School Newsletter Term 4, Week 2, 14th October 2022

Principals Letter

Dear St Augustine's families,              

A huge thank you to our school community for your understanding and support across the last couple of days in managing the severe weather conditions and the many changes that had to occur to ensure the safety of all.

Welcome back for Term 4, the last Term of Primary schooling for our Year 6 students and almost the end of the first year for our Foundation students.

Parents welcomed back to get involved

Staff at St Augustine's are wanting to welcome back our families into engaging with school life and back onsite. From now on families will be invited and encouraged to attend events, volunteer for events and become more familiar with school life and engaged in your child's learning. Studies and research have proven that children of parents/carers who are involved in their child's learning journey are higher achievers, enjoy school more and stay in school longer. Please watch out for opportunities you can get involved. Engagement and involvement must not be confused with interrupting teacher learning time and doing things for your child they can do for themselves. Developing independence in all children is a life skill and we begin this as soon as children come to school. 

Assembly

This term we will begin having whole school Assemblies again every Monday afternoon in the gym. Parents are welcome to come along and join us for these.

First Eucharist

Fr John is currently in Spain, engaging in a Camino walk and will return on the 22/23 October weekend. Fr John is thoroughly enjoying some well deserved time away. Commitment mass for the Sacrament of Eucharist will occur this weekend and Fr Flangan is assisting in Fr John's absence.

Energy breakthrough

Preparation for presentations and both onsite and offsite training begins this week. The event takes place in Maryborugh from Wednesday 16th November - Sunday 20th November. Primary school students are involved from Wednesday to Saturday.

School Fair - Friday 9th December

This year (as previously mentioned) our Annual School Fair will be an in-house Fair with the Senior students co-ordinating and running this event. In 2023, we will go back to a community Fair where all families and friends will be invited. We require as many volunteers and helpers as possible so prepare yourself for that for next year. Donations are welcomed from now for the Fair. Small items for prizes, wrapped chocolates, coloured hair spray, lollies.

2023 ENROLMENT

Our 2023 enrolments are still open so if you have a child ready for school next year please make contact with the office.  If you know a family who is interested in enrolling at St. Augustine's in any year level please encourage them to contact the school office ASAP. We will be looking at finalising class structures in Term 4.  

If your child is NOT returning to St. Augustine's PS in 2023, please email admin@samaryborough.catholic.edu.au  ASAP.

2023 school structure   

We will have the following classroom structure for 2023;

Three  - Foundation /1 classrooms

Two - Year 2 classrooms

Three - 3 /4 classrooms

 Four  - 5/6 classrooms

Staffing 2023

As previously mentioned Adele Carey, Mark Tanis and Kyra Bucknall are all leaving us at the end of this year. It is with great excitement that Isabella Thompson and JulieAnne McBride both applied for ongoing full time positions and both were successful. We congratulate Bella and Julie on their applications and look forward to working with them both for the years to come. I would also like to welcome Miss Mackenzie Gould to our staff. Mackenzie is a graduate teacher so St Augustine's will be her first school. She is very enthusiastic and excited about her position and has already been and had a school tour. Mrs Caroline Lovel has also indicated her retirement after 19 years at St Augustines. We wish Caroline and Roy all the best for whatever this next chapter of their lives brings and for a happy and healthy retirement. Interviews will take place soon to replace this position.

School Fees

All school fee accounts are due by the end of November. Please ensure your fees are paid or make contact with the school office to discuss.

Bus Travel

I have received a number of enquiries regarding bus travel for students to and from school.  The bus network is overseen by Benedict Stewart at MEC. All enquiries should be emailed through to Ben at Benedict.Stewart@education.vic.gov.au. All bus travellers must complete an  'Application for Permission to Travel – School Students' form as per link below and email through to Ben. 

During my time away recently, I engaged in Ignatian Spirituality. St Ignatius was a Jesuit monk who saw the importance of meeting God in the daily and the ordinary. Ignatian spirituality encourages us to notice what is right in front of us. To develop a friendship with God and see things with new eyes. He encourages you to stop, seek gratitude and then thanks. Two simple things you can do as a family that reflect Ignatian spirituality:

1.  'Name three things today that made you happy.'

