Welcome

Dear members of the St Raphael's school community,

This Sunday we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent. Advent comes from the Latin word meaning "coming." Jesus is coming, and Advent is intended to be a season of preparation for His arrival. Advent is a joyous season and the purple color associated with Advent is also the color of penance.

As we prepare for this season of Advent may we keep all of our children, teachers and families of our school community in our thoughts and prayers as we come to the end of a busy school year.

May we focus on being supportive, kind and accepting of each other as we enter the final weeks of this year.

Staffing News

We would like to announce that Ms Clare Spillane will be leaving St Raphael’s at the end of this year to take up a teaching position at St Mary of the Cross Mackillop in Epping North. Clare has been at St Raphael’s for 6 years since graduating from university and has been in various year levels as well as spending a few years as a member of our school’s leadership team. We thank Clare for her invaluable contribution to our school, her work with the children, the lunchtime Garden Club and the support she has given to our school’s vision and mission. We wish her every success for the future.

We are pleased to announce that Mr James Downing will be joining our teaching staff in 2018 as the Physical Education Teacher. James is a graduate teacher who has an impressive list of awards in his part-time role as a field umpire in the Essendon District Football League. James was awarded the Most Outstanding Umpire in 2017 for his work in the senior ranks of the EDFL. He has been recommended by a highly-respected ex-AFL umpire, Rohan Sawers, to pursue his passion for umpiring in the VFL in 2018. We warmly welcome James to our staff and school community.

The following is the list of staff for 2018:

Foundation: Lorraine Uzunovski & Martine Kelly

Year 1/2: Marcella Verocchi, Dimitria Panagiotaras & Shane Giese

Year 3/4: Justin Delaney, Emma Sbizzirri, Marlene Walters, Rosalba Squarci & Lauren Bell

Year 5/6: Jackie Moloney/ Melanie Pizzonia, Annie McNaughton & Belinda Hirschauer

Music: Karil Torcasio

Visual Art: Coralie Kane

Physical Education: James Downing

Intervention/ Extension Support: Anna Candido

Administration: Lynette Gamble & Christine McNiece

Education Support Staff: Anna Fedele, Catherine Talarico & Maria DeCata

Student Services: Annette Marcon

Assistant Principal: Tina Colosi

2018 School Leadership Team

Damian Howard (Principal)

Tina Colosi (Assistant Principal/ Head of Learning & Teaching)

Rosalba Squarci (Religious Education Leading Teacher)

Annette Marcon (Student Services Leading Teacher)

Justin Delaney (English Leading Teacher)

Emma Sbizzirri (Maths Leading Teacher)

Annie McNaughton (Student Wellbeing Leading Teacher)

Lorraine Uzunovski (Walker Learning Approach Leading Teacher)

School Uniform Changes

As you may be aware, there will be changes to the school uniform in 2018. This decision has come after extensive consultation over the last 18 months with parent representatives (including the SEB), staff, research and following advice from an international school reputation expert who has conducted an extensive review of our school’s marketing and reputation procedures.

In an increasingly competitive market parents are now choosing schools based on a number of factors. At St Raphael’s we are extremely proud of our identity as a Catholic school and the 81 year tradition of the education the school has provided to the West Preston area.

Over ten years ago the St Raphael’s original school uniform was changed to reflect a more contemporary approach to schooling. We have always been complimented by members of the public on the presentation of our our children in their formal school uniform and we thank the parents who implemented this change all those years ago.

However, after recent consultation, we were advised that the boys school uniform beared little resemblance to the girl's formal school uniform and that we should consider a change. It was mentioned that the boys with grey shorts and grey socks of the summer uniform looked like they were from a completely different school to the girls. The sports uniform t-shirt will change to the current school polo shirt with collars to ensure that we are complying with being a SunSmart school.

After careful consideration, we have decided to make these changes to ensure that the school continues to uphold its proud tradition and our children represent our school in the best possible way in our community. There will be a two year transition period that will be reviewed at the end of the 2019 school year.

We thank our wonderful school mothers who volunteer their time to coordinate the Uniform Shop and who provide such a great service for our parents and school. These mums have been all over Melbourne to source the new uniforms which are made locally and can be easily sourced from suppliers. They have been really mindful of keeping the costs down and we look forward to seeing the children in the new look uniform as they continue to represent St Raphael’s with pride.

School Fees and Levies 2018

In Catholic schools the school fees and levies charged to parents assist the school with the shortfall in government funding to cover the costs of excursions, programs, utilities, resources and equipment to support the children’s learning.

All Victorian Catholic primary schools receive funding via two sources:

1. State and Federal Government grants (approx. 80% of total funding)

2. Fees and levy parent contributions (approx. 20% of total funding)

Family Fee and Student Levy

The Family Fee is paid per family regardless of the number of children who attend the school. The Student Levy is paid per child.

