Dear Parents

We have had a wonderful start to the 2020 school year. Despite a challenging holiday break for many, the children have returned very settled and keen to learn. Our Kinder children all appear to be loving their experience of school life due to the efforts of their teachers and support staff. I hope those who are new to the school have encountered a sense of excitement, hospitality and deep commitment found amongst the staff, parents and, of course, children of St Monica's. I extend my thanks to the staff who have prepared so well for the year ahead. While certainly hectic in these early days we can look towards a good year in our many undertakings.

In recent weeks and months, the bushfires in our Archdiocese and far beyond have affected many communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. We will likely all know people who have lost homes, farms, businesses, and animals, or those who have been directly affected in other ways. The coming weeks and months will also be challenging. 

In our Archdiocese, there are at least twelve school communities directly affected by the fires. At this stage, no school buildings have been damaged, but a number of staff and school families have lost their homes. We continue to pray for these communities affected, pray for rain and continue to be in awe of the many volunteers who have helped others and risked their own lives to support communities.

Swimming Carnival 

Unfortunately, due to a mix up with our pool booking, we have had to change the date of our school swimming carnival to the 19 February. Our swimming carnival is for competitive swimmers and all Year 6, as part of their leadership role, to assist on the day. The move to a carnival for competitive swimmers is due to the number of children not able or interested in entering into the events for consideration for selection for ACT School Sport Competitions. All children remaining at school will participate in fun sporting activities.  

Attached is the permission note for the swimming carnival. A paper copy will be sent home tomorrow to children interested in competing at the carnival.

We have survived the first week with no canteen. All going to plan I hope to announce our new canteen manager next week, once all the paperwork is completed. This will mean the canteen will be open for operation on Wednesday 19 February at least for counter sale.

School Bus News

Late last year I was advised that our special bus stop, near our hall, will be reinstated from the beginning of Term 2. This is a big win as the current location on Moynihan is very dangerous and provided very little shelter from the elements. 

Tomatoes

Our garden is overflowing with tomato. If you would like to try our yummy ripe tomatoes, drop into the office on Friday afternoon and collect a bag. Our gardening team did a great job over the holidays.

Tennis

Our Year 6 children commenced their term of tennis lessons today held at the Melba tennis courts. They will be attending each Thursday. Year 5 will have the opportunity to learn tennis in Term 4.

Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia

This year St Monica's is implementing the CSYMA Junior program into our school community to foster the faith life of the children in the parish. Next Thursday 13 February the Year 6 children will participate in a special Youth Retreat Day at the school, with the opportunity of joining the CSYMA Junior program. The parish has employed a youth worker to work with the Year 6 students and our school community throughout 2020. This is a wonderful opportunity for our community.  There will be no tennis next week. 

Professional Learning 

Next week we have a number of teacher attending courses.                                  Monday - Maths Cluster Day - Liz Foster & Kathy Moir                                Wednesday & Thursday - SoundsWrite - Kathy Moir, Haley Stonham, Veronica Melville, Kelly Levi, Bec Perry, Sharon Friend.

Thank you too for your efforts in preparing your child/ren so well. It has been a very smooth start to the year.

Wishing God’s blessing on you and your families.

Carmel Maguire

Principal