2. Before going to bed, share one thing you love about each other.

St Teresa of Avila lived at the same time as Ignatius and shared the same spirit. This is her prayer, which reflects the intimate relationship with God that St Ignatius speaks of.

Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours.
Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassionately on this world.
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands.
Yours are the feet.
Yours are the eyes.
You are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours.
Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassionately on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
Amen.

Many Blessings,

Sonia Turner

Principal 

**UPDATED** COVID Guidelines

Changes to Pandemic Orders

The Victorian Government has announced the end of the pandemic declaration and associated pandemic orders. New settings apply from 11.59 pm on Wednesday 12 October 2022. 

Changes to COVID-19 isolation requirements.

It is strongly recommended that students: 

• Who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for five days.
• Should not attend school after five days if still symptomatic.
• Who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school.

Where students become symptomatic at school, they should: 

• Be collected by their parents/carers.
• Undergo testing for COVID-19. 

COVID-19 reporting requirements.

The Department of Health recommends that a person who tests positive for COVID-19 should inform those with whom they have recently been in contact, including their workplace, school and household. 

Face masks.

Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask will be supported to do so.  Face masks are available for staff, students and visitors. 

The Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home. 

Additionally, the department recommends that masks should be worn by a person who has COVID-19 for 10 days after a positive test when they need to leave home. 

Further information to follow on Class Dojo.

Eucharist

Last Tuesday night was the Parent Information Session for Eucharist 2022 for year Four students and some year Five from the previous year. We discussed the importance of the Sacrament where students can participate in the Mass by receiving the bread and wine. It is the last Sacrament and one of significance to be a fully initiated member of the Catholic religion. 

One change this year is the passport for the student. Each student must attend the Commitment Mass and the weekend masses bringing along their work books to get a stamp in their passport. This shows that the student is ready to complete Sacrament and put the work in to gather understanding of this Catholic tradition. If these are not completed then the student is showing they are not ready to commit to the Sacrament or gain the level understanding that we would hope them to achieve in the program. They will then be able to join the following year when they can dedicate the time to this program.

We hope families enjoy this time to reflect and learn together.

Please contact Kate Balzan for any questions- kbalzan@samaryborough.catholic.edu.au

Happy Birthday to...

   April K - Year 1         Harrison D - Year 5         Georgina B - Year 6   

Isaac N- Foundation        Emmie G- Year 2       James C - Year 2 

Lylah F - Year 5       Tommy B - Foundation       Oscar G - Foundation 

Saylah N - Year 3       William P - Year 2       Braxton R - Foundation    

Energy Break through Sponsorship

At St. Augustine’s School we focus on the attainment and honing of leadership skills. Students are encouraged with support, to take control of their own skill acquisition and development. One of the ways we help our students’ facilitate this is through our participation in the Energy Breakthrough Program, which this year takes place 16th -20th November, in our school’s home town of Maryborough. This is our town’s biggest annual event and here at St. Augustine’s, we throw our full support behind this amazing opportunity for our students and our town.

The Energy Breakthrough website is worth a look to find out more about this remarkable program.
The Energy Breakthrough provides opportunities for students, teachers, parents and local industries to work together to design and construct a vehicle that represents an ‘Energy Breakthrough’. Students then compete in a series of races. This event aims to provide an opportunity for females to participate in what has traditionally been ‘male’ dominated areas of the curriculum. The EB program promotes leadership and encourages participants to examine
and use the latest technology while considering its impact on the environment.

In 2022, St. Augustine’s School will be in its twenty-ninth year of participation. This year we have entered two Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) teams, two Try-Athlon teams and four Pushcart teams. Our school is unique with our Energy Breakthrough Program in that every Year 5/6 student participates in the event, not just ‘the fastest’ or ‘the fittest’.

We are once again looking for significant community support from local businesses and families as we look to build our Energy Breakthrough Program. Through your very generous support, we will be able to offer our students a program to gain the full benefit of their hard work and dedication.