The fees and levies cover the following costs: Curriculum costs, Literacy resources, Numeracy resources, Performing Arts resources and equipment, Visual Art resources, Excursions/ Incursions, Physical Education equipment, School Camps (Year 3/4 & 5/6), Religious Education Programs, Sacramental Programs (Year 3/4 & 6), Building and Grounds Maintenance, Teacher Resources, First Aid supplies, Investigation resources (Foundation – Year 2), ICT maintenance, resources and upgrades, Interschool Sport (Year 5/6), PDPSSA Sports Carnivals - Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country, Hooptime — trials, training and participation (Year 3 – 6), St Raphael's Sports Day, Footy Day, Kitchen Garden Program, Aquatic Education and Graduation (Year 6).

In 2017 we took into consideration the growing financial pressures on families and decided to not raise the fees or levies. However, after extensive consultation over many months with Fr Benneth, the School Education Board, Catholic Education (Melbourne) Finance Department and our school’s accountant, we have had to increase the fees and levies for 2018.

As you would be aware utility, services, resources and equipment costs have all increased over time.

We would like to reaffirm our commitment to keeping the fees and levies at an affordable level for all members of our school community whilst making sure that the increases are in line with the CPI. Over the last few years our staff have been mindful of curriculum spending to ensure that we can offer the children the best possible programs, resources and equipment to support their learning.

There are a number of payment options available including periodic (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) direct debit instalments. Please contact Lynette Gamble in the school office to discuss.

Please note that there is a $200 total discount available off all fees and levies if paid in full by 30th April 2018.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties I encourage you to make a time to meet with me to discuss your situation and a come to a suitable arrangement. I reiterate that all Catholic schools are here to provide support to all members of our school community.

School Building Fund

Please note that there is also an option to make a voluntary contribution to the School Building Fund which is in addition to the school fees and levies. This Building Fund is 100% tax deductible. All money donated to this fund will be used on Stage 3 of the playground redevelopment which is due to commence in 2018. Please speak to Lynette Gamble in the school office if you would like to contribute to this fund.

Aquatic Education Program

We look forward to the children participating in the upcoming Aquatic Education program which commences next Monday at WaterMarc in Greensborough. The Aquatic Education program is always enjoyed by the children and teachers. The squads will be announced in the coming days and your child may have the opportunity to work in a different learning space with different children and teachers. I would like to thank Annie McNaughton for her thorough coordination and planning of this whole school program.

Fundraising

Lately there have been a number of wonderful fundraising initiatives organised by the children in our school community. Well done to Liliana Gaggiano and Kiara Mennillo for coordinating the recent Slime Day which raised over $300 and will go towards the school playground redevelopment. Also, to the children, parents and staff who were involved in the Little Ray of Giving fundraising activities last Friday. The money raised will go towards families less fortunate than us over this Christmas season.

Year 5/6 School Camp

A huge thank you to the teachers and parent helpers, Jeremy Richards and Carmine Maiale, who attended the recent Year 5/6 school camp at Camp Rumbug in Foster. The children really challenged themselves and had a fantastic time together.

The following Jeremy and Carmine’s reflection of a great three days away on school camp.

What an absolute joy to be a parent volunteer on this year’s Grade 5/6 visit to Camp Rumbug along with Kayla’s dad Carmine.

We knew we were in for a lively weekend with the chants about anything starting up moments after the bus left Cooper Street on Wednesday morning. My favourite was “Tunnel, Tunnel” as we went through the Eastlink tunnel.

Our rowdiness was challenged as our kids were just “being kids” at a playground in Koo Wee Rup, when we later found out there was a VCE Physics exam being held there at exactly the same time!

More cheers when we arrived at Camp Rumbug. Camp attendees no doubt feared the upcoming time without family or wi-fi, minimal sleep and more exercise than usual. I dare say the kids held these fears as well!

One highlight was the faces the children made during different activities. Such as when on the giant swing, where the children were clipped in, then hoisted about ten metres in the air before being released for their swing. These faces were only slightly different from the faces they made when they found out what food was being served for dinner.

More great faces I witnessed were before, during and after the Flying Fox activity. Also, whilst being forced to shelter during a snap thunderstorm, which was quite frightening. The fashion show and “robot wars” were highlights as well.

Bonus points go to the lengths Carmine and Mr Howard went through to try and find reception to watch the dying stages of the Australia vs Honduras soccer match on Wednesday night. Bonus points have to be deducted for the smell of rooms 9, 14 and 16. Boys, there’s only so much that Rexona can hide!

