School Newsletter Term 1, Week 6, 7th March 2024

Principals Letter

Dear St Augustine's families,

I must begin by thanking all the firefighters and everyone who was involved and assisted over the last couple of weeks in getting the recent fires under control. Thank you also to our families who were able to support the school in keeping children home last Wednesday when a number of staff were unable to come to school due to the unfolding threat. The safety and wellbeing of all staff and students remains our highest priority. 

BEGINNING OF YEAR MASS Last Tuesday, we celebrated the beginning of the school year Mass together, welcomed our Foundation students to the St Augustine's school family and presented our Year 6 leaders for 2024. Congratulations to Freddy Bates and Lily Govan, our 2024 school captains. We look forward to your year with us. Congratulations to the 2024 House Captains;

Scanlan - Hudson B, Evie R, Sarah C

Fiscalini - Oliver H, Grace H, Liam H

Arundell - Olivia B, Jack R, Mia P

Flanagan - Charlie P, Angus B, Ella M

START OF DAY & END OF DAY Please remember that children should NOT be at school before 8:30am in the morning as there is no active supervision. Children play outside until 8:45am when the doors to the classrooms will opened. This is a change from previous years as teachers now (like other industries) work a 38 hour week and are paid time in lieu for extra time worked. Previously extra hours have been voluntary.  

Due to the capital works happening at our school there are only 2 entry and exit gates. To alleviate the bottleneck and make it safe for all we have 2 finishing bells. 3:10pm - all children in Fiscalini and Flanagan Houses leave the school grounds. Bus travellers MUST wait until the 3:15pm bell. 3:15pm - all children in Arundell and Scanlan Houses leave the school grounds. 
Children will be released at these times unless there is a note from parents stating reasons otherwise.

* ALL FOUNDATION CHILDREN WILL LEAVE AT 3:05PM FOR TERM 1 TO ALLOW THEM TO LEAVE BEFORE THE RUSH OF OTHERS. 
When gathering on the tar we ask that siblings are kept out of the classrooms and distractions are kept to a minimum as teachers are establishing end of day routines and children need to focus.  

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in these organizational matters that help with the smooth running of our school. Children's educational needs and safety remain a focus in all decisions we make. 

PARENTS & FRIENDS Parents and friends is a group within the school who gather to assist with school events and run fundraising opportunities. It is a great way to help out and meet other families within the school. Everyone is invited and welcome to come along to the meetings.
Our first meeting will be held on Friday 15th March at 9am in the Marian Centre. This meeting will be 'bring a friend along' to have a cuppa and a chat.

School Fees - Reminder that all Resource Fees and 5/6 Camp fees were due by the end of February. Payment can be made via EFTPOS or cash at the school office, credit card over the phone or direct deposit to our account.

Upcoming school pupil free day explained - Structured Literacy

Approach to teaching reading and literacy

Approaches to teaching reading in Australian primary schools have been widely discussed in the media in recent days.

In particular, the Grattan Institute released a report entitled - The Reading Guarantee: How to give every child the best chance of success on 11 February.

This report calls for all schools to adopt a more direct and instructional approach to teaching reading. This recommendation is supported by a wide and credible body of evidence.

Here at St Augustines we have already adopted this recommended approach to teaching literacy in our classrooms and this day will commence whole school training and professional development.

Along with many other Catholic schools, our teachers began working with the Diocese of Ballarat (DOBCEL) Structured Literacy Project, under the guidance of Professor Pamela Snow from La Trobe University, in January last year. 

This work of our staff team, supported by DOBCEL, reinforces the forward-thinking, evidence-based approach to learning and teaching we aim to adopt here at St Augustine’s.

We all know how vital reading skills are to the success of our students across all areas of the curriculum, and we thank you for continued support as this work continues. 

SCHOOL CLOSURE DAYS - students do not come to school on these days

TOMORROW IS A SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY - FRIDAY 8TH MARCH.  Staff RE Day. Students do not come to school on this day.  

MONDAY 11TH MARCH - LABOR DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

THURSDAY 28TH MARCH - Staff Structured Literacy Day

MONDAY 15TH APRIL - Staff PD Day

FRIDAY 24TH MAY - Staff Relate PD Day

SPECIAL REPORT: The Wellbeing Barometer 2024

The Wellbeing Barometer survey has proven to be an invaluable tool for schools, providing insights into the state of youth mental health and wellbeing. Whilst last year’s results focussed the spotlight on areas of concern, there were also many highlights that demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of students and emphasised the necessity of prevention strategies.

Participating in this year's survey, will assist in identifying areas of strength and concern, as well as pinpointing opportunities for early intervention. Previously gathered information has helped support families as they navigate difficult conversations that enable understanding and foster connections to build relationships.