If you would like to be part of this exciting EBT program we would welcome your contribution. Attached are our sponsorship options, for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Emma Ryan
Sports Coordinator
St. Augustine’s Primary School
e: eryan@samaryborough.catholic.edu.au 
ph: 03 5460 4440

STAR Students

At St Augustine's we are a SWPBIS school (School Wide Positive Behaviour in School) and we have a STAR culture. STAR stands for:

S  - stay safe

T  - take pride

A  - act justly

R  - respond positively

Just like children are explicitly taught academics, acceptable behaviour is also explicitly taught. STAR awards are given at Assembly each fortnight, exceptional STARs are sent a postcard which qualifies them to morning tea with the Principal at the end of the term.

STAR lessons are taught around a nominated behaviour blitz. Children are taught how to be a STAR in all places they go and what the acceptable behaviour looks like. Examples of a lessons: how to stay safe in class, in the library, the toilet, at the bus stop, on the playground or when walking to the swimming pool.

PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE

If you call the office and the phone is unattended or busy, please leave a message. Messages are checked regularly throughout the day. Often there is only one person in the office and they may be busy on another call or with a student or parent.  Alternatively you can email a message through to admin@samaryborough.catholic.edu.au or send a class dojo through to Ms O'Kearney.  Please try and avoid last minute end of day changes for students. We understand that things do come up and if a change needs to be urgently relayed to your child/ren, please call and speak with the office so we can make sure they get the message immediately.  

PAM - Parent Access Module

PLEASE LOG INTO YOUR PAM ACCOUNT AND CONFIRM/COMPLETE YOUR CHILDS MEDICAL PROFILE ASAP

We require ALL families to complete and update their child/ren’s medical details and contact information for 2022 through PAM and throughout the year as changes occur. 

This information is mandatory and vital in the case of an emergency.   It is important that if you have any change to your contact numbers, including work place, mobile, home number, that these be updated through PAM and to advise the school office.

To complete your child/rens medical profile including contact information, go to PAM, click on your child/rens name, go to 'Medical Profile' and click 'Edit Details'. Complete details then click in the box at the bottom of the page to confirm the details are correct and click ‘Update Details’.

If you have any questions or require your login details, please contact the school office.

Canteen

All orders must be placed through CDFPay prior to 9.00am Fridays.   Please ensure you complete all orders on CDFPay and proceed through payment screen to the green receipt screen.

Please contact the office if you are having any issues with your CDFPay account. 

Bell times

5 minutes prior to classes commencing there is music played. This signals to the children it is time to start moving to class. This is the time children need to have a drink, go to the toilet etc. so they are lined up and ready to start class when the bell goes. 

8:30am - Yard Care Supervision begins

8:40am  -  Classroom teacher in classroom - meet & greet

8:55pm - School classes begin

9am-11am - 2 hour learning session

11am-11:40am -  First break

11:40am-1:40pm - 2 hour learning session

1:40pm-2:20pm - Second break

2:20pm-3:15pm - 55 minute learning session

3:10pm - Fiscalini & Flanagan dismissal

3:15pm - Arundell & Scanlan, Bus students dismissal

Parking & Road Safety

There are three minute parking bays in Burke Street outside the school entrance.  Your co-operation in only parking in this area for the specified time would be appreciated.  These parking bays are for quick pick up and drop off for students leaving early due to appointments and illness.

Likewise we also ask parents to respect the parking restriction on the disabled parking area.

Parking behind the church & tennis courts is STAFF ONLY parking. Please do not use these areas to park or pickup your children. Vehicle movement in and out of these areas means you are driving over footpaths/walkways which both our students and Highview students are using. This creates a potential safety hazard.

Follow road safety regulations, keep driveways clear, check carefully before reversing and avoid letting your children exit or enter a car whilst on the road or stopped at the crossings. Please do not double park. We all want to keep our families safe so your co-operation is appreciated.

Please observe road rules around our school for the safety of all of our children.

* Schools have 40km zone.

* Parking behind the church & tennis courts is STAFF ONLY parking.

* Please use the children's crossing on Burns, Kars St and Burke St.

* For safety purposes, please avoid letting your children exit or enter a car whilst on the road or stopped at the crossings. Please do not double park. 

Thank you for your co-operation.

Child Safety

St. Augustine's Primary School Maryborough demonstrates a strong commitment to the care, safety and wellbeing of all students at our school.