But my favourite faces were when we got on the bus on the way home. Looking down the rows of seats, there was a healthy mix of fatigue, excitement and relief. We made it home safely, driving through fierce thunderstorms and strange odours emanating from the back rows of the bus.

I want to most of all thank the teachers who organised and supervised this camp. Parents – they worked tirelessly, relentlessly for 55 hours between when you dropped off and picked up your little darlings. They were at times teachers, nurses, orienteers, prison wardens, nutritionists, friends, confidants, but ALWAYS on duty. And let’s not forget they are parents themselves. The camp facilities are top quality, the food was excellent, and the staff, including our host, Dylan, simply the best.

If the children had even half the fun us adults had, they have had a ball.

Camp Rumbug 2017 – a fantastic success. By Jeremy Richards

To all teachers, parents and students.

My name is Carmine Maiale and I am one of the parents that was selected to attend this years 2017 grades 5/6 Camp to Camp Rumbug.

I must admit that I was nervously excited about camp as I have never been in a parent/helper role on camp before. WOW, what a great experience.

The bus ride to camp was full of excitement. Songs were sung, chanting and plenty of talking. The atmosphere was electric. Quite a few times the kids were told to be quieter, but you could understand the excitement

When we arrived to Camp Rumbug, the children and adults were greeted by our camp leader Dylan, who explained the rules of camp and we were briefly shown to our rooms to drop off bags and then we were straight into it.

Activities for the 3 days included, raft building, mud runs, Giant swing, flying fox, abseiling etc etc as well as some evening activities in the recreation room. All activities were very well structured, controlled and the camp instructors should be commended on their professionalism and patience.

Breakfast, lunches and dinners were great and well organised. Pasta, schnitzels, salad bar, wraps, deserts and even those with special dietary requirements were catered and called in first so that there was no mix up. Plenty of food to go around and even seconds if you were still hungry! All this and keep in mind there were three other schools to cater for at the same time. Well done to the kitchen/dining staff of Camp Rumbug.

In the 3 days of camp, I was in the privileged position of helping the teachers, instructors and the children wherever needed. However, the biggest privilege was not just as a volunteer or a father of one of the students, but as a witness to the children who willed themselves to do some amazing and frightening activities. The children were encouraged, BUT NEVER forced to try these activities. The decision was all their own. Please keep in mind that heights played a big factor in the “BIG 3” activities and they willed themselves to face some of their fears and succeeded. Even if some decided to pull out at the last minute, in my eyes they still succeeded without knowing they did. The best example being that of abseiling. You must climb a 10 metre ladder, with a harness, in order to attempt abseiling. Even if you decide not to try it, you have still climbed 10 metres of ladder. That’s Amazing! Oh and guess what? There are only 2 ways down. Abseil 10 metres down the wall OR step 10 metres down a ladder. WELL DONE.

The encouragement to one another was fantastic to see. GREAT STUFF KIDS!!!!!!

The bus ride home was quite the opposite. Quiet talking if any and catching up on sleep.

I’ve always said that it takes a special type of person to be a teacher. I don’t think I could do it on a full time basis. To Annie, Jackie, Rosalba, Belinda and Melanie, I take my hat off to you. Your patience, professionalism and duty of care was amazing. Not that I ever doubted it, but this time I got to witness it on a 24/7 basis. Even when you eventually went to sleep (yeah right) I know that you would sleep with “ONE EYE OPEN” because at any stage there may be that knock on the door. Blood nose, stubbed toes and sore tummies just to name a few. Congratulations to all on a great and successful Camp Rumbug 2017

What did I learn?

Teachers NEVER sleep on camp

Kids have stamina and GUTS!

Kids do encourage one another and can work as teams

Camp Rumbug food was great and plentiful

Girls will be girls and boys will ALWAYS be boys (now I know what my teachers had to put up with)

Keep children busy, even with the most simplest of activities and they will not miss TV or electronic devices

Corridor duty can be a laugh.

Boys rooms (and some girls rooms) require regular airing out

It takes a least 4 children to accompany 1 who ACTUALLY has to go to the LOO !!!!!!

Some kids don’t remember what they were just wearing, and they just TOOK IT OFF......

Overall, a great camp. Thanks again to the teachers of St. Raphaels for selecting me. It definitely was an eye opener to see your world and a privilege.

By Carmine Maiale (Parent/Helper)

Comedy Night

Congratulations and thanks to the parents on our School Education Board and all of their helpers for organising such a fun-filled Comedy Night on Friday 17th November. From all reports the comedians were hilarious and it was great occasion for parents in our school community to mix in an informal, social setting.

School Education Board [SEB] Meeting

Next Tuesday 5th December is the final School Education Board meeting for 2017 at 7pm in the staffroom. All parents are welcome to attend.

Sport

Indoor Soccer Competition

Aquatic Education 2017