Dear Parents,

I hope everyone has had a good weekend. It has been wonderful to have all our students back in classrooms and to hear the joy and laughter on the playgrounds once more. We continue to practice Covid safe routines with the following protocols in place:

• Regular hand hygiene
• Ventilation of learning spaces
• Children and staff are asked to stay at home if they are unwell
• Staff/students operating in Year Level bubbles. The reason for this is to minimise any closure should any adult or child test covid positive after being at school. 
• Staggered starts, finishes, lunch and snack
• Regular cleaning of high touch areas, student tables and rooms

The staff and I are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that now that we are open we can stay open.

This week the students in Year 4-6 will begin their intensive swim program at Aqua Star Swim School. The students are very excited about getting on a bus and participating in the program. During the swimming lessons we have exclusive use of the pool and facilities.

Staff Farewells

One of our favourite staff members, Anna Williams, will be retiring at the end of the year. Anna and her husband will be moving to the country where they have built a home and are looking forward to a change of pace and lifestyle. Anna has been a loyal and dedicated staff member for the past  18  years. She has greeted families and students at the front Office every day, listened to our stories, mended scraped knees, sent out reminders, found missing hats and jumpers and has supported me with a strong sense of confidentiality, generosity of spirit and a love of the St Paul’s students, parents and staff. We wish Anna all the best for the future and know that she will be greatly missed.

Next year we welcome Louise James to the position of Office Manager. Lousie is currently working at Sacred Heart Girls School and is involved in sporting groups in the local  area, her three children having attended St Peter’s East Bentleigh. We warmly welcome Louise and I look forward to introducing her to you next year.

It must be the winds of change that have brought about new beginnings for some of our staff. Mary Maguire, Finance Officer, will also be retiring at the end of the year. Mary has recently become a grandmother for the first time and is looking forward to the freedom of travel and being a Nana. Best wishes and thanks  from us all Mary.

Mary’s position of Finance Manager has been filled by Petina Thomas. Petina has also been working at Sacred Heart Girls School and is very excited about joining our staff and school community. We look forward to welcoming Petina next year.

After 22 years at St Paul’s Mrs Bernie Fitzsimmons, our talented Art teacher is also retiring. Bernie is awaiting the birth of her first grandchild and, like Mary, is ready to embrace a change of pace and lifestyle. Bernie has touched the lives of so many families and students who have passed through our school gates. She has run Art Shows, inspired young minds and contributed to the Arts program here at St Paul’s over many years. We wish Bernie health and happiness and feel deeply grateful for all her years of dedication and service.

Rebecca Saunders will be joining us next year as the Visual Arts teacher. Rebecca is a trained Art teacher and has been recently teaching at Firbank and Shelford College. Rebecca is very excited about joining the staff and is looking forward to working her magic in the area of the Arts.

Mark Ross has been an LSO at St Paul’s for the past ten years and has decided to retire and make a move to the country. Mark has worked with many students during his time at St Paul’s and always brought a wonderful sense of fun and optimism to his lessons. Mark will be greatly missed. Best wishes.

Lastly, Katherine Zachest will be moving to full time lecturing at Deakin University, where she currently teaches Performing Arts to the final year students. Katherine has been an inspiration to us all, as she brought to life the connections between Literacy, Oral Language,  Wellbeing and drama. The students have thrived under her care and she will be greatly missed. Best wishes from all of us Katherine.

Classes for 2022

In my next Newsletter I will outline classroom teachers for next year. Students will not find out who their teacher is until the final week of school. As you will be aware, there was little change made to classes this year due to the extended periods of remote learning. However, next year changes will be made to the class groupings. While we ask that parents do not specifically request teachers, if you wish to discuss any concerns you have, do not hesitate to email or call me. 

Fees Structure for 2022

The Fees letter and breakdown for 2022 will be sent out in the next Newsletter.

Marble Run in Year 4

The students have been working in collaborative teams to design, construct and test their marble runs. 

Have a great week.

Catherine

All Stars Martial Arts classes structured to offer each child a positive learning environment with activities and exercises specifically designed for the primary school ages. The focus of these classes is on social and emotional wellbeing, development of gross and fine motor skills, coordination, discipline, respect, team work, making friends and self-defence.