Each fortnight we will be sharing information around child safety and the obligations that we have as a school, staff and community.  All of our Child Safe policies and procedures are accessible on our website at samaryborough.catholic.edu.au.

Students with underlying conditions

Recent and most up to date information for children in schools:

Students with underlying conditions (such as hay fever or asthma)

If a student has persistent symptoms due to an underlying condition such as hay fever or asthma, the student should still be tested for COVID-19 if they develop symptoms that are different to or worse than their usual symptoms. Students whose symptoms are clearly typical for their underlying condition can continue to attend school.

Parents/carers should also consider getting a medical certificate from the child’s treating GP to confirm that it is safe for them to attend school with persistent symptoms that may overlap with some of the symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough or runny nose.

Young children with persistent mild symptoms

For younger children (in Prep to Year 2) who have had a negative COVID-19 test that was taken after they developed symptoms, the decision about return to school should be made in conjunction with the child’s treating GP. If the GP is satisfied the child has recovered from their acute illness, is otherwise well and does not need a repeat COVID-19 test, the child can return even if they are not completely free of symptoms. Any worsening of symptoms will require review and repeat COVID-19 testing, if considered appropriate by the doctor.

Students with a negative COVID-19 test whose symptoms have completely resolved do not need a medical certificate to return to school.

Cyber Safety

Each fortnight we will post helpful eSafety information for students and families here. 

Supervision of Students Information for Parents

School Fees and Payment Information

REMINDER: All fees to be paid prior to the end of November 2022 

Fees can be paid via direct credit into the school bank account or at the school office.

St. Augustine's Primary School

BSB: 083-532        ACC: 754337515    

Reference: Your surname and/or account number

2022 school fee structure as per below.

Bus Travel

Bus travel on the country buses is available for students at St Augustine’s School and arrangements are made through the bus co-ordinator, Benedict Stewart, at the Maryborough Education Centre on 5461 7900.  Parents of the student/s must organise the pass through MEC at least two days prior to travel. Students cannot travel on the country buses without a pass. The town bus does not require a pass but costs 50cents a trip, payable on the day of travel.  Please advise the office if your child will be travelling on any of the buses so we can update our bus rolls.

IMPORTANT

All bus travel requires parents/guardians to complete a Public Transport Victoria (PTV) Application for Permission to Travel form prior to any bus travel. This form can be emailed direct to Ben Stewart at MEC, Benedict.Stewart@education.vic.gov.au. It is important that this form is completed as these details will be used in the event of an emergency.

Uniform Shop

Term 4 - Bucket Hats are compulsory when outdoors at school.

Bucket Hats are available for purchase through CDFPay or cash purchases from the school office in Term 4 for $10 each.

The uniform shop will continue to fill CDFPay online orders once a week and send them home with your child/ren. Please understand that there may be times that orders are not filled within the week and will be filled the following week.

Note: As per 2021 announcement, there is no longer a designated period for summer or winter uniform. Students can choose what they would like to wear in any season. The only exception is that sports uniform must be worn on designated sports days and bucket hats are to be worn in Term 1 and 4.

Student Illness & Absence

If your child is unwell please keep them at home.

This includes coughs, colds, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea and any other contagious illnesses.  

Coughs & Colds

Children can return to school once symptoms have eased and they are not actively coughing or blowing their nose.  

Vomitting & Diarrhoea

Children can return to school 48 hours after the last episode.

We will send children home if they present with any of these symptoms whilst at school.

Notifying Absences

All absentee notifications should be recorded either through the Parent Access Module (PAM) or directly to the school office by phone or email to admin@samaryborough.catholic.edu.au prior to 9.30am on the day of the absence. Please do not send notes of absence through to classroom teachers on Class Dojo as they may be absent or unable to check messages prior to commencement of class.

If a student is absent and we have not received any form of notification by 9.30am, a text message will be sent to parents asking them to call the office or send a reply text. 

Lunch Box Ideas

Parish News

Please see link below for the latest Parish Bulletin & readings.

Advanced dates for your diary

Term 4, 2022

Last day of Term 4 - Friday 16th December, 3.15pm finish

Community Notices