Dear Families,

Farewell Year 6 students 

Today, we bid farewell to our Year 6 students who have all been an integral part of our school community.

Over the years, we’ve watched you grow, learn, and achieve so much. Your determination, creativity, and resilience have inspired all of us, and we are so proud of the people you’ve become.  As you move on to high school, we wish you all the best and continued success. May you be blessed on your next adventure!

In addition we bid farewell to Lea Garagnon, Mae and Noah Reynolds, Yann Unger, Josh Balint, Hayden Challis, Georgie Jones, Asher Creffield, Heidi Stern, Yiyan Mani, Aahana Viswanathan, Oscar Pope, Audrey Powell and Julian Buonaguidi.

As you all leave our school, remember the lessons you’ve learned here—not just in the classroom, but in the friendships you’ve built, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the kindness you’ve shown to others. Carry these with you as you step into the world with confidence and curiosity.

Staff Farewells

We would like to recognize and honor some incredible members of our team who are moving on to new chapters in their lives:

Gabrielle Berends, Thalia Kurzel, Merryn Morrissey, Ida Lantry, Carlene Whitten, and Michaela Holman, your contributions to this school have been immeasurable. Through your hard work, compassion, and dedication, you’ve made a lasting impact—not just on the students, but on all of us who’ve had the privilege to work alongside you. 

As you step into this next phase, we wish you every success and happiness. Know that you’ll always have a place in our hearts and in this school community.

Gratitude and Appreciation

My thanks to all the teachers, leaders, learning support officers, and support staff here at St Paul’s.

I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for your unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment. As a collective team, you create an environment of growth, learning, and inspiration for every student you teach. Your hard work, creativity, and care do not go unnoticed and I want to thank you for your tireless efforts in shaping minds, nurturing talents, and fostering curiosity. You are the backbone of every student’s journey, and I am deeply appreciative of all that you do. Your support and collaboration are what make this educational experience truly special.

Freda’s Leave

Just informing you that Freda Tahtouh continues to be on leave. Margy D’Rozario will continue to be Acting Principal and Marg Mitchell will continue to be Deputy Principal as we head into Term 1 2025.

Thank you

I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for the untold hours of hard work and dedication Toni Anderson has invested as President of the P&F. Your tireless efforts in organizing events, rallying support, and raising valuable funds for our school have made an incredible impact.  The time and energy you’ve committed to this role are truly appreciated, and the positive results are evident in the many ways you’ve helped strengthen our school community. Your leadership and unwavering passion have not only raised essential funds but also inspired others to contribute and support our school in meaningful ways.

Thank you also to Julie Ko for the incredible work you do as the coordinator of the second-hand uniform shop.  The time and care you put into managing the shop not only provide families with affordable options but also support our contribution to sustainability. Your efforts behind the scenes, ensuring that the shop runs smoothly, and your attention to detail have not gone unnoticed. We are truly fortunate to have someone so committed to making this service available to our school families.

Staff v Students

What a great afternoon it was last Friday watching our Year 6 students compete against the staff.

Sport Uniforms

If all sport uniforms could please be returned to school as they will be required for next year. These include Athletics and Cross Country Singlets, Netball Dresses, Football and Soccer Jerseys and Basketball Singlets.

Donations and hamper collection

Thank you so much for all the contributions we have received for the Westernport Community Christmas hampers. We have seen some extremely generous gifts being donated and I have no doubt the incredible generosity of St Paul’s families will be so gratefully received and appreciated by the recipients.  Your thoughtful gifts will bring so much joy to those in need!

Lost Property

Lost property continues to mount up. Please check for missing items before they are disposed of or donated to the second hand uniform shop.

2025 Term Dates

Term 1: 30 January to 4 April

Term 2: 22 April to 4 July

Term 3: 21 July to 19 September

Term 4: 6 October to 19 December

Have a wonderful break

As we come to the close of 2024, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all of you for a truly joyful and restful Christmas and summer break. This time of year is a wonderful opportunity to relax, recharge, and spend quality moments with loved ones.

May this festive season bring you peace, happiness, and plenty of time to unwind. I hope you all return in the new year feeling refreshed, reenergized, and ready to tackle the exciting challenges ahead.

See you all back at St Paul's on Thursday 30 January.

Best wishes,

Margy D'Rozario

Acting Principal

....

Dear Parents,

On Friday 7th February 2025 we will be holding our School Swimming Carnival at Haileybury Pool, Keysborough (50m indoor). All students from Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be representing their Houses in either Jacaranda – Blue, Waratah – Red, Wattle – Gold or Eucalyptus – Green.  The children will leave school by bus at 9.00 am and return at approximately 3:00pm.

At the Swimming Carnival children can compete in a maximum of 4 events.

• Children can be in either a 25m or 50m freestyle (not both).
• Children can be in either a 25m or 50m backstroke (not both).
• Children can be in either a 25m or 50m breaststroke (not both).
• Children can be in 50m butterfly.
• Novelty Events will be run for those children who are not able to swim in any of the listed events.

A reminder note will be sent home early in the school year and please note that only children in Years 3-6 who swim in a 50m event will be considered for that event based on times for the St. Paul’s Swimming Team that will compete in the Bentleigh District at the Oakleigh Recreation Centre on Tuesday 25th Feb 2025.

Regards

Danny Maher

Phys Ed / Sport Coordinator

The school chess club will be running a holiday program in the Elwood Community Learning Centre from the 13th - 17th of January.
It's a great opportunity to keep kids engaged, social and learning during the holidays.
The program will include chess tournaments, trophies, lessons and outdoor activity times.

For bookings or more information please contact Felix at:
felixchandler@mindfulchess.com.au
0451965385