This survey is part of an ongoing, longitudinal study, with the results being instrumental in tailoring support for students and their families. Participation is strongly encouraged, as it provides a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements over the past year. Its aim is to capture a comprehensive picture of young people's lives, allowing for a tailored approach to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing.

We encourage you to take a few moments to complete a survey for each of your children. This will help us determine the nature and extent of your concerns and how best to support families in the months ahead. Responses remain anonymous and will only be reported on an aggregated basis. You are asked to base your responses on observations made in the last 12 months.

Acquiring the skills for future independence, taking healthy risks, and giving young people the opportunity to emancipate from parents, are key developmental tasks that are essential if we are to stave off the impact of mental illness in the future. Please reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you or your child, please reach out to the school or seek professional medical advice.

Here is the link to your special report https://samaryborough.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2024-au

150 YEARS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION The words of St Paul will again guide us through the year as our Catholic Education theme and as we bring the light of Christ into our schools and the wider diocesan community.  In his letter to the Romans, Paul wrote, ‘Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be faithful in prayer’. This message reflects the theme for the acknowledging 150 years of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat, along with the words community, remember, revitalise and hope.

• Community - a diocese is essentially a community drawn together by Christ. 

• Remember - refers us to the history of the diocese. In this remembering, we acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of that history, celebrating the achievements and recognising the failures to live our Christian faith to the full. 

• Revitalise - calls us to invest ourselves in bringing new life to the community today. 

• Hope - encourages us to look forward to the future with confidence in God.

May our words, actions and demeanour be joyful, patient and faithful, showing others that God loves them.  May we know that this love calls us to work together in Catholic Education as we pursue fullness of life for all.

 
Many blessing in this time of Lent, 

Mrs Sonia Turner

Principal

SchoolTV

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

St Augustine’s is very excited to introduce a new initiative to help support the wellbeing of your students and better resource key staff. After all, happy and well supported students are better equipped to learn and succeed.

Because parenting doesn’t come with instructions, SchoolTV is an online wellbeing resource that can support you in the challenges of modern-day parenting. This award-winning resource helps build relationships, foster connections, enable understanding and break down barriers to navigate a pathway towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people. It can assist you in starting conversations on topics that are sometimes awkward or difficult to tackle. 

Parenting is a learning journey and SchoolTV supports families by providing credible information from trusted sources offering practical strategies with a focus to empower confidence when difficulties arise.

We invite you to visit our SchoolTV site and view the content. Discover a host of interesting topics featuring interviews with leading youth wellbeing experts and researchers from around the world offering hours of relevant and practical information. Additionally, each topic includes a compilation of related resources from key organisations providing a comprehensive stream of content. Resources include informative fact sheets, articles, apps, books, podcasts, websites, and other videos - all related to a single topic, in one place for easy access!

Start exploring SchoolTV today!

Happy Birthday to...

Caitlin M - Year 1      Miles Z -Year 4       Poppy H - Year 5      Hardy H - Year 5

Winston G - Year 4           Indy M - Year 3      Elijah R - Year 4      

BOOK CLUB Issue 3

Book Club catalogues were sent home with students last week. All orders are to be placed through LOOP, instructions as attached.

Each purchase accrues points  which are used to purchase library books and resources for our school so thank you to all who may purchases. 

Orders are due in by Monday 6th May.

PROMOTION FOR Issue 3 - $5 credit towards Issue 4. Details below.

Science Corner

Below is a fun & interesting science experiment that you can do at home with the your child/ren.

If you have any recommendations for great science resources, i.e TV shows, Youtube channels, books, podcasts etc, please dojo Mrs Chris Griffiths and we can share on the newsletter for all to enjoy.

Bus Travel & Conveyance Allowance

Bus travel on the country buses is available for students at St Augustine’s School and arrangements are made through the bus co-ordinator, Heather Jennings, 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 Heather Jennings at MEC, Heather.Jennings@education.vic.gov.au. It is important that this form is completed as these details will be used in the event of an emergency.

PTV forms are now required to be updated and completed yearly by all families who have bus travellers.

CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE 

Eligibility

An application on behalf of a student may be submitted if the student is:

• a Victorian resident.
• school aged and enrolled (3) three or more days per week at a school; and
• attending a school/campus located outside the Melbourne metropolitan conveyance boundary

A student who meets the above requirements may be eligible if they:

• attend their nearest or designated neighbourhood government school/campus appropriate to their year level, at which admission is permissible, or
• attend their nearest appropriate non-government school/campus appropriate to their year level, at which admission is permissible, and
• reside 4.8km or more by the shortest practicable route from the campus attended

CSEF & FFA

Camp, Sports, Excursion Fund (CSEF) 

The Department of Education and Training financial assistance for parents to assist with the costs of camps, sports and excursions/incursions for their children.  If you hold a valid means-tested concession card as of 29^th January 2024 and/or 15^th April 2024 you may be eligible for CSEF.  Holders of non-means tested concession cards, such as Carer Allowance cards, are not eligible for CSEF

For new claimants, a form is available from the school office to be completed and the relevant card presented to the office. Alternatively you can use the link below to the digital copy of the form and email through to admin@samaryborough.catholic.edu.au along with a photo of your card.

Parents who received CSEF in 2023 do not need to complete a form unless additional students need to be included.

The annual amount per primary student is $150.00

Family Fee Assistance (FFA)

The Catholic Education Office provides Family Fee Assistance for eligible families to assist in reducing the amount paid for the Tuition Fee and Capital Fee. Full details and ‘Letter of Offer’ will be sent to families based on successful CSEF applications or as per arrangements discussed with the Principal. 

We welcome all students and their families who share or respect our Catholic faith, values and traditions. Catholic education is supported by State and Federal funding, with families contributing the balance of the cost of educating their children. At times, some families are unable to meet their commitment to the full costs of education. As a Catholic school system, we ensure fee relief mechanisms are available to support families in time of need. We encourage these discussions on enrolment or as these needs emerge.

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.

Lunch box ideas

2023 School Fees & Levies

ALL Resource Fees and Year 5/6 Camp fees are now outstanding.  Payment can be made via EFTPOS or cash at the school office, credit card over the phone or direct deposit to our account. 

We welcome all students and their families who share or respect our Catholic faith, values and traditions. Catholic education is supported by State and Federal funding, with families contributing the balance of the cost of educating their children. At times, some families are unable to meet their commitment to the full costs of education. As a Catholic school system, we ensure fee relief mechanisms are available to support families in time of need. We encourage these discussions on enrolment or as these needs emerge.

Medical Information

Concussion – Important information

If your child has experienced concussion, it is important that you follow recommended medical advice. Returning to school can be a graduated approach with the aim of increasing tolerance to a full day, the same situation could occur with sport. It is always important to check with your doctor and seek medical treatment after a child sustains a concussion.

It is important to inform the school if your child has sustained a concussion outside of the school setting so we can monitor for ongoing symptoms and adapt activities if required.

This factsheet link below from the Royal Children’s Hospital is valuable to read and understand.

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Head_injury_return_to_school_and_sport/

There is also a great evidence-based app from the Murdoch children’s research institute that walks you through what to do in the result of a concussion.

https://www.headcheck.com.au/

Student Medical Information

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. 

Child Safety

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

All of our Child Safe policies and procedures are accessible on our website through the link below.

Uniform Shop

Uniform orders will continue to be filled and sent home with your child(ren) weekly. If you would like to enquire about secondhand uniform, please send a message to Amber on Class Dojo with your required items and sizes and we will send home what we can supply, $5 per item.

School hats are compulsory in Term 1, part of Term 2 (date to be advised) & Term 4. No hat, no play! 

Bucket Hats available from the front office and the uniform shop for $10.

If you have any queries or items to be exchanged, please contact the school office. 

Note: 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.

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.  

Please note with the temporary office relocation we only have one phone line in so please leave a message and we will return your call ASAP.

PAM - Parent Access Module

PLEASE LOG INTO YOUR PAM ACCOUNT AND CONFIRM/COMPLETE YOUR CHILDS MEDICAL PROFILE. THIS INFORMATION IS MANDATORY FOR ALL STUDENTS. 

We require ALL families to complete and update their child/ren’s medical details and contact information for 2023 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. 

Parking & Road Safety

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.

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

8:45am  -  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

Parish News

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

School Approved Scrunchies

School approved Scrunchies are for sale in the school foyer for $5 each.

$1 from each scrunchie sold goes to our Energy Breakthrough Program.

We now also have coloured scrunchies for sale. These are 'not ok to be worn on a school day'. $1 from each scrunchie sold goes to our EBT program.

Lots of different patterns and colours available so come check them out!

Advanced dates for your diary

Pupil Free days - Students do not come to school on these days.

FRIDAY 8TH MARCH - Staff RE Day

THURSDAY 28TH MARCH - Staff Structured Literacy Day

MONDAY 15TH APRIL - Staff PD Day

FRIDAY 24TH MAY - Staff Relate PD Day 

Please see the link to the school calendar below for all other important dates.

Community Notices