting late February that may interest your community.