Dear Parents

I am very much aware that there are lots of conversations and reports in the media regarding a return to school in the ACT. I can confirm that for next week (Week 3) St Monica's will continue to offer a Remote Learning program as currently experienced this week. All children whether at home or school will be invited to join daily class connect video conference sessions and engage in a small group session during the week.  The Week 3 Learning Plan will be pushed out via our St Monica's  Remote Learning Website on Friday afternoon to help with planning next week. 

https://sites.google.com/cg.catholic.edu.au/stmonicasonlinelearning/home  

I can advise that we are currently planning for a transitional return to face to face learning in the near future, which will be based on health and government advice and we expect the timetable for this will be clear very soon. I am hoping to have further information to you later this week or early next week. I know how frustrating and difficult it is for families trying to plan ahead, however, I must wait for a directive from Catholic Education.

Thank you for your patience and the words of encouragement you have shared with the teachers and emailed to me. We understand how difficult the current situation is for many families, particularly those trying to juggle work and the supervision of schoolwork. Please reach and ask for help. 

This email made my Friday night after three very busy days last week. We really do have a fabulous community.

As My husband and I sit down and enjoy a Friday night movie with our children (as is always our tradition), I wanted to write a short note to let you know how grateful we are to be a part of the St Monica’s community.

Our child has had a very busy week and I have watched him enjoy connecting with his friends over MS Teams each morning with a huge smile on his face. The world may have flipped on its head right now, but it is a testament to our amazing teachers (and families) that our kids don’t feel that craziness. As much as home life right now is a crazy juggle between work, school and younger children, we are grateful to be together, in our home, our happy place.

We have watched with amazement at all the things that St Monica’s has done to continue to build a strong sense of community. How thankful we are to have such wonderful educators in our community who have continued to give their all to be there for their students as much as is possible in these times.

In case you haven’t been told lately, thank you.

Kindergarten Health Checks

Due to the redeployment of Registered Nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic response and the closure of schools, the 2020 physical component of the Kindergarten Health Check has been cancelled. The Academic Unit of General Practice questionnaire data, completed by parents at the beginning of the 2020 school year, has been collected as usual. The results of the questionnaire will be sent to the GP if consent has been given to do so. If parents have concerns regarding the physical check we recommend they see their GP for assessment. For more information please contact the School Health Team on 5124 1585.

Uniform Shop

Our Uniform Shop is only processing orders via Qkr due to the need to reduce physical contact within the community. Should you have a problem please do not hesitate to contact our Uniform Team via this email address stmonsuniform@gmail.com. They are more than happy to answer your questions. All orders processed by a Thursday evening will be filled on a Friday, ready for collection from the office after 11.00am. 

Afternoon Pick up

A reminder to families that we are only supervising afternoon pick up from the blacktop/basketball courts and school courtyard. Please remember social distancing when waiting for a child. If collecting from the blacktop please walk down the ramp and exit via the steps. This will help to maintain social distancing on the stairs. 

School Access

For the safety of the children and staff we have had to restrict parents from entering the school. Parents and visitors must enter via the front office and not any of the other external doors around the school. I realise that this is inconvenient but it is a necessary health and safety requirement due to COVID- 19.  

Baby News

Congratulations to the Roache family - Axel (3CD) and Ezra (KB) on the arrival of their new baby brother Icarus.

Sports Uniform 

Please follow the Term 1 timetable for the days your child should wear their sports uniform. Once we are all back I can confirm if there will be any changes.

Wishing all our Mums a very special day on Sunday. 

Continue to stay safe and healthy. 

